Klamath Falls, OR

Klamath Falls, Oregon is located in the south central region of the state and borders northern California. Nestled in the Klamath Basin on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains, and on the southern shore of the Upper Klamath Lake. The city of approximately 42,000 residents enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine annually making the area prime for enjoying scenery, wildlife and birds, as well as for taking part in outdoor activities.

Originally referred to as Linkville at its founding in 1867, Klamath Falls was renamed in 1892. The original name spoke to the city's proximity to the falls of the Link River.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Klamath Falls was originally known for its forests and rangeland, but the region's remote location meant that it was far too remote from major markets to make money. All that changed in 1909 when the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in Klamath Falls. In the 1920's Klamath Falls was the fastest growing City in Oregon until the Great Depression of 1929 brought the lumber boom to an end.

Since then the city's economy has diversified. Now, a number of industries helps promote the growth of the community. Major employers include Jeld Wen, Collins Products, Air National Guard, Oregon Institute of Technology and Sky Lakes Medical Center.

Specific industries that contribute to Klamath Falls' economic development include:

• Health care: The largest employer in the area is Sky Lakes Medical Center. In addition, more than 90 physicians and 1,040 employees work at the Merle West Medical Center, which is home to a cancer treatment center, heart center and kidney dialysis center.
• Education: The second-largest employer in the area is the Klamath City Public School District. More than 8 percent of men and 12 percent of women are involved in the educational industry.
• Manufacturing: Some of the most popular manufacturers in Klamath City are Parr Lumber and Klamath Stone and Mason Supply, Inc.

EDUCATION

Education is a major component of Klamath Falls' economy and makeup. In addition to the 19 public and eight private schools in the city there a number of colleges and universities, including:

• Oregon Institute of Technology
• Klamath Community College
• Oregon State University Extension
• College of Cosmetology

FOR VISITORS

Klamath Falls and the outlying Klamath County offer a number of outdoor activities and sports. Notable attractions include:

• Klamath Lake: is the largest natural lake in Oregon and a great place for water sports, hiking, fishing or biking.
• Crater Lake National Park: is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views. In the summer visitors can navigate the Rim Drive around the lake and enjoy boat tours on the lake surface

Additionally, residents and visitors are in proximity to the Volcanic Legacy All American Road, which stretches 500 miles and connects Crater Lake National Park with Mount Lassen.

Klamath Falls also offers ample opportunities for recreational sports such as:

• Whitewater rafting
• Boating on the numerous lakes and streams
• Hiking in more than 150,000 acres of wildlife refuge land
• Biking
• Horseback riding
• Ice-skating and downhill skiing

Klamath Falls also offers golfers a several picturesque places to tee off, including:

• The Running Y Golf Course, the only Arnold Palmer golf course in Oregon
• Shield Crest Golf Course and Reame's Golf & Country Club, which both offer spectacular views of Mt. Shasta.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Klamath Falls has museums and theaters for visitors, including:

• The Favell Museum boasts one the three best collections of western artifacts and art in the United States.
• The Senator Baldwin Hotel Museum houses documents and artifacts tracing the city's history.the history.
• Klamath County Museum showcases Klamath County's history and is housed in a former National Guard Armory.
• The Fort Klamath Museum showcases the history of the first outpost in the region.
• The Children's Museum an interactive museum for young children.
• Ross Ragland Theater with its six-story, brightly lit, neon tower is hard to miss. This performing visual arts center features live performances that range from ballet and jazz to country western music and off Broadway shows.
• Linkville Playhouse and enjoy live evening entertainment in an intimate setting with local actors.

LOCAL MEDIA

There are a number of local newspapers, television channels and radio stations serving Klamath Falls:

• Klamath Falls Herald and News is published daily and is owned by Pioneer Newspapers. The paper has been in operation for more than 100 years.
• Klamath Falls Nickel is a popular classifieds source headquartered in Klamath Falls even though it serves a number of the outlying regions.
• KFLS 1450 AM is a local news radio station.
• KAGO 99.5 FM is a rock radio station.