Lost Creek Lake, Reservoir in Jackson County, Oregon.
Lost Creek Lake is a reservoir in the Rogue River valley surrounded by forested mountains and hills. The body of water covers a large area with varying depths and offers different zones for recreation and activities.
The reservoir was created when the William L. Jess Dam was completed in 1977 by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The project was developed as part of a larger effort to manage water resources in the Rogue River Basin.
The Cole Rivers Fish Hatchery nearby supports regional salmon populations and allows visitors to learn about local aquatic conservation work. The facility demonstrates how communities manage fish populations in this river system.
The lake is accessible via Oregon Route 62 and sits northeast of Medford. Multiple boat ramps and camping areas line the shoreline for visitors.
The intake tower is 327 feet tall, matching the dam's height, and mixes lake water from different depths in a chamber before release. This cools the Rogue River's warm summer flow, aiding fish migration. The dam's two hydroelectric units produce 49 megawatts.
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