Willow Lake

• Willow Lake is a scenic lake with woody shores and sandy beaches
• The lake offers a multitude of outdoor activities

Willow Lake

Willow Lake

Willow Lake

Willow Lake



Willow Lake County Park is nestled at the base of Mount McLoughlin in a short distance of the town of Butte Falls. Also known as Willow Creek Reservoir, the lake is a man-made reservoir impounded by the 52-foot high Willow Creek Dam in 1952.

The entire territory of Willow Lake County Park is a 927-acre area that includes 310 acres of land and 4.4 miles of the lakeshore  with a multitude of activities such as boating, hiking, swimming, camping, and fishing. With the wide range of opportunities, this lake is perfect for anyone ranging from an active outdoor enthusiast to those wishing to escape from the stress and the dull routine of everyday life in the peaceful atmosphere of Southern Oregon.

For overnight stay, there is an option to set up a campsite at the 63 available spots and enjoy campfire picnics. Group campgrounds are also available. The cabins and yurts located within the campgrounds are the perfect combination between home comforts and beauty of the outdoors.

If this starts to sound too much like an adventure fanatic’s dream, then rest assured that the lake offers the perfect atmosphere for anything ranging from a family vacation to a romantic getaway.

Fishing

Willow Lake is known for fishing opportunities including such species as kokanee, trout (rainbow and cutthroat), crappie, bass, catfish, and perch.

The reservoir is regularly stocked by rainbow trout, typically 16,000 legal and 1,500 trophy size during the spring months. Check the trout stocking schedule on the ODFW website. As the lake waters warm in summer, the kokanee and rainbow trout can be found in the deeper cooler water at the base of the dam.

The kokanee or Sockeye Salmon species are not native to Willow Lake.

They were introduced in the 1960s and the 1970s and have survived and produced well in the reservoir waters.



Willow Lake | General Description

Open: Year-round
Managed by: Jackson County
Location: Willow Lake County Park

Services: Restrooms, showers, drinking water, garbage service, boat ramp, and picnic sites
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes
Popularity: High

Accommodations: 63 campsites, 4 cabins, 2 yurts, and 1 group camp

Elevation: 3,029 ft (923 m)

Willow Lake is located:

  • 41 miles east of Medford
  • 45 miles northeast of Ashland
  • 55 miles northwest of Klamath Falls
  • 179 miles southeast of Eugene.

Facts
Body of water: Reservoir
Surface area: 345 acres
Shoreline: 4.6  miles (7.4 km)
Maximum depth:38 ft (11.6 m)

Characteristics
Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Water quality: Transparent, algal blooms are possible
Current: None
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Sand
Water T° (summer): Cool to warm



Adventures Nearby



Directions

From I-5,

  • Take exit 40 in Jackson County and follow 15 miles on OR 234 east (Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway) to Butte Falls Highway
  • Turn right onto Butte Falls Highway and continue for about 16 miles to Fish Lake Road
  • Turn right onto Fish Lake Road and drive 7.4 miles to Willow Lake Road
  • Turn right onto Willow Lake Road and follow 1.4 miles to the destination.

Phone: 541-774-8183
Address: 7800 Fish Lake Rd, Butte Falls, Oregon 97522

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