Written by Lexi Hall
One of the best parts about staying at Running Y Resort is how quickly you can get from resort mode to exploring some of Southern Oregon’s most beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a simple outdoor adventure that still feels incredibly rewarding, the Link River Trail is one of our favorite quick day trips from the resort.
Just about a 15-minute drive from Running Y, the trail begins near Moore Park and follows the rushing waters of the Link River as it flows from Upper Klamath Lake toward Lake Ewauna.
The trail itself is only about a mile from start to finish, making it one of the easiest and most accessible outdoor experiences in the area. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for a casual morning walk, wanting a scenic bike ride, or simply hoping to stretch your legs between adventures, this trail checks every box.
But what makes Link River Trail feel special isn’t necessarily the distance. It’s everything happening around you along the way.
From the moment you start walking, you’re surrounded by the sound of rushing water, towering trees, and constant views of the river weaving through the path below. The path itself is mostly flat and incredibly easy to navigate, but the real fun comes from all the little side trails and “offshoots” that branch away from the main path.
These small side quests lead you right down to the riverbed where you can get closer to the water, climb across rocks, watch the rapids rush by, or simply sit and take in the scenery for a while. It’s the kind of trail that invites you to slow down and explore rather than rush to the finish.
The wildlife out here made the experience feel even more special. During our visit, we spotted a family of geese waddling along with nine tiny goslings trailing behind them, plus a plethora of pelicans, ducks, and other birds all along the river.
We even spotted two snakes sunbathing near the rocks, which definitely kept the adventure interesting. The entire trail feels incredibly alive and gives you a front-row seat to the natural beauty of the Klamath Basin.
In the spring and early summer especially, the river is powerful and loud from snowmelt, making the entire experience feel even more alive. You’ll likely spot fishermen casting into the river, families exploring the rocks, bikers cruising through the trails, and locals out enjoying one of Klamath Falls’ most underrated hidden gems.
One of our favorite things about this trail is how approachable it is. You do not need hiking boots, intense planning, or an entire day carved out on your itinerary. You can wake up at Running Y, grab coffee at the resort, head into town for a quick adventure, and still make it back in time for lunch, golf, or an afternoon at the spa.
If you continue exploring the surrounding area near Moore Park, you’ll also find picnic spots, lake views, and additional walking paths that make it easy to turn this into a full relaxing morning outdoors.
For guests visiting Southern Oregon for the first time, Link River Trail is a perfect introduction to what makes the Klamath Basin so special. It’s peaceful, scenic, incredibly accessible, and full of those little unexpected moments that end up becoming your favorite memories from a trip.
Sometimes the best adventures are the simplest ones.
Plan your stay at Running Y Resort and make Southern Oregon your basecamp.
