• Galesville Reservoir is an artificial lake created by Galesville Dam
• The dam was featured in the 2013 movie Night Moves
The Galesville Reservoir sits at Klamath Mountains in Southern Oregon, 18 miles away from the city of Canyonville. This artificial lake accumulates water from the Upper Cow Creek Watershed via Galesville Dam.
The dam and reservoir were completed in October 1986. The complex was created to prevent flooding, produce hydroelectricity, support aquatic life, and manage irrigation, industrial, and municipal water. Interestingly, the dam doesn't have a fish ladder, cutting fish passage entirely.
The lake and the dam got their name from the small town in Cow Creek Valley. The story goes that one of the first settlers' names was Gale; hence it became Galesville. The dam was featured in the 2013 movie Night Moves.
If you're looking to cool off from the summer heat and would like to avoid crowds typical for other lakes in Southern Oregon, Galesville Reservoir is a spot for you! This scenic environment allows you to enjoy fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, water skiing, and other outdoor pastimes.
The area has a developed campground, boat ramps, and a day-use area. Day-use area sits in between the campground and the main boat lunch.
Swimming and Other Water Activities
The Galesville Reservoir warms up nicely for swimming during summer and fall. Water temperature in July climbs to 80° F (27° C). The lake's bottom is clayey.
It is also a fantastic place for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and other recreational activities.
Since the reservoir is open for boating, pay attention to your surroundings to avoid accidents.
You can launch the boat at two places:
- Main launch with 3 boat ramps with docks and parking for 88 vehicles and boat trailers
- Primitive launch with 1 boat ramp and limited parking
Fishing
Largemouth bass fishing is one of the biggest attractions on the lake.
During the spawning season in the spring, largemouths can be found in shallow water and are known to be very aggressive biters. Later in the season, they can be found in deeper waters. Trout fishing, including Cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, is excellent here. Especially after the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks it, generally in March and April. Galesville is also great for crappie, sunfish, and bullhead catfish. You will have good results with both boat and bank fishing.
Fishing
Largemouth bass fishing is one of the biggest attractions on the lake.
During the spawning season in the spring, largemouths can be found in shallow water and are known to be very aggressive biters. Later in the season, they can be found in deeper waters. Trout fishing, including Cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, is excellent here. Especially after the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks it, generally in March and April. Galesville is also great for crappie, sunfish, and bullhead catfish. You will have good results with both boat and bank fishing.
Caution: The reservoir water has a higher-than-safe level of mercury. The Red Cloud Mine and other mercury mining claims sit above the lake, seeping heavy metal through the groundwater. While swimming is still safe at the lake, you should be cautious when consuming water or eating fish that the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife didn't plant.
Camping
You can stay at Chief Miwaleta County Park Campground when visiting the lake. It provides 20 full hookup spots,13 tent spots, one group camping site, and three cabins.
The campground features picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, showers, and a playground.
Galesville Reservoir | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: Douglas County, BLM and Forest Service
Amenities: Restrooms, campground, picnic tables, fire rings, showers, drinking water, and boat ramp
Activities: Swimming, paddle boarding, fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 1,890 ft (576 m)
Galesville Reservoir is located:
- 18 miles southeast of Canyonville
- 44 miles southeast of Roseburg
- 116 miles south of Eugene.
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Galesville Reservoir
From I-5,
- Take exit 88 toward Azalea and Galesville Reservoir
- Follow 7.7 miles east on Upper Cow Creek Road until you reach Chief Miwaleta Campground.