The Klamath-Siskiyous, A Truly Unique Region

Bear Basin Butte: Photography by Wendell Wood

Are you aware there is a region right here in Oregon that boasts the largest concentration of National Wild and Scenic Rivers in the entire nation? Did you know this region also possesses more conifer tree species than any other temperate forest zone in the entire world? Not only that, this region contains the largest formation of exposed serpentine in North America! In fact, this geological feature contributes to the regions’ incredible biological diversity.

The Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion is located in Southwest Oregon and Northwest California. The Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains are recognized by the World Conservation Union as one of only seven Areas of Global Botanical Significance in North America. The region is proposed as a World Heritage Site and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A study by the World Wildlife Fund ranks the Klamath-Siskiyou region as one of the three top conifer biomes in the world! At the heart of the region is the Kalmiopsis Wildlands, the largest complex of wilderness and roadless areas remaining between Canada and Mexico.

So what makes the Klamath-Siskiyou region so unique? The age of the Klamath Mountain range contributes greatly to its unique flavor. Unlike any other mountain chain in the northwest, the Klamath Mountains remained intact through the last great ice age providing a seed bank for entire floras.

Then, there is the weather. The east-west direction of the Klamath Mountain chain intercepts weather fronts from both the north and the south. Annual precipitation varies widely from 7 to 78 inches, the area’s winters are tempered by the mild influence of the Pacific Ocean.

The combination of unique weather, unprecedented amounts of exposed serpentine, and geological age provides for a habitat of incredible biological diversity. A 1988 study identified 281 endemic flora species in the region. A one square mile survey within the region identified 17 different conifers, a record seldom rivaled on this planet. In all, 31 conifer species call the Klamath-Siskyous their home. The Klamath-Siskiyou region is the third richest in species type with over 2,300 identified plant species in the region.

It is these amazing attributes and many more that give you an idea of just how special the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion really is. The region encompasses the Klamath Mountains of Southwest Oregon and Northwest California.

The Siskiyou Field Institute’s (SFI) mission is to foster more awareness and a better understanding of this region. Like our region, the Siskiyou Field Institute offers a diverse venue of recreational learning opportunities that are based throughout the region during most of the year. Courses vary from a few hours in a single day to multi-day expeditions. A scientist or expert in the relevant field leads every course. The 2005 catalog has included such courses as Bat Watch in the Lava Beds, Klamath River Traditional Ecological Knowledge Rafting Trip, Medicinal Plants of the Siskyous, and Edible/Medicinal Seaweeds of the Northern California/Southern Oregon Coast.

Courses that are coming up this fall include Wild Salmon Weekend at the Oregon Caves Monument Chateau. This 2-day course on October 21-23 features a presentation on Friday night on the Chinook Salmon life cycle. The next two days feature field trips to watch spawning salmon, a visit to the Little Falls of the Illinois River for a very up-close look at leaping salmon as they conquer a difficult passage to their destination, and finally a visit to a Darlingtonia fen to witness the fly-eating cobras lilies of the area.

On November 11 and 12, we offer Fall Fruiters: Mycology in Southwest Oregon I and II. The courses offer a combination of lab and field work with an emphasis on learning how to identify fungi species of the area. The course culminates in the field collection of a variety of fungi in the area.

The Siskiyou Field Institute in conjunction with Southern Oregon University, envisions developing a Klamath-Siskiyou Research Station that will be located in the Cave Junction area. The campus will host field educational opportunities for all levels starting at Kindergarten and ranging up through- graduate level studies.

More and more people are looking for recreational opportunities that are both fun and enriching. An SFI adventure offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the truly unique assets of the Klamath-Siskiyous – and you do it by joining a scientist rafting, hiking, or spelunking the natural wonders of this amazing region. If you are interested in an SFI adventure, check out our website at www.thesfi.org or call 541.592.3777 for more information.