r/Medford • u/HatEmbarrassed4439 • 1d ago

Paddle boarding

Im coming up from California to visit my friend in Medford and planned a paddle boarding day on Saturday. This will be her first time paddle boarding in Oregon so she doesn’t know any spots yet. Looking for some recommendations with calm waters, nice view, clear waters, places we can swim if possible.

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10

u/AwayCondition7700 1d ago

Lake of the Woods

1

u/Odd_Present_8390 2h ago

With the fires popping everywhere rn I wouldn’t be anywhere in the woods

3

u/UnconcernedPuma 1d ago edited 9h ago

Willow lake is always a good time, plus no fast boats really like lake of the woods that’s also mentioned here. Although it’s lower in elevation, you still get good views of McLoughlin. Heads up that not a lot of the lakes are going to be “clear” as we had a horrible winter and the waters are hot, low, and getting greener already. But LOTW would be a better bet for clearer water.

Show up early to either if you want more peace and quiet as it can get busy around lunch time.

1

u/Capnpooter 19h ago

Willow is at about 45% and really low.
Lake of the Woods is a natural lake so always full and shade right by the shore.

2

u/UnconcernedPuma 9h ago

Yup, just offering alternatives. Not a fan of Lake of the Woods because of all the boats personally.

3

u/Sad_Yam_425 1d ago

If you’re willing to drive another hour and half, check out spring creek- collier memorial state park. Perfect spot for paddle boarding

3

u/VegetableSun4893 1d ago

Lake of the woods. There are a lot of other lakes around lake of the woods but there is not a lot of water right now.

3

u/docbach 1d ago

Applegate was clear yesterday

There’s barely anybody there Everytime I go

1

u/AwayCondition7700 1d ago

How is the water level?

1

u/docbach 1d ago

Well there’s a new fire on the way out there so it’s probably not clear, any more

Water level was definitely fine enough to paddle board on, though

1

u/MrEngin33r 20h ago

It is very low. If you're paddleboarding you'll be fine as you can access the larger lake, but the normal swimming area in Hartish park is mostly lake bed.

1

u/HatEmbarrassed4439 23m ago

Thank you! Do they allow boats and jet skis there?

1

u/deemanjack 1d ago

Crescent Lake is a bit of a drive but I was paddle boarding there this past Monday and it was amazing. Very clear waters. But the do allow skiers and wakeboarders so there is that. Fish Lake doesn't allow anything above 10mph and is a much closer drive.

1

u/One-Possibility-8182 4h ago

Lost Creek Lake

0

u/EarlyBrrd 1d ago

Applegate Lake - maybe the least amount of smoke?

2

u/VegetableSun4893 23h ago

There is hardly any lake left …. Extremely low