US Army Corps of Engineers ®

Recreations Information...

The forested slopes and often snow-covered peaks of the Siskiyou Mountains are reflected in the clear blue waters of Applegate Lake, just 23 miles southwest of Medford in the Rogue River National Forest. In this scenic setting, the U.S. Forest Service operates hike-in campgrounds and lakeshore areas for picnicking, swimming and boating.

The lake extends to the California border and a hiking trail follows the 18-mile shoreline. Motorcycles are permitted only on the trail leading to Stein Butte. Horses are permitted on the Stein Butte, Collings Mountain and Da-Ku-Be-Te-De trails.

Development at most of the recreation sites is minimal and most of the lakeshore has been maintained in a natural state. Another measure for preserving the rustic character of the lake is a 10 mph speed limit for all boats. Paved trails and other barrier-free facilities are provided at the day use areas so that they may be enjoyed by all visitors.

View a map of Applegate Lake recreation sites (155 kb)

Project Information...

Applegate Lake construction was begun by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1976 and completed in 1980. Water, stored in the reservoir for flood protection, maintains a year-round flow in the Applegate River, assuring good quality water even in dry summer months.

Environmental concerns prompted the Corps to construct an innovative multi-port intake tower that lets operators regulate the temperatures of water released from the lake by mixing water from different depths. During the summer, conditions are improved for migrating fish in the Applegate and Rogue rivers by regulating outflow temperatures.

The return fish are collected just below the dam and transported to Cole M. Rivers Fish Hatchery, located just downstream of William L. Jess Dam on the Rogue River, for spawning. Later, juveniles are released into the Applegate River to maintain the runs.