Upper Klamath Lake

Upper Klamath Lake is a large freshwater lake in south-central Oregon, United States; it is the largest freshwater lake in Oregon by surface area.

The lake covers roughly 47,000 acres (around 190 km2) and is relatively broad and shallow, making it important for boating, fishing and wildlife viewing. It supports large concentrations of waterfowl and other wetland birds, especially during spring and fall migrations.

Situated within the Klamath Basin, the lake has long been used by Native American tribes and later became central to regional water management and irrigation projects. In recent decades it has been the focus of conservation and water-allocation efforts linked to the Klamath Project.

The lake lies immediately north of the city of Klamath Falls in Klamath County and is fed by tributaries from the surrounding basin, with the Williamson River among the main inflows.

• Birding season: Migratory waterfowl concentrations are highest in spring and fall, making the lake and nearby refuges a prime birding destination during those seasons.
• Access and launches: Primary access is from Klamath Falls and Highway 140, with public boat launches at several bays around the shoreline.