Klamath River Overlook

The Klamath River Overlook is an unforgettable viewpoint where the mighty Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean. With panoramic coastal vistas, crashing waves, and vibrant wildlife, it's the perfect stop for both nature lovers and photographers. The overlook offers sweeping views of where the river carves its way through steep coastal cliffs into the ocean. The dramatic contrast of turquoise river waters against deep blue seas creates a sense of awe and every direction feels like a postcard. The overlook is easily accessible via a short paved path from the parking area, which also has restrooms and a small interpretive sign explaining the river’s history, geology, and ecosystems. The parking lot can fill up during peak hours, so arriving in the morning is ideal. This spot is a photographer’s dream with morning fog rolling over the cliffs, golden light at dawn, and dramatic sunsets coloring the sky. It’s also surprisingly peaceful, despite being one of the more popular stops. Tips for Visitors: -Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens for bird and marine life observation. -Dress in layers because coastal winds can be chilly, even in summer. -Try to visit around sunrise or sunset for the best light.

This overlook is unbelievable. Follow the road up to dizzying heights and enjoy the the crazy view. It's interesting to me how terrifying it feels to look at that much water! You can see the color difference between the fresh and salt water, absolutely incredible.

Returning to the Klamath River Overlook after 15 years was an unforgettable experience—it remains just as breathtaking and awe-inspiring as ever. The stunning views of the Klamath River meeting the vast Pacific Ocean create an unmatched sense of peace and wonder. For my family, this place holds deep significance, making each visit even more meaningful. Beyond its personal importance, it’s simply a must-see for anyone traveling through the area. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of whales, adding an extra touch of magic to an already spectacular sight. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an opportunity to connect with nature, **I definitely recommend stopping by Klamath River Overlook!**

Spectacular views worth the twisty road up and the narrow walking path down from the parking area. Some considerations - Road up is pretty narrow and twisty. No room to park or turn around if you're pulling a trailer. - class c is probably the biggest motor home you would want to take up - small lot, only about 15 spots. - path down to the overlook is narrow and quite steep in areas. Wear good shoes and be extra cautious if it is wet or raining out!! - try to get here on clear day or partly cloudy like I had for best views -takes about and hour up and down depending how quick you walk. WELL WORTH THE DRIVE UP AND THE WALK DOWN!!!

The drive is worth to visit the River overlook. The magnitude of the b iew cannot be captured in pictures. If you are nearby then I would recommend as making a quick stop at the overlook!!

It’s an absolutely beautiful spot to stop & take in the views. But the trail to walk down to the closer look out point is very steep & not well maintained so I don’t recommend walking down. + the view isn’t that much closer anyways. I do wish there was a way to walk to the bottom where the ocean & river meet but you can’t + I understand that if people were allowed, they would probably ruin it + I do believe it is native land (not 100% on this) but please respect the people who live around there on the drive up & don’t try to get down there. If memory serves me correctly I believe there was picnic tables & a restroom at the look out area but don’t quote me on that. It is so beautiful!! Bring binoculars and you might just see some amazing animals in the ocean!! Could even eat your lunch up here!! It can be quite foggy up there so make sure to snag a look when it’s clear if you can! No need for tickets or anything it is free!

The Klamath Overlook is where the wild meets the infinite. Here, the Klamath River merges with the sea, their waters weaving together in an ancient dance. Seals bob in the surf below, their eyes glinting with quiet mystery, while the cries of seabirds echo through the air. It’s not just a view—it’s a place where nature’s secrets come alive.

It was rather foggy when I visited here, which I liked. The biome here, despite still being California, is a lot like Washington. Lush green forests, beautiful endless rocky oceans, and rich earth filled with life. Not dry and dusty like most of California (AKA desert). You get richer darker tones of brown earth, rather than light brittle dust. I did see a few people show up to catch the sunset, but I wouldn't call this a high traffic tourist spot either. There are benches, which make for a nice picnicking spot, especially if you are there to catch a sunset or even sunrise. Because it was so misty when I was there... it almost felt like you were at the edge of the universe. The void of the ocean felt endless, but in a beautiful poetic way. There is also a nice short hike to get an even better view of the ocean coast! But I would assume the sunset is the most beautiful at the top so no need to go down if that's all you're looking for. BONUS: When I was heading back down the the road, I did see something huge and furry scurry down the forest. It was huge and I couldn't get any more details as it darted so quickly, so I would say it was most likely a bear. But who knows, being so close to Oregon, it might have even been bigfoot 👣🦍🤷🏽‍♂️

If you are driving down the 101 and have some time, take a few minutes and drive up to this overlook. On a clear day, you get some magnificent views of the mouth of the Klamath River and the Pacific Ocean. There is a parking lot and a couple picnic tables on site. I just loved having that sea breeze in my face while listening to the sounds of seagulls and seals below. The view of the ocean is breathtaking. They say you can see migrating gray whales during certain times of the year. If you are wanting to make an adventure out of this, there is a steep half mile trailhead that leads to an ocean overlook below. From there you can hike the California Coastal Trail to Hidden Beach in three miles or Lagoon Creek in four.

