This Fremont-Winema National Forest boat launch and small picnic site provides access to a multi-mile canoe route (and loop) along the western most edge of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.  From the water you experience the teeming marsh and have outstanding views of old growth, mixed conifer forest on 8036’ Pelican Butte (and roadless area) immediately to the west.  Particularly in summer, the habitat produces a rich display of diverse and abundant wildlife.  In addition to bald eagles nesting and roosting in big old ponderosa pine, Pelican Butte’s extensive ancient forests have supported multiple pairs of northern spotted owls.

From Klamath Falls

Take Oregon Highway 140 north and west to Rocky Point, about 25 miles.  The turn off for “Rocky Point & Resort--3 miles” is 4.5 miles after the 48 mile post and sign for the Winema National Forest.  The first turn off to the right for Rocky Point is just after the Pyramid Motel (on your left).  The turn off is 1.5 miles after the somewhat damaged 46 mile post (there is no 47 mile post).  The other option is to continue to a bit further west on Hwy. 140 and turn right (north) on to Westside Rd.

Coming from Medford

Take the first “Rocky Point and Ft. Klamath” turn off onto Westside Road.  Westside Road (to the left) is .4 mile after the Varney Creek Road turnoff on the right and 11.5 miles east of the Jackson/Klamath County line.

Continue north on Route 531 (Westside Road) and take a turn off to the right for Rocky Pt. Resort.  The public boat launch is immediately south (separate entrance) of the resort.  Otherwise continue north on Westside Rd. and turn right at a sign saying “Malone Springs.”  You can access the more southern end of the canoe route at Rocky Point, or continue to the far less developed Malone Springs area by continuing another three miles north on Westside Rd. past the 11 mile post, and turn right for Malone Springs. 

Coming from the north, heading south of Hwy. 97 

Turn off for "Chiloquin" just south of the 247 mile post.  At the bottom of the off ramp go right.  (Go left into Chiloquin, another 2 miles, if you need gas.)

Continue west for approximately 3 miles on what is Hwy. 422.  (The first big Cascade Mt. you see as you round a turn in another 2 miles is Pelican Butte).  Take the first possible right onto Hwy. 62 for "Crater Lake."  Continue 5.6 miles north and then turn left on to "Loosley Road" and continue west for 1.1 mile.  At a "T" intersection turn right for "Fort Klamath" (no gas here) but only go .4 mile and then turn left (west) on to "Sevenmile Road" following signs for "Rocky Pt."   In 5 miles this road bears left and becomes "Westside Road."  Continue south along the east edge of the Cascades for approximately another 10 miles.   Malone Springs is .4 mile south of the 10 mile post.

Once you get there

At the Malone Springs canoe put in,  you can paddle north (to the left facing the lake) through the main channels, which go away from the edge of the mountain, and get you further out into the marsh, and finally to the deep, clear Crystal Springs (where there is no public boat launch).  To the right takes you south to Rocky Point, closer along the shore.   If the wind is blowing, and you have the option of a car shuttle, it’s nicest to be able to paddle in the direction which puts the breeze at your back.