Page 88 - SOM Summer 2017

feature | lakes

might enjoy the nearby butterfly
habitat, as well as mountain views
and sunsets. Historically, the region
around both Hyatt and Howard
Prairie Lakes was summer range
for cattle. A few buildings from that era
remain.

The Ranger describes Fish Lake as having
a calm, sedate atmosphere, a place for “old
geezers like me”—which he isn’t. There’s
a 10-mph boat speed limit, and you can
rent boats, including a party barge. It’s
a fisherman’s paradise, the only one in
Southern Oregon with tiger trout (catch
and release). The two big campgrounds
have flush toilets, an important amenity to
some. The trails are doable for all ages and
abilities, and High Lakes Trail connects
Fish Lake with Lake of the Woods. One
end of the trail accommodates cyclists,
and doesn’t require a high-end bike to
navigate the terrain. The southern end
of the Sky Lakes Wilderness is accessible
from this area. Come winter, Fish Lake
draws ice fisher folks, although just now
we’re into shorts and sandals, not parkas.

Lake of the Woods is another lake less than
two hours away for most Rogue Valley res-
idents. High speeds are allowed and a few
boaters crank up the music, causing some
to call it a party lake. Still, many people
own family cabins their parents purchased
and they, now retired, enjoy a low-key
summer experience, pleased to watch
their grand and great-grandchildren play
as they once did. Over 200 cabins sur-
round the lake; the first one built in 1870
by Captain O.C. Applegate, the man who
named the lake. The oldest still standing
was built in 1912. Lake of the Woods has
a more steady lake level than others, and a
boat ramp, campgrounds, a restaurant and
store. The local YMCA holds a weeklong
summer camp there. Here, too, there’s
ice fishing in winter. My granddaughter
Renee and I spent a Saturday at the lake
and saw boats, canoes, paddle board-
ers, and pedal boats. We enjoyed great
weather, kids’ fishing derby, biking, and
canoeing. At sunset she sat dockside and
received a private art lesson from a friend.

At Fourmile Lake, another close-by lake,
folks can experience a more basic and

Lake of the Woods
86 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | summer 2017 (Photo by Larry Turner)