Short Trail from the overlook parking to an overlook at a lower vantage point. The view is only about 30% better from the lower vantage point, but the hike is well worth it just to experience the geography. It's a relatively steep hill, but nothing a normal pair of hiking shoes or other reasonable footwear can't manage. It's about 10 or 15° warmer on this trail than at the parking lot atop. In the afternoon you'll get direct sun with little to no wind. On a super hot day this could be a darn blazing hike. I went on a 62° f day.

Klamath River Overlook is a viewpoint that really provides scenic perspectives of the Northern California coast. I visited here late in the day back in September and spontaneously caught a beautiful sunset peering down on Klamath Beach. And...this overlook is located in the town of Klamath, California. To arrive here...actually, although cell phone reception for me was limited...when you do have some bars...plug in Klamath River Overlook into Google Maps and you'll find simple directions. Or to find it..."drive north on Highway 101 for less than 2 miles from Klamath and turn left on Requa Road. Follow the road past the Historic Requa Inn and up the hill to the clearly signed parking lot". One thing about Klamath River Overlook I'd like to mention...I stopped on by back in September of this year 2020...and as I drove the road up the hill...there was a marked sign stating that the overlook was closed due to the pandemic. But...that didn't deter me or anyone else from coming here. Yes, the parking lot had a barrier in front of it...but I was still able to park my car off the road right in front of this barricade. And from here I walked a few steps to the overlook. Genuinely, it's still okay to check out this overlook. If anyone has a longer time frame to hang out, they offer picnic tables situated right near the edge. I actually took a seat on top of the tables to have a moment to soak up the surroundings. It's peaceful and quiet from the top. My only difficult moment was attempting to put myself in my pictures because of the dreaded guard railing. So...I hopped over the ledge to avoid the rail, though my pictures didn't come out as memorable as I would have liked. This Klamath River Overlook had some really nice visibilities for peering out into the Pacific Ocean distance. Though...I did get stuck with a lot of shrubbery and vegetation within my camera lens since I was adamant about getting myself into the pictures, lol. Regardless, the views and setting were pleasant. One thing I'd recommend, when leaving the overlook and heading back down the mountain back into town, just drive slowly as the descent picks up steam because of the severe decline heading lower. I really had to ride my brakes downhill. The best aspect about Klamath River Overlook...it's a nice little roadside stop to appreciate the panoramic background from high above while exploring Klamath. I visited here as I headed south along Highway 101. Right nearby to this viewpoint is also a few other attractions/landmarks I'd like to mention including...Trees of Mystery, the town of Klamath for gas, snacks and supplies, another worthwhile vista from atop called High Bluff Overlook and finally...Klamath Tour-Thru Tree. Overall, there's plenty to see and do not only in Klamath, but along all of Highway 101 stretching the California Redwood Forest area.

Where the river meets the sea....This scenic overlook is located a few miles off 101. When driving south you will see the turn off signs to the right. It's a bit of a narrow winding road but not too harrowing. About 10 spots or so and when I visited there were only 2 other cars. Beautiful overlook where you will see the Klamath river emptying to the Pacific. It includes sweeping vistas over the water as well as the mountains the to east. During my stop here, storm clouds were clearing, lending to ultra dramatic scenery. Worthwhile stop if you're traveling on 101 through Redwood National Parks-free and wonderful!

This is a good way to cap off a Coastal Drive Loop when in the Klamath area. The confluence of the Klamath River and the Pacific Ocean is breathtaking. There is the parking lot which I think has the best view, a short 1/2 mile hike to a lower viewing platform and a 3 mile hike down to the beach. The drive in is neat and offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the individuals who live in the area.

Recently had a chance to take in the amazing view here... it was as good as any I've seen. Better than many. I spent some time with my azz planted firmly on a picnic table and letting my eyes travel the lines of what lay before me. Then I decided that I needed to be on the beach directly across the river. So I went for it. I HIGHLY recommend everyone reading this to drive across the bridge and wander back until you find an access point to that beach. It was maybe my favorite beach experience to date... outdoing scuba and beach trips all over the US and portions of MX & Hawaii. But now I'm focused much less on this viewpoint, aren't I. LoL. The viewpoint is fantastic. And a great primer for adventures beyond.

