Petric County Park and Wood River Wetland, Klamath County

Wood River Wetland

Anyone interested in flora and fauna should stop at the Wood River Wetlands and Petric Park. The Wood River Wetland is part of a number of refuges and wetlands located in the Klamath Basin.  It borders Agency Lake, abutting the north end of Klamath Lake.  The day use area is flat, paved, and has several benches and viewing areas along the way, as well as a dock for launching canoes.  There are interpretative signs for new visitors and restrooms for the needy.  I’ve visited this location several times and always found it rewarding.  Part of the Klamath Birding Trails, there are numerous species to be seen throughout the year, although access is limited in winter and spring if snow accumulates.  Even non-birders could enjoy quiet contemplation looking out on the lake, towards the mountains surrounding the Klamath Basin, and the blowing aspens and willows.

Nearby Petric Park is much smaller, but would be a pleasant place for a picnic and trout fishermen.  There is good parking and a restroom.  The number of bird species would be fewer than at the Wood River Wetland, but it still is worth a gander.  Mostly, we were charmed by a family of otters gamboling nearby and easily seen.  As seen in the photo below, a Great Blue Heron was totally unimpressed by signage prohibiting diving.

It is hard to justify either of these locations as being odd.  One rationale might be that some of the visitors (not me!) could be considered odd…

Anne