Ben Irving Reservoir Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ben Irving Reservoir Park is a scenic park located in southern Oregon.


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Summary

The park is an ideal destination for visitors who want to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

One of the main attractions of the park is the Ben Irving Reservoir, which is a popular spot for fishing. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species such as bass, catfish, and rainbow trout. Visitors can also enjoy other water-based activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.

Another point of interest in the park is the hiking trails. There are several trails that take visitors through the beautiful wooded areas surrounding the reservoir. The trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate, making them suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

In addition to outdoor activities, the park offers some excellent picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a relaxing afternoon with their families. There is also a playground for children, making it an excellent destination for families with kids.

Interesting facts about the park include its history as a logging town that was submerged when the Ben Irving Dam was constructed in the 1960s. The park was later established in 1996 and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The best time of year to visit the park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and conducive to outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different activities such as ice fishing during the winter months.

In summary, Ben Irving Reservoir Park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities in a beautiful natural setting. With its rich history, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery, it is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting southern Oregon.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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