Klamath National Forest epitomizes the landscape and legend of California's far north. Its terrain fully reflects the multifaceted character of the area, ranging from high desert to lush rain forest. Mount Shasta lords over all, inescapably visible from nearly every nook and corner of the forest.
But it's the Klamath Mountains that lie at the heart and soul of this forest. The Klamaths are the oldest of the Pacific coastal mountains, dating back about 500 million years. These mountains are complex — ridgelines running in all directions rather than in neat parallel — and they're deeply cut by moving water. Glaciers crown the higher reaches.
Steep mountains and ample rain and snowfall add up to fast-moving water, and in all this the Klamath is richly endowed. The Klamath River is world-renowned for its whitewater and wealth of wildlife. The Salmon and Scott Rivers are less well known but no less deserving of praise. Solitude is all but assured on these waterways.
And don't overlook the forest's amazing wilderness areas. The Marble Mountain Wilderness is one of California's largest expanses of wildlands. It is a region of many lakes, meadows, and old-growth forests that rise dramatically from surrounding lowlands. The jewellike Russian Wilderness may be tiny but it's a biological winner. More than 17 species of conifers nestle in its soaring peaks, including the only known stand of subalpine fir in California.
And, yes, this is Bigfoot country. Several sightings of the hairy, smelly, elusive man-beast have been reported in the forest. So bring your camera or, better yet, video recorder. Your fame, or at least a much-trafficked Web page, may be just a button-push away.
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