Emigrant Lake, reservoir located 5 miles southeast of Ashland, Oregon
Emigrant Lake is a large reservoir in Oregon near Ashland that covers a broad area surrounded by hills. The water is held back by a dam built in the 1920s and enlarged later to increase storage capacity.
The reservoir was created when a dam was built in the 1920s to store water for farming in the area. The dam was enlarged in 1960 to hold more water and support the region's growing needs.
The lake takes its name from emigrants who traveled through this region. Today it serves as a gathering place where families and locals spend time together by the water.
The lake sits at about 2,200 feet elevation and is easy to reach from Ashland via Highway 66 with clear signs and just a short drive from the main road. There are picnic areas with tables and grills, campsites with and without full hookups, playgrounds, and trails along the shore.
During severe droughts the water level drops dramatically and reveals old objects that have been underwater for years. These exposed artifacts offer glimpses into the region's past and show how important water management is for this area.
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