Beautiful overlook to view where the mighty Klamath River meets the Pacific, with 180 degree views of the scene. We stopped and walked around, just absorbing the view . A gorgeous scene. Great spot for pictures but the iPhone has a hard time replicating the experience! Access is via Requa Road, which winds 2.5 miles through the small town of Requa and up the hill to the overlook. I didn't think the drive up is bad, but coming down takes more care, as you are on the side closest to the dropoff. But the road is paved and with due caution is no problem. Only the .75 miles closest to the overlook is the more cautious part of the drive. This is actually part of Redwood National Park. Paved parking lot with bathrooms. Careful pulling into your parking stall, it's a long way down! The Coastal Trail leads away from the parking lot. This looked narrow and steep, a little too much for our tastes. It is possible to take this trail a couple miles north to the Lagoon Creek Picnic Area. A few good interpretive signs are worth reading. On the opposite shore, you can still see the original wagon trail that ended at the south Klamath River shore. People would then wait to be ferried to the other side before continuing their journey north. Well worth a quick stop if you are in the area.

Absolutely gorgeous! Don't miss this free California delight! It takes about 15 mins to get to the overlook 1/2 mile down, or go further...

To get there, take the Requa Rd. off 101 north and drive 2-1/2 . It's a magnificent view that awaits you once you get to this overlook. There was a group of Whale Watchers the day we were here. This is the place to see the big creatures with your binoculars. Unfortunately they did not materialize that day. The trail head to the hike down was to the left of the overlook as you drive in. On the walk down you will see wild daisies. A perfect view of the Pacific Ocean is a great gift from this view. Wind blowing and very narrow trail I suspect would be a difficult combo for some. Wear layers and comfortable shoes. Hiking shoes not nescessary. It's a short 1/2 mile very easy trek and some areas are wet and muddy when we were up there. There is a bathroom by the parking lot and it takes at least 30 minutes to get to this place from Trinidad City where we came from.

First of all, woo hoo!!! Strong AT&T cell signal up here. We drive up here while on our annual camping trip. Check the weather first. On a foggy cloudy day, you won't be able to see anything once at the top. On a clear sunny day you can get a sweeping view of the mouth of the Klamath River and of the Pacific Ocean. It's breathtaking. This time we spotted a couple of whales near the mouth. Sometimes sea lions too. It helps to have binoculars but not necessary. There's a hiking trail you can take down to get a better view. Allow about a half hour down and much shorter time to climb back up. A few picnic tables and public restrooms. (no, not outhouses, but actual restrooms).

What an amazing view. The drive is a bit scary, but there's a great payoff. See the Klamath River meet the Pacific Ocean. Bring binoculars in the winter and go whale watching. If you enjoy birding, this is a good spot too. Bring a sweater because it can get chilly. And beware of the wind, which can be brutal at times. There are two trails from the overlook. The aptly named Klamath Overlook Trail is 1/2 mile down to a lower vista point. Remember, though, that to get back you have to hike 1/2 mile uphill. The second trail is a section of the coastal trail. It's at least four miles to the lagoon creek parking area. The trail is not for beginners, but it's a nice hike north along the coast. You'll have to hike through tidepools, so check the tide timetables so you can be sure you can pass through. There are wildflowers in the spring, and in fall there are tons of wild blackberries lining the trail, plus caterpillars and butterflies. In all, it's about 5 1/2 miles of gorgeous coastal trail. There are goats who live in a nearby home who often hang out in the road. And there are bears. We saw another hiker who had just seen a bear on a recent hike. We cut our hike short when we found fresh bear scat on the trail. But I'll be back for more--it's one of the most beautiful coastal hikes I've taken.

The drive to high buff look out is kind of scary. It's a 2.5 miles loop on a narrow road with steep grades and sharp curves, and last part to high buff overlook is one way only, but once you made it, it's totally worth it. You see a panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Klamath River opening to the Pacific ocean, misty fogs on the surface at the river opening. My nose start running cuz It was so cold. but It's so beautiful! On our way out, we saw a haunted farm house ( it looks like it! it has scary old canning pickles jars line up on the glass windows).Only to find out later that it was a World War II radar station in disguised. We also saw the flood memorial from 1964. It's so sad, but It's nice to see that how history were preserved.

Beautiful scenery. The road to get there was a little challenging, but we'll worth it! Such an amazing view!

Redwood National Park rivals Glacier for me. Well, the Northern California/Southern Oregon part anyway. Klamath Overlook is not part of the formal park, but it's definitely a must-stop on any trip to this region, just two and-a-half miles off 101 on Requa Rd. By the way, are you staying at the Old Requa Inn? You should. The times we've stopped, we've been the only ones except for the whales. My favorite part is seeing the Klamath meet the Pacific. It it a truly inspiring part of the west coast.

So it was a drizzly, foggy summer morning when we went but it was still gorgeous. This is where the Klamath River empties northwestern California into the Pacific Ocean. It is a short drive from the Trees of Mystery.

Park ranger told us of whale sitings...but alas no luck for us today...mother nature still deserves 5 stars...

Love the view but we sadly couldn't see much due to the blanket of fog. Definitely worth the drive.