What are the best (or your favorite) INLAND beaches in Oregon? (Medford: move, swimming)

[tablemtn]

Yes, Oregon has a long and lovely shore along the Pacific Ocean... but in a state the size of the UK, there are also quite a few rivers and lakes, some of which have their own beaches and shores.

Which are your favorite inland Oregon beaches, or spots along the water away from the coast?

[mikemorrow]

Three Mile Lake, 5 miles north of Reedsport

[bluebird39]

In S Oregon there's Cantral Buckley State Park, Howard Prairie Lake and Hyatt Lake, Lake of the Woods, and the wild and scenic stretch of the Rogue River. Also, Squaw Lakes near the CA boarder. There are lots of other incredibly beautiful places if you're willing to get out of your car and hike for a while.

[haggardhouseelf]

I like this topic! This is something my husband and I have been talking about doing more of. Whenever we have a free weekend we always end up heading to the coast, or maybe to Lake Waldo or Crater Lake or just running amuck in the woods... but there is so much "inland", as you put it, that we have yet to explore.

I hope some more people offer up some good suggestions. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if people tend to keep their favorite inland parcels of paradise to themselves though.

[tablemtn]

I wouldn't be surprised, though, if people tend to keep their favorite inland parcels of paradise to themselves though.

Well, that's true. But truth be told, a lot of these great little swimming holes are so far out of the way that they probably wouldn't see much increase in tourism even if word DID get out. I think the main advantage of the inland sites over the ocean is that the shallower water heats up more quickly, meaning that the ocean can still be chilly while the inland waters are more like bathtubs.

Some spots are well-known locally, but not statewide. For example, Applegate Lake is about 25 miles from Medford, and people from southern Oregon know about it. It's a nice lake with a long shoreline and nice views of the Siskiyous. But someone from elsewhere in Oregon merely passing through probably wouldn't think to head off to the southwest and enjoy it.

Some rivers are also a lot more well-known than others. The Rogue is widely-acclaimed. But the Chetco, which joins the ocean at Brookings, has some very nice swimming and fishing spots if you head upstream.

[mikemorrow]

Having just moved to the area from Iowa less than a year ago, I'm finding everything one great adventure. Now armed with a backpack and light wieght tent, I've been told go where you want. There is so much to see out here, waterfalls, streams, lakes, bears, mnt lion. For a little old Iowa boy it is alot to take in. This has been the best move in my 52 years. I'm never going back.