Klamath Falls Just Made the List — Again
If you’ve been following along, you know that Klamath Falls, Oregon keeps showing up on “best of” lists — and this time, the recognition comes from one of the most respected names in the outdoor world. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has named Klamath Falls one of just 28 U.S. cities to receive its 2026 Trail Town designation — a brand-new honor that recognizes communities with an exceptional commitment to trail building, maintenance, and culture.
This kind of recognition is exciting, not just because it puts Klamath Falls on the map for mountain bikers worldwide, but because designations like this have a real impact on quality of life, tourism, and the local real estate market.
What Is the IMBA Trail Town Designation?
The IMBA Trail Town program is a new designation created to spotlight communities that have gone above and beyond in developing and supporting trail systems. To qualify, a community must meet specific criteria:
- Trail infrastructure: At least 25 miles of natural surface trails accessible within 30 minutes of the community center
- Stable trail funding: A sustainable financial system to support ongoing trail development
- Local trail organization: An active group championing the trail system, in our case, the Klamath Trails Alliance
- Community involvement: A history of public participation and stewardship
- Trail stewardship program: Ongoing maintenance to keep trails safe and accessible for all users
Klamath Falls checks every single box. With over 80 miles of trails spread across three distinct trail systems, this community doesn’t just meet the bar. It sets it.
The Crown Jewel: Spence Mountain
If you want to understand why Klamath Falls earned this designation, look no further than Spence Mountain. Several years ago, Klamath County purchased 7,500 acres just west of Klamath Falls off Highway 140, situated on the shores of Upper Klamath Lake, and bringing in the Dirt Mechanics to design and build the trail system from the ground up.
The result is over 50 miles of professionally designed, directional singletrack with elevation ranging from 4,140 to 5,850 feet with views stretching from Mt. McLoughlin all the way to Mt. Shasta. There truly is something for every skill level here:
- Beginners can ease in on the Shoalwater Trail — smooth, flowy terrain near the marsh with bald eagles frequently fly overhead
- Intermediate riders will love Queen of the Lake, blending flow with technical sections and beautifully shaped berms
- Advanced riders can chase adrenaline on Hooligan — fast and flowy — or test their skills on North Ridge Trail with rock gardens and gap jumps
- Expert riders can push their limits on Nighthawk, one of the most technically demanding trails in the system
Spence Mountain has turned Klamath Falls into a legitimate bucket-list destination for mountain bikers. Riders travel from across the country and around the world to experience it. The riding season typically runs mid-April through mid-November, with spring and fall considered the best conditions.
Right in Town: Moore Mountain
One of the things that makes Klamath Falls special as a trail town is that you don’t have to drive far to get on great trails. Moore Mountain in Moore Park, located just across the Link River from downtown, offers over 20 miles of varied singletrack that locals ride regularly.
Half of the trails wind through a forested, north-facing hillside; the other half thread through classic high-desert landscape dotted with sagebrush and juniper. The classic singletrack here tends to be steep and technical, but there’s something for all skill levels. The K Hill Loop is a local favorite, linking the best downhill sections for a full-value ride. And if you want sweeping views of Upper Klamath Lake, the Blueberry-Cutter-Meathook loop delivers them.
It’s rare this is having a legitimate mountain bike trail network minutes from downtown. That’s a quality-of-life asset that draws and retains the kind of active residents who make a community thrive.
For the Adventurous: Brown Mountain and Beyond
When summer heat dries out the lower elevation trails, riders head up into the Cascades and that’s where Brown Mountain shines. Located about 36 miles northwest of Klamath Falls on Highway 140, this trail system sits right on the crest of the Cascades with two mountain lakes bookending the High Lakes Trail, a scenic route through Douglas fir forest and chunky lava flows.
The Brown Mountain Loop comes in at just over 19 miles with nearly 1,900 feet of elevation gain, a memorable backcountry experience that rewards the effort. After a ride, Fish Lake, Lake of the Woods Resort and Rocky Point are nearby for a meal or a cool swim.
And for those who want to go even further, the Rye Spur Trail north of Highway 140 starts at Fourmile Lake and climbs to a breathtaking overlook that’s been called one of the best cycling routes in all of Oregon.
The Klamath Trails Alliance: The Heartbeat of It All
None of this happens without the people behind it. The Klamath Trails Alliance (KTA) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds, maintains, and promotes non-motorized recreational trails throughout Klamath County. They’re the reason the trails stay rideable, stay funded, and keep growing. The KTA is almost certainly a central reason Klamath Falls qualified for IMBA’s Trail Town designation — they are the definition of organized, sustained trail stewardship.
If you’re new to the area or planning a visit, the KTA offers a free pocket map covering the four main trail systems. You can pick one up at local partners like Zach’s Bikes or Discover Klamath.
Why This Matters for Klamath Falls Real Estate
When a city earns national recognition for its outdoor infrastructure, it gets noticed by people who might not have considered it before. That’s good for our tourism, the local economy, and local businesses..
We’re already seeing interest from people relocating from larger cities who want more space, more nature, and a lower cost of living without sacrificing quality of life. The IMBA Trail Town designation is one more reason Klamath Falls belongs on their shortlist.
Thinking About Moving to Klamath Falls?
Whether you’re dreaming of living in a place with more trees than concrete, or someone simply looking for a community that invests in quality of life — Klamath Falls is worth a serious look.
Check out more about living in Klamath Falls at livinginkfalls.com, or reach out directly — I’m happy to answer questions, give you the honest scoop on the community, and help you find your next home.
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