If Southern Oregon isn't on your PNW bucket list, you need a bigger bucket! Crater Lake and Klamath Falls offer endless adventure and boundless beauty.

In the height of summer, the scenic loop around Crater Lake is crammed with visitors. But visiting in the winter is like stepping into another world, where it may seem like you have this snowy wonderland to yourself.

Crater Lake is Oregon's only National Park, comprised of 183,224 acres of stunning terrain, forest and the signature lake. The lake was formed by the now-collapsed volcano Mount Mazama. At 1,949 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in America and the 11th deepest in the world.

Here's why should consider escaping to Crater Lake this winter:

Snowy Scenery

The lake itself is brilliantly blue. The cinder cone jutting out from the lake is called Wizard Island, and the contrast between its snow-covered trees and the crystal-clear lake is absolutely breathtaking.

Fewer Crowds

You can enjoy the beauty of the lake and the surrounding areas with significantly fewer tourists than any other time of year.

Winter Snow Sports

The National Park Service notes that "Crater Lake is one of the snowiest inhabited places in the USA. Each winter, deep snow forces us to close the park's Rim Drive and North Entrance Road to automobiles. Rim Drive becomes a route for skiing and snowshoeing." For another adventurous element to your winter visit, there's a nine-mile route groomed for snowmobiles.

Wildlife Viewing

During the winter, wildlife is generally less active, but you can still spot animals that are adapted to the cold, like snowshoe hares and pine martens.

Stargazing

Clear, crisp air and very little light pollution are the winning combo for optimal stargazing. Crater Lake is known to be one of the best places to stargaze in the United States.

Klamath County is Oregon's outdoor playground

Just an hour's drive from Crater Lake is Klamath Falls, Oregon, filled with fun activities for all ages and activity levels. You can enjoy a guided paddle tour, visit a wildlife refuge, or go hiking. Stop at historical museums, local restaurants, take a downtown stroll and enjoy a relaxing stay at Running Y Resort in Southern Oregon.

Running Y Resort is a picturesque resort located near Klamath Falls, Oregon, nestled in the southern Cascade Mountains. Known for its stunning natural setting, it offers a range of outdoor activities and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The resort is surrounded by 3,600 acres of forests, wetlands and meadows. Guests are treated to scenic views, making it an ideal place for nature lovers. The resort is home to a championship 18-hole golf course designed by the famous Arnold Palmer.

The resort has a range of accommodations, from spacious lodge rooms to luxurious vacation homes and cabins. Many units have beautiful views of the golf course or surrounding nature. The resort features a full-service spa for relaxation, offering massages, facials, and other treatments. It's a nice way to unwind after a long day of outdoor activities.

Ruddy Duck is Running Y's on-site restaurant and offers New American cuisine with options ranging from salmon to chicken to wings. Its name pays homage to one of Oregon's favorite aquatic birds commonly found at the resort and Upper Klamath Lake.

Downtown Klamath Falls is a fun place to spend an afternoon, filled with local boutiques and great spots to eat. The Ledge is a popular outdoor store in Klamath Falls, Oregon which specializes in outdoor gear, clothing, and equipment for activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and climbing. If you're looking to get some high-quality gear or need advice on local outdoor adventures, it's a good place to check out. On my recent visit, I found my favorite boots there that I have been wearing on repeat ever since.

In addition to walks and hikes, make sure to get out on the water. Enjoy a guided paddle tour of the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail with Roe Outfitters. Hop in a glass bottom boat and enjoy views from every angle. As you paddle, search for beaver lodges and birds in the marsh shores. The Upper Klamath Canoe Trail is 9.5 miles long and offers scenic views the entire way. Fun fact: Upper Klamath Lake is the largest freshwater body of water west of the Rocky Mountains.

Klamath Falls, Oregon, is a charming destination for a weekend getaway, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities and a relaxed pace. Klamath Basin is known as a migratory bird hotspot, especially during the winter months. If you're into bird watching, this is one of the top places to visit. The area is also home to several national wildlife refuges, which are great for spotting birds, deer and other animals. The town of Klamath Falls has a nice blend of history and modernity and an overall low-key vibe, which makes it a great spot to unwind.

While this region is spectacular year-round, you'll find a special degree of magic in the winter.

Lisette Wolter-McKinley is a freelance contributor for Seattle Refined. Follow more of her adventures here. While the products, services, and/or accommodations in this post were provided without charge, all of the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board.