Page 93 - SOM Summer 2017

Lake Selmac
(stock photo)

the water, visitors can view wildlife or reel in almost a dozen are tight restrictions, so check it out first. The park has picnic
varieties of fish, with a one-fish limit on larger fish. This lake tables, restaurants and shops, and the historic lodge is worth a
also has sailing and a local yacht club. peek or a stay.

Lost Creek Lake is a reservoir on the Rogue River with a Less than an hour west out of Grants Pass, Selmac Lake offers
marina, boat ramps, and fish cleaning stations. Nature trails and boating, fishing, swimming, and camping (including RV). There’s
picnic areas are there for a day’s outing, with camping facili- a boathouse, a general store, and hiking trails. Horses are allowed
ties also available. The visitors’ center features nature displays on designated trails.
and information. Part of your outing might include a visit to a
nearby fish hatchery, always an interesting stop for kids. Rafters Diamond Lake, north of Crater Lake, has incredible views of Mt.
can launch at McGregor Park for a float down the Rogue River, Thielsen, a peak also known as the lightning rod of the Cascades.
and power boaters have a lot of water surface to move on. Boaters have a choice of five ramps and are limited to 10-mph.
Four campgrounds offer numerous sites and include picnic tables,
We’re lucky to have a national park in our backyard, and a restrooms, showers, garbage bins, and some have RV hookups.
splendid one at that. The unbelievably blue lake is between the The South Shore Picnic Area has a playground, volleyball court,
seventh and ninth deepest in the world and filled exclusively horseshoe pits, a swimming beach, and picnic accommodations.
from snow melt. Crater Lake National Park attracts around a There’s a motel and several styles of cabins, and a restaurant if
half-million visitors yearly. Some folks come to view the lake you didn’t pack your own food. You might consider horseback
and take the rim drive, others to hike or bike. For the intrepid, riding while you’re there. If you like the area, you might go back
a 1.1 mile hike to the lake is the ticket—easy going down, nota- in the winter for ice fishing and snowmobiling.
bly strenuous going back up, due to the 11% grade. I thought
I’d die, but my older brother just walked right up. The Pacific Squaw Lakes (Big and Little) out of Ruch are accessible by vehi-
Crest Trail passes through the park. Fishing is allowed, but there cle, but you have to park then haul your camping equipment.

summer 2017 | www.southernoregonmagazine.com 91