Miller Lake (Oregon) Explained

Miller Lake
Coords:43.2283°N -121.96°W
Inflow:Tipsoo, Evening, and Gideon creeks
Catchment:11mi2
Basin Countries:United States
Area:566acres
Depth:77feet
Max-Depth:145feet
Volume:43700acre-feet
Residence Time:2.9 years
Shore:4.3miles
Elevation:5633feet
Pushpin Map:Oregon#USA
Pushpin Map Alt:Location of Miller Lake in Oregon, USA.
Reference:[1] [2]

Miller Lake is a large natural freshwater lake in the Cascade Range in western Klamath County in the U.S. state of Oregon. The lake is in the Winema National Forest, about 14miles west of Chemult via Miller Lake Road (Forest Road 9772).[3]

Recreation at the lake includes fishing for stocked rainbow and brown trout and kokanee.[4] The lake has been called "one of the best brown trout fisheries in the state".[5] Many brown trout in the lake, which is open for night fishing as well as day fishing, exceed 26inches in length.[5]

The lake and its drainage system form the sole habitat for the Miller Lake lamprey. The species was nearly exterminated during the 1950s by state wildlife managers, who saw it as a threat to trout populations in the lake.[6] Since its rediscovery in 1992, efforts have been underway to rebuild lamprey populations and reintroduce it to Miller Lake.

Miller Lake is also used for swimming and non-motorized boating. Hiking trails in the vicinity provide access to the Mount Thielsen Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail.[3] Digit Point Campground at the lake has 64 individual camping sites with access to picnic tables, potable water, and toilets.[7] Mosquito infestations may require repellent or headnets.[4] [5]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Johnson, Daniel M.. Petersen, Richard R. . Lycan, D. Richard . Sweet, James W. . Neuhaus, Mark E., and Schaedel, Andrew L. . Atlas of Oregon Lakes. Oregon State University Press. Corvallis. 1985. 234. 0-87071-343-4.
  2. Web site: Atlas of Oregon Lakes: Miller Lake (Klamath County) . Portland State University. 1985–2012. December 19, 2012.
  3. Book: Oregon Atlas & Gazetteer. DeLorme. 2008. 7th. Yarmouth, Maine. 56. 978-0-89933-347-2.
  4. Web site: Featured Lakes: Miller Lake. U.S. Forest Service. 2001. December 19, 2012.
  5. Book: Sheehan, Madelynne Diness. Fishing in Oregon: The Complete Oregon Fishing Guide. April 2005 . 10th. Flying Pencil Publications. Scappoose, Oregon. 283. 0-916473-15-5.
  6. News: Scott . Aaron . Swanson . Brandon . Long thought extinct, lampreys return to Oregon's Miller Lake . October 28, 2020 . OPB . October 28, 2020.
  7. Web site: Digit Point Campground. U.S. Forest Service. December 19, 2012.