Lost Creek Lake and William L. Jess Dam are situated on the mainstem of the Rogue River, about 28 miles northeast of Medford, Oregon, in a timbered canyon on the Rogue River. Lost Creek Lake features public access areas, parks, boat ramps, and over 30 miles of scenic trails.

For information on reservoir elevation, flow, and temperature, visit https://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nwp/teacup/rogue/.

River’s Edge Park, operated by USACE, just downriver from William L. Jess Dam, is a great place to host a family get-together, summer picnic or birthday party. No reservations required. 

McGregor Park is located 1/4 mile from State Highway 62, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, near Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery. Dedicated in July 1977, McGregor Park was specifically designed for the convenience of visitors with disabilities. Picnic areas, playground, and restrooms are available year-round. An interpretive trail accessible for visitors with information about local river ecology and all the wildlife, insects, birds and plants that rely on the waterway.

The visitor center at McGregor Park is closed. 

Takelma Park at Lost Creek Lake has covered picnic tables, restrooms, fishing areas, wildlife viewing, access to 30+ miles of single-track trail and has the only year-round boat ramp for lake access.

Joseph Stewart Park (Jackson County Parks operated) is surrounded by wildlife, large conifer trees and mountains. Hike or bike the 11-mile trail system through the forest with year-round streams and wildlife viewing. Take a swim in cool mountain water, rent a boat from the marina, or troll the 10-mile lake for trout and bass. If you prefer, bring your own boat and water skis. 

For more information, visit https://jacksoncountyor.gov/departments/parks/camping/joseph_stewart_county_park/index.php

For more information, contact the Rogue River Basin Project Office at 541-878-2255 or email dll-cenwp-rogue-rangers@usace.army.mil. 

Elk Creek is a tributary of the Rogue River, about 25 miles northeast of Medford, Ore. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, biking and hunting. There are no developed recreation facilities at Elk Creek and the area is closed to motorized vehicles. 

Visitors can use the old county road to relax near deep pools, hike through grass fields, or sit under a giant Ponderosa and watch for the variety of wildlife common to Elk Creek.

Hunting: Portions of the Elk Creek Project are open to hunting, as regulated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. For information on hunting in this area, please contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for current hunting regulations. 

Fishing: Fishing is not permitted in Elk Creek. 

For information, contact the Rogue River Basin Project, 541-878-2255 or email dll-cenwp-rogue-rangers@usace.army.mil.

All recreation at Applegate Reservoir is managed by the US Forest Service, Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District. For more information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recarea/?recid=74277

Applegate Reservoir is 988 acres in size and extends to the California border. 

Development at most of the recreation sites is minimal and most of the lakeshore is maintained in a natural state. To help preserve its rustic nature, a 10-mph speed limit for all boats is in effect. For information on reservoir elevation, flow, and temperature, visit https://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nwp/teacup/rogue/.

Recreation facilities at Applegate are operated by the U.S. Forest Service. For more information about these locations, contact the Star Ranger Station, 6914 Upper Applegate Rd., Jacksonville, Ore. 97530, (541) 899-3800.

For more information about these locations, contact the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger Station, 6941 Upper Applegate Rd., Jacksonville, Ore. 97530, (541) 899-3800.