by Rex Trulove

Created on: January 14, 2009

Link River is one of the shortest rivers in the world. Flowing between Klamath Lake and Lake Ewana in Klamath Falls, it only covers roughly a mile. Yet, it isn't the records or the distinction of the length of the Link River trail that borders the river from just south of Klamath Lake to just east of where it flows into Lake Ewana that makes the nature trail special, it is the wildlife.

The river, and the trail that borders it, cut through a shallow canyon and past a dam on the river. Above the dam where the water is relatively deep, water birds flourish. Cormorants, pelicans, and mud hens are common, and many ducks use the area for feeding. A line of logs reaches across the river upstream of the dam, and cormorants often use these for sunning themselves and to dry off.

A number of covered observation posts can be found just off this part of the trail, the area above the dam, letting people get a good look at the birds without otherwise disturbing their natural behavior.

Below the dam, the water is shallower and normally flows faster. This makes it ideal for wading birds like egrets and cranes, which commonly fish in the shallows. Deer regularly go to the water to drink and are commonly seen. There are other wild animals to observe, though many of them are a little shy. Examples are muskrats, marmots, raccoons, and an occasional beaver.

It also isn't uncommon to see pheasants and quail along the trail, and it is even more common to hear them when you are walking. Grouse are more rare, however these are also occasionally seen.

It is also not unusual to see bald eagles while walking the trail, either flying above or perched high in the trees, ready to swoop down if they see a fish.

Blackberry bushes, often giving the sightseer a pause to pick the sweet berries when they are ripe, plump and juicy, border much of the trail. There are also wild plums and choke cherry bushes near the upper part of the trail, and domesticated plum and apple trees near the lower trail, originally planted there when the area was first homesteaded.

An interesting trait of the trail is how it channels wind. It is nearly always at least breezy along the trail. This can be especially nice during the heat of summer, or even for an evening stroll when you want to cool down from the day.

The trail ends near the parking lot of Favell Museum, diagonally across the bridge and river from Veteran's Park.

There are few other places where you can walk less than a mile and see so much wildlife, all without leaving town. This makes Link River trail special, and is a reason it is a popular though rarely crowded walk to take.

If you visit Klamath Falls, this is a trail worth walking. It will be an experience you won't be sorry you've taken the time to enjoy.

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