Summary
The area boasts scenic views of the surrounding Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains, as well as opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
One of the main draws of Howard Prairie Lake is the fishing, with rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and bass being popular catches. The lake also has several boat ramps and marinas for visitors who want to enjoy water sports, and there are many hiking trails in the surrounding forests.
For those interested in wildlife viewing, the area is home to a variety of birds, including bald eagles and ospreys. Campsites are available for tent and RV camping, with amenities such as showers and electrical hookups.
Interesting facts about Howard Prairie Lake include that it was created in 1958 as part of the Rogue River Basin project, and that it is one of the largest irrigation reservoirs in Oregon. The lake is also used for hydroelectric power generation.
The best time of year to visit Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area is generally from May through September, although the area can be enjoyed year-round. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing and bring snow. Visitors should also be aware of potential wildfire risks during dry seasons.
Overall, Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area provides a scenic and enjoyable destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of Southern Oregon.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Apserkaha Park - Howard Prairie Lake
Klum Landing - Howard Prairie Lake
Willow Point - Howard Prairie Lake
Wildcat Camping Area
Hyatt Horse Camp
Grizzly - Howard Prairie Lake