The Klamath Knot refers to the complex melange of rock that underlies the Klamath Mountains, a result of the collision of tectonic plates which gives rise to the steep terrain and diverse microclimates and ecology of the region.

Unlike most of North America that was scoured by glaciers during the previous ice age, the Klamath Mts. remained largely untouched.   Likewise,  the area has escaped volcanic activity and intense drying periods, thus the landscape has remained undisturbed much longer than surrounding areas.  As a result the Klamath is one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America.