From the looks of it, the town of Klamath hasn’t recovered much since it was washed away in 1964, when 40 inches of rain fell within 24 hours. All that remains are a few cheap motels, trailer parks, tackle shops, and boat rental outlets, kept in business by the numerous anglers who line the mighty Klamath River, one of the finest salmon and steelhead streams in the world. The scenery around the river is extraordinary; Redwood National Park and Klamath National Forest have some incredible coastal drives and trails that even the timid and out-of-shape can handle with aplomb.

Stretch out your legs at the lofty Klamath Overlook, which stands about 600 feet above an estuary at the mouth of the Klamath River. A short but steep trail leads down to a second overlook that’s ideal for whale watching and taking photographs. To get there from Highway 101, take the Requa Road turnoff, north of the Klamath River bridge. For more hiking recommendations, read about Redwood National and State Parks in Orick.

If you’ve never toured the mighty Klamath River aboard a giant jet boat, you’re missing out on one heck of a thrill ride. These incredibly powerful and fast boats take visitors from the estuary upriver to view bear, deer, elk, osprey hawks, otters, and other wildlife along the riverbanks. They typically operate May through October. For more information and reservations, contact Klamath River Jet Boat Tours (707/482-5822 or 800/887-JETS; www.jetboattours.com).