Here are a few of our favorites all throughout southern Oregon that you do not want to miss!
RIVERS
Chewaucan River, Paisley
Chewaucan River
From Paisley in Lake County go south 20 minutes to the Chewaucan River for a summer swim, do some fly fishing or even take a beautiful hike any time of year.
Illinois River
Take your pick of places to swim, fish, and camp on the Illinois River. Pristine green waters await you on this wild and scenic river with lots of opportunity for day use along with overnight float trips.
North Umpqua
The North Umpqua is well renowned for its very fishable waters, but the opportunities are endless for other outdoor adventures like rafting, hiking, and swimming or even explore the seventeen thundering waterfalls along highway 138.
Rogue River
The mighty Rogue River “Wild & Scenic” designation draws fishermen and rafters from all over the world. Its varied rapids, from the calmest waters to class IV rapids make it an ideal place for adventuring for all; families, serious fisherman, and adrenaline junkies alike.
South Umpqua
Visit the South Umpqua Falls natural water slides where you can swim, look for crawdads, rock jump and float down the river, or just find your perfect spot along the river and swim in serenity. See more of what you can experience here.
Wood River
Take a gorgeous drive to Jackson F Kimball State Park in Fort Klamath. Bring cash for the day use fee and then paddle the day away in your kayak or canoe in the turquoise blue waters of the Wood River. The waterway takes you under a couple of bridges and Discover Klamath tells us that it can be also accessed via the upper part of Agency Lake and then by paddling upstream through the Wood River Wetlands.
LAKES
Applegate Lake
Enjoy one of two swimming areas, take your boat out for fishing, hike the 17.5 mile shoreline, or bring your mountain bike for a ride. Applegate Lake is perfect for a family picnic and lazing the day away. May through September the campground and store are open to grab your day pass, or reserve your camp site and nearby is the Collings Mountain Trail where you can visit Oregon’s (if not the world’s) one and only bigfoot trap.
The view from Crater Lake Lodge Photo: Jak Wonderly
Crater Lake
The crown jewel of Southern Oregon lakes is Crater Lake, the deepest lake in America and home to Crater Lake National Park.
You can get to Crater Lake form Roseburg, Klamath Falls or Medford–no matter how you get here, be prepared to be amazed by the bluest water you’ve ever seen!
Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake is tucked into the Deschutes National Forest. With plenty of recreation options for the whole family. Bring your tent or RV, or rent a yurt to enjoy more than just the day use. Crescent Lake Resort right across the dam offers supplies and all the water toys you could want; Sea-Doos, fishing boats, kayaks, aqua cycles, and paddle boards.
Diamond Lake
Diamond Lake
Summer or winter, Diamond Lake is an outdoor lover’s playground. Rent a cabin and play in the summer; hiking, bicycling, fishing, and horseback riding. In the winter take on cross country skiing, tubing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing; if you are feeling extra adventurous visit the Thundering Waters highway and do some snow hiking.
Emigrant Lake County Park
Emigrant Lake is at the south of Ashland and is the only lake in southern Oregon with a waterslide. It’s the perfect place for all water sports and includes a swimming area and you can rent stand up paddle boards from Liquid Blue that is on site.
Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is at the center of it all. Camp or stay in a lake cabin and play. On site at the marina you can rent boats, pedal boats, kayaks and more in the summer. During the winter go snowmobiling, snowshoeing or cross country skiing and if it gets cold enough do some ice fishing.
Lost Creek Lake
Spend a day or a week and camp at Lost Creek Lake. Hike around the lake on their eighteen mile loop trail or rent any of their water toys including boats, Sea-Doos, and kayaks.
Come for a day or stay for a week, you can find the perfect adventure for you at southern Oregon’s rivers and lakes!
