Nestled on the shores of Applegate Lake in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Hart-Tish Park is just 27 miles southwest of Medford, near the Oregon-California border.

Surrounded by volcanic peaks, old-growth forests, and meandering rivers, this scenic park is an ideal spot to escape the city and immerse yourself in the beauty of southern Oregon. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Red Buttes Wilderness peaks to the south.

The day-use part of the park includes several acres of beautifully groomed lawn slopping down to the beach. There is a picnic area with tables, grills and fire pits. The park has flush restrooms and drinking water.

Day-use admission is payable at the park’s small general store, which also rents equipment, including paddleboards and kayaks.

Hart-Tish Park and Applegate Lake - Things to Do

Hart-Tish Park is a perfect base for a wide range of outdoor activities including swimming, sunbathing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, or just relaxing in nature.

Swimming

Hart-Tish Park features a designated swimming area along the shoreline of Applegate Lake. This popular spot is ideal for cooling off on warm summer days and enjoying the lake in a safe, designated zone away from boat traffic.

Boating

The park provides a boat ramp for lake access; however, the ramp may be closed when water levels are low.

Applegate Lake allows both motorized and non-motorized boats, but boat speed is limited to 10 mph to keep the lake safe and enjoyable for all visitors.

Fishing

Applegate Lake is a popular destination for fishing, offering opportunities to catch species such as rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish. Fishing is allowed from the shoreline as well as from boats.

Hart-Tish Park Hiking

For all who enjoy walking and light hiking, the park offers several scenic trails:

Collings Mountain Trail – This trail is named after two brothers who mined in the area in the 1850s and 1860s. It is a great choice for those interested in local history and nature.

Da-ku-be-te-de Trail and Grouse Loop Trail – BThese trails provide gentle, peaceful walks through southern Oregon landscapes, including areas with smooth-barked Pacific madrone trees.

If you are looking for a longer outing, it is also possible to walk or bike around Applegate Lake on an approximately 18-mile loop. About one-third of this route follows paved roads, making parts of it easier to navigate.

The walk-in campground features 7 tent sites and 8 RV spots, all nestled among trees for shade and privacy, 200 yards from the parking area. Each site comes with a picnic table, grill, and fire pit.

Tent sites are located about 75 yards from the parking area, with carts available to transport your gear. RV spots are slightly separated from the day-use area to ensure a quieter, more peaceful stay.

Reservations can be done online through Recreation.gov

For more comfortable lodging options, consider staying in nearby Jacksonville or Medford.

Lodging in Medford

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Jacksonville

Open: Early May through mid-September, weather permitting
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic sites, campsites, drinking water, boat ramp
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, camping, horseback riding, hiking, and nature viewing

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use: Yes, fees applied
Campground reservation: Reservations are accepted

Elevation: 1,900 ft (579 m)

Hart-Tish Park is located: