Miller Lake (Oregon)

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 14 miles (23 km) west of Chemult via Miller Lake Road (Forest Road 9772).[4][5]

For other places with the same name, see Miller Lake (disambiguation).
Miller Lake
Location of Miller Lake in Oregon, USA.
Location of Miller Lake in Oregon, USA.
Miller Lake
Location of Miller Lake in Oregon, USA.
Location of Miller Lake in Oregon, USA.
Miller Lake
LocationKlamath County, Oregon
Coordinates43°13′42″N 121°57′36″W
TypeNatural, oligotrophic
Primary inflowsTipsoo, Evening, and Gideon creeks
Primary outflowsMiller Creek
Catchment area11 square miles (28 km2)
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area566 acres (229 ha)
Average depth77 feet (23 m)
Max. depth145 feet (44 m)
Water volume43,700 acre-feet (53,900,000 m3)
Residence time2.9 years
Shore length14.3 miles (6.9 km)
Surface elevation5,633 feet (1,717 m)
References[1][2][3]
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Recreation at the lake includes fishing for stocked rainbow and brown trout and kokanee.[6] The lake has been called "one of the best brown trout fisheries in the state".[7] Many brown trout in the lake, which is open for night fishing as well as day fishing, exceed 26 inches (66 cm) in length.[7]

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.[8] 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.[5] Hiking trails in the vicinity provide access to the Mount Thielsen Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail.[4] Digit Point Campground at the lake has 64 individual camping sites with access to picnic tables, potable water, and toilets.[5] Mosquito infestations may require repellent or headnets.[6][7]

See also

References
  1. Johnson, Daniel M.; Petersen, Richard R.; Lycan, D. Richard; Sweet, James W.; Neuhaus, Mark E., and Schaedel, Andrew L. (1985). Atlas of Oregon Lakes. Corvallis: Oregon State University Press. p. 234. ISBN 0-87071-343-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. "Atlas of Oregon Lakes: Miller Lake (Klamath County)". Portland State University. 1985–2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  3. "Miller Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved Jan 17, 2021.
  4. Oregon Atlas & Gazetteer (7th ed.). Yarmouth, Maine: DeLorme. 2008. p. 56. ISBN 978-0-89933-347-2.
  5. "Digit Point Campground". U.S. Forest Service. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  6. Sheehan, Madelynne Diness (April 2005). Fishing in Oregon: The Complete Oregon Fishing Guide (10th ed.). Scappoose, Oregon: Flying Pencil Publications. p. 283. ISBN 0-916473-15-5.
  7. Scott, Aaron; Swanson, Brandon (October 28, 2020). "Long thought extinct, lampreys return to Oregon's Miller Lake". OPB. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
  • Photo of sunrise on the lake by Milt Hill
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