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adventure
The breeze often creates wind-driven
currents in the afternoon.
push up above the marsh grasses. A beaver dam at the intersection of
Recreation Creek and Crystal Creek may require a portage when the
water is low.
Paddling south from Malone Springs, a mosaic of vegetation flanks
the western shore. The creek is lined with rushes and cattails, and behind
them, willows and cottonwoods. In the distance, conifers blanket the
slopes of snow-capped mountains. Lost in this landscape, imbued with
the pungent fragrances and soft sounds of the marsh, it’s easy to forget
Westside Road parallels the trail for much of the way.
A couple of loops are possible, a shorter one via Wocus Cut, or a
longer one up Recreation Creek and back down Crystal Creek. Or you
can paddle from Pelican Bay to Malone Springs and back—a total of 8
miles. Whichever route you take, allow plenty of time and keep an eye
out for the sometimes inconspicuous signage (some of the signs are bent
or turned backward). If you finish your journey at Pelican Bay, be warned
that the wind picks up in the afternoon and can create decent chop on
the open water.
When you’re through paddling, travel a few decades backward
and enjoy the hospitality at the Rocky Point Resort—it’s only open
April to November, but the full-service resort offers RV hookups, tent
camping, and cabins, a store for provisions and a restaurant. You can
also rent one- and two-person kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats for
half or full days.
LOGISTICS
DIRECTIONS FROM KLAMATH FALLS:
Drive west on Highway 140 for 25 miles.
Turn right on Westside Road and look for
the sign for Rocky Point on the right.
DIRECTIONS FROM MEDFORD: Take
Highway 62 east until you reach the
intersection with Highway 140. Drive east
on highway 140 for 44 miles. Turn left on
Westside Road and look for the sign for
Rocky Point on the right.
WHAT TO KNOW: Gas stations are scarce
in these parts, so fuel up before you go.
If you’re bringing your own boat and it’s
longer than 10 feet, you’ll need to carry
an Aquatic Invasive Species Program
Permit from the Oregon State Marine
Board: oregon.gov/OSMB/boater-info/
Pages/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Program-
Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx
110 1859 OREGON’S MAGAZINE NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2017