Located in southern Oregon, Lake of the Woods is just off scenic Route 140 and about midway between Klamath Falls and Medford. The Winema National Forest surrounds the area, with the lake area itself designated as the Lake of the Woods Recreation Area. The lake is shallow, averaging less than 30 feet, with a maximum depth of 55 feet. Relatively small, the lake encompasses 1,200 acres and sits 5,000 feet above sea level. The Oregon Cascades rise just to the west.
The lake contains a variety of fish species. These include kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch and black crappie. Brown trout can be very large, up to trophy size. Anglers fish from boats or along the shore. The lake is open to fishing year around, with ice fishing popular from December to March. Most visitors drop their lines in April when the lake becomes ice free.
Unlike man-made reservoirs in the area, Lake of the Woods is a natural lake formed by a volcanic dam. Old growth forests featuring Douglas and white fir, along with towering lodgepole pine, adjoin the lake. The lake features a trail where old lava flows are interspersed with meadows and streams that flow into the lake. Majestic mountains soar nearby, and one end of the lake is noted for its sunset views. Water quality is high, and lake levels fluctuate very little.
For those fishermen who want to continue to enjoy the outdoors after the day's catch, Lake of the Woods entices with two campgrounds. The best views are at Sunset Campground located on the edge of the lake. Aspen Point Campground, named for its aspen tree views, affords wooded privacy. Both historic and modern cabins are available at Lake of the Woods resort, which is open seasonally. Also featuring a restaurant, the resort offers fishing equipment rental and fly instruction.
Lake of the Woods also offers motor boating and sailing, and as a result serious fisherman often prefer quieter times early in the morning or in the evening. Water sports, including water skiing, are also popular. The Pacific Crest Trail skirts the area, and visitors can take a scenic drive to Crater Lake National Park 55 miles north.
