This 1,146-acre natural lake sits at 4,949 feet elevation in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, approximately 43 miles east of Medford and 33 miles west of Klamath Falls on Highway 140. One of the clearest natural lakes in the southern Oregon Cascades, it offers spectacular views of Mt. McLoughlin (9,495 feet) rising to the south. The lake stretches 2.75 miles long and 0.75 miles wide, providing ample space for paddling exploration.

Water Conditions & Skill Level Beginner to intermediate. Generally calm, clear water averaging 27 feet deep (up to 55 feet near the western shore) but winds can pick up in the afternoon and cause some choppiness. Motorboats, water skiing, and jet skis are allowed, so expect boat traffic and wakes during peak summer hours and weekends. Paddlers should be comfortable navigating boat wake and sharing the water with powered watercraft.

Access & Launch Multiple access points including boat ramps at Lake of the Woods Resort marina and at Forest Service campgrounds (Aspen Point and Sunset). Easy lake access from camping areas. Rainbow Bay Day Use Area provides additional launch options. All launch sites accommodate hand-carried paddleboards.

What You’ll See Clean water reflecting Mt. McLoughlin and surrounding conifer forests. The lake is surrounded by old-growth ponderosa and lodgepole pine. Excellent fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, bass, and perch. Wildlife includes waterfowl, grebes, occasional loons, plus deer, elk, and various bird species in surrounding forests. The clarity of the water makes this lake particularly scenic for paddling.

Best Times to Go Early summer through early fall for best conditions. There may be snow at this elevation through late spring, and it has been known to get fall snow. Summer weekends see heaviest boat traffic. Paddle early morning or weekdays for calmer conditions with fewer motorboats. The lake freezes in winter. Water levels remain relatively stable, fluctuating only about 2 feet during normal years.

Amenities Full-service resort with restaurant, general store, pizza parlor, marina with boat rentals, fuel station. Two Forest Service campgrounds (Aspen Point with 60 sites, Sunset with 64 sites) totaling 124 campsites. Also 34 cabins and 22 RV sites at the resort. Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic areas, swimming beaches. Paddleboard rentals may be available – check with resort marina.

Fees & Notes Forest Service campground fees apply for camping. Resort services have separate fees, including a $10 day use fee for parking. This is a popular destination that can see up to 5,000 visitors on busy summer weekends. People are turned away if the parking lot is full. Plan accordingly!