SR 161 begins at an intersection with U.S. Route 97 north of Dorris.

SR 161 continues past the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, which includes Lower Klamath Lake, and White Lake, now paralleling the state line again to the intersection of Route 139 and Oregon Route 39 north of Tulelake in the community of Hatfield.

[6] SR 161 is part of a spur route of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, an All-American Road, that heads towards Tule Lake and Lava Beds National Monument.

[7] Except where prefixed with a letter, postmiles were measured on the road as it was in 1964, based on the alignment that existed at the time, and do not necessarily reflect current mileage.

[8] Segments that remain unconstructed or have been relinquished to local control may be omitted.