Ashland OR Sailing

Howard Prairie Lake

Amongst the fir and pine forests of the Cascade Mountains lays Howard Prairie Lake.  It is located about 20 miles east of Ashland and the surface area of the lake is roughly 2000 acres.  Howard Prairie Lake is the home of the Rogue Yacht Club and the marina is open from dawn to dusk.  The Rogue Yacht Club calls the winds at the lake “regular”, “clean” and “reliable”.  A day use dock and boat ramp is provided for a reasonable vehicle fee.

In addition to the sailing, visitors to the lake have the chance to see a wide range of wildlife, including but not limited to bald and golden eagles, osprey, owls, Peregrin falcons, deer, and otter.  Mt. McLoughlin stands in the distance for sailors to behold.

Directions:  From downtown Ashland, head southeast on Siskiyou Blvd. Take a left onto Ashland Street and follow it past the freeway entrances and curve to the right (Ashland St. becomes OR-66/Greensprings Hwy).  After passing the I-5 you’ll cover about .7 of a mile, then turn left onto Dead Indian Memorial Rd.  Continue 17 miles and take a right onto Hyatt Prairie Rd.  Take Hyatt Prairie Rd. about 3.3 miles, and turn left where you will enter to the Howard Prairie Lake Resort.  There is a $4 daily parking fee per vehicle.

Lost Creek Lake

About 45 miles northeast from Ashland, one can find Lost Creek Lake, a popular boating destination in the Southern Oregon Cascades.  The lake is a reservoir that was created in 1977 along the Rogue River and has a surface area of roughly 3430 acres and a 30-mile shore length.  The winds here are could be considered steady and predictable.  Lost Creek Marina provides many amenities to the lake, including boat slip rentals, a store, and restaurant.

Directions:  From Ashland, head to I-5 North toward Medford and take exit 30 toward N Medford/Crater Lake.  Turn right onto Crater Lake Highway/OR-62.  Follow Crater Lake Highway for about 32.6 miles and take a left into the Joseph Stewart State Park, where you will find the marina.

Emigrant Lake 

Emigrant Lake is a beautiful and convenient lake for sailors, though Howard Prairie and Lost Creek lakes are both considered preferable sailing options.  Emigrant does provide a good option for those short on time and wanting to get out on the water.  It also has excellent amenities including restrooms, food concession, campsites, an RV Park, water slides and much more.

Directions:  From downtown Ashland, head southeast on Siskiyou Blvd. Take a left onto Ashland Street and follow it past the freeway entrances and curve to the right (Ashland St. becomes OR-66/Greensprings Hwy).  Turn left onto Emigrant Lake Road.  There is a $4 charge per vehicle.

Outdoor Recreation Safety Note: Please be sure to read our safety note on our Outdoor Recreation home page.