Known as “Oregon’s City of Sunshine,” Klamath Falls is a small city surrounded by mountains, rivers and lakes in the Oregon countryside. And unlike much of the Pacific Northwest, it gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year. From its sleepy downtown district, residential streets fan out into the hills before giving way to deep green forests and farmland. “I love the small-town feel. It’s very rural and remote, and farming is a big part of the culture. The only time you get stuck in traffic is when there’s a tractor in the road,” says Realtor Kailyn Robnett of Keller William Realty, who was born and raised in Klamath Falls.
The city was known early-on as a hub for Oregon logging, although the industry was curtailed in the 1970s and 80s to protect endangered species. It got its name from the Link River Falls that rush through the city from Klamath Lake to Lake Ewauna. Today, it’s home to around 21,000 residents. Its major employers are Klamath Community College, Sky Lakes Medical Center and retail outlets like Walmart and Home Depot. It’s also close to Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, which brings many military personnel to the area. “As far as I know it’s the only base in the U.S. that train pilots to fly F-15s. You’ll hear them flying almost every day,” Robnett says.
Sky Lakes Medical Center is Klamath Falls largest medical facility.
Surrounding most of Klamath Falls is the main industry of farming.
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Lakes, parks, rivers and trails
Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with abundant opportunities for camping, hunting and hiking. The city has more than two dozen parks on more than 600 acres of land, with everything from lakeside hiking spots to small community parks. Moore Park, among the most popular in the city, is situated in the rolling hills that border Upper Klamath Lake with rugged trails and stunning waterfront views. But the lake itself isn’t a place for recreation. “It’s actually used to farm algae, which is used in all sorts of beauty products and cosmetics. You’re not going to want to swim or boat there,” Robnett says.
Klamath Falls is in Oregon’s high desert, and it experiences chilly, snowy winters and mild summers. In the summer, bikers, walkers and joggers have access to the OC&E Woods Line State Trail, a 100-mile linear trail that cuts right through the center of town. Experienced hikers climb the rugged paths that carve across Hogback Mountain and Spence Mountain, just a few miles away. “Any outdoor recreation you can think of, we’ve got it,” Robnett says.
Your kids will love the playground and views of the lake at Moore Park in Klamath Falls.
The Pelican Marina houses many sailboats and recreational boats in Klamath Falls.
Fishing on Klamath Lake is a year-round activity in Klamath Falls.
The Klamath Falls has many areas to launch your fishing and recreational boats.
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Early and mid-20th century homes
The median home price in Klamath Falls is $330,000, putting it far lower than the state median of around $500,000. Homes sell after 44 days on the market on average, compared to the national average of 45 days. The city’s home styles are varied, and most date back to the early and mid-20th century. Eclectic Craftsman homes, well-maintained ranch-style homes, cottages and cabins can all be found here. Some homes are perched in the hills above the lake, where residents enjoy sweeping views.
This ranch-style home in Klamath Falls is a common style home.
This custom-built home has a great lake view in Klamath Falls.
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Local business thrives in Downtown Klamath Falls
The city’s modest downtown district is home to cozy cafes, mom-and-pop shops, hotels and restaurants housed in historic brick buildings, some of which date back to the early 20th century. “Main Street has so many great local shops and businesses. We have a sourdough bakery, a local butcher, a really great kids store and some awesome boutiques,” Robnett says. There are plenty of grocery stores in town, including major chains like Fred Meyer and regional grocers like Sherm’s Thunderbird Market, Murphy’s Market and Holiday Market.
A Music Store on Main Street has a wide selection of guitars in Klamath Falls.
A mom and daughter are shopping the brick building lined Main Street in Klamath Falls.
Wong’s Café serves authentic Chinese cuisine in downtown Klamath Falls.
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A small public school district
Klamath Falls City Schools gets a C-plus rating from Niche. The district enrolls 2,700 students across four elementary schools, a middle school and two high schools. For an alternative to public schools, students can attend Crosspoint Christian School, a private K-12 school that gets a B-plus rating. Niche ranks it among the top 20 private schools in Oregon.
Klamath Union High School is a top-rated school in Klamath Falls.
For a private school choice, Crosspoint Christian School is a great school in Klamath Falls.
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Getting around rural Oregon
U.S. Route 97 is the city’s major commuter corridor. It runs north to south and connects residents to cities in Northern California and major metros in central and northern Oregon. Residents can climb aboard the Amtrak train at Klamath Falls Station. It’s about 7 miles to Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport, which offers nonstop flights to places like Las Vegas and Seattle. Those in need of medical care will find it close by at Sky Lakes Medical Center, a 176-bed teaching hospital.
Elevated crime rates
Violent and property crime rates are elevated compared to the national average, according to FBI stats. The city’s crime rate rose during and following the COVID-19 pandemic but has since returned to near pre-pandemic levels.
Flooding and wildfire risk
The city’s proximity to rivers and lakes makes it more susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfalls and major storms. Those living in known flood zones may want to consider purchasing flood insurance. The area is also at risk for wildfires, which have intensified in recent years. In July 2024, the Middle Fork Fire burned more than 700 acres in Klamath County.
Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Daniel Reagan
Video By
Luke Basinger
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Klamath Falls, OR sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Klamath Falls, OR over the last 12 months is $320,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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