Spence Mountain Community Forest

Spence Mountain Community Forest, on the west shore of Klamath Lake, was acquired by Klamath County in 2022. The goals of the property are to improve forest health, protect against wildfire, enhance recreation, provide a sustainable funding source, protect wildlife habitat, and support outdoor education.

Some of the community benefits provided by the Spence Mountain Community Forest include:

  1. Public access to over 50 miles of non-motorized trails, most of which are designed for mountain biking.

  2. Improved forest health and wildfire mitigation through management activities such as thinning and ladder fuel removal.

  3. Through patronage of local businesses, tourist visitation to Spence Mountain is estimated to provide around $900,000 in annual economic impact for Klamath County.

A volunteer with a hand tool and a mini-excavator work on a new trail through a forested landscape.

Thanks to volunteers with the Klamath Trails Alliance, the Spence Mountain trail system is growing every year, providing fresh riding experiences for locals and visitors alike!

Additional Property Facts:

  1. A significant bald eagle population resides on the Klamath Lake side of the property, which includes important nesting sites.

  2. Klamath Trails Alliance hosts an annual cross-country mountain bike race called “Spence Mountain Mayhem,” on the community forest, with advanced, intermediate, and beginner courses.

  3. The Forest Legacy Program, a partnership between the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service, provided nearly 75% of the funding to acquire the property. The Trust for Public Lands was a critical partner in the acquisition.

    By providing an accessible recreation resource close to Klamath Falls, Spence Mountain Community Forest contributes to the livability of this beautiful region. Local ownership of the property guarantees the forest will be managed to prioritize local interests into the future.

Photo provided by Klamath Trails Alliance

A mountain biker comes around a corner on a rocky path through the forest.

Right: A mountain biker takes advantage of Spence Mountain’s state-of-the-art trail system

Youth mountain bikers line up to begin a race.

Left: Young mountain bikers line up for a race on the Spence Mountain Community Forest

Photos: Klamath Trails Alliance

This document is supported in part by financial assistance from the Forest Service. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.