Top 20 Lakes around Roseburg

Among the most popular lakes are Schmalsee, known for its scenic beauty and a worthwhile hiking trail around its perimeter, and the Jetty and bathing area on Lake Lütau, which offers easy access to clear water and a hiking trail almost entirely around the lake. These spots are frequently visited and highly rated by the komoot community.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Galesville Reservoir offers a tranquil experience with varied water activities, a playground at Chief Miwaleta County Park, and camping facilities. Cooper Creek Reservoir is also perfect for family fun with hiking, picnicking, swimming, and boating. Both Schmalsee and the Jetty and bathing area on Lake Lütau are also considered family-friendly, offering trails and swimming opportunities.

The lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. For specific routes, you can explore options like the 'Steinau Bridge Groß Pampau – Steinau Bridge Near Wotersen loop' for hiking or the 'Wotersen Castle – Elbe-Lübeck Canal loop' for cycling. Find more details on available routes in the Hiking around Roseburg and Cycling around Roseburg guides.

Galesville Reservoir is a popular spot for anglers, stocked with rainbow trout and home to largemouth bass, cutthroat trout, crappie, sunfish, and bullhead catfish. Diamond Lake is renowned as one of Oregon's most productive trout waters. Lemolo Lake also offers excellent fishing for German brown, Eastern brook, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. Hemlock Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, making it a good choice for a quiet fishing experience.

Yes, Hemlock Lake is ideal for those seeking a tranquil experience, as no motorized boats are allowed. This makes it excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding without the noise of engines. The Schwarzsee Viewing Platform area also offers a quiet environment for enjoying nature.

The lakes are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. You'll find coniferous forests, mountainous backdrops, and scenic views of peaks like Mount Thielsen and Mount Bailey, especially around Diamond Lake and Lemolo Lake. The Hellbach Valley Nature Reserve, near Krebssee and Lottsee, features wet meadows, orchid meadows, and a tunnel valley. Many lakes are surrounded by pine-covered slopes and offer opportunities for birdwatching.

The best time largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer and fall are excellent for swimming at Galesville Reservoir, where water temperatures can reach 80°F. Diamond Lake offers year-round recreation, with summer being popular for water sports and winter for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Trout fishing is often best in late winter and spring when waters are cooler, while bass and panfish fishing thrive in warmer summer months.

Yes, Galesville Reservoir offers a developed campground with amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and drinking water. Diamond Lake also has extensive camping options, and Lemolo Lake features four forest service campgrounds and the Lemolo Lake KOA, which includes RV and tent sites, as well as cabins. Hemlock Lake also has a campground and picnic area.

Absolutely. Schmalsee and Lake Lütau both feature worthwhile hiking trails around their perimeters. Cooper Creek Reservoir has hiking trails, and Diamond Lake boasts an 11-mile paved bicycle trail that's also popular for walking. Galesville Reservoir and Lemolo Lake also have hiking trails in their vicinity. For more options, check out the Hiking around Roseburg guide.

Galesville Reservoir is often less crowded than other Southern Oregon lakes, offering a tranquil escape. Hemlock Lake is another excellent choice for peace and quiet, as motorized boats are prohibited, ensuring a serene environment for paddling and fishing.

The Carmen Langmaack Bridge on the Schmalsee is part of a beautiful footpath that commemorates Carmen Langmaack, who left a legacy for nature conservation, animal welfare, and environmental education in the region. Lemolo Lake's name itself comes from Chinook Jargon, meaning 'wild' or 'untamed,' reflecting its natural character.

Diamond Lake Resort offers boat rentals, providing easy access to the water for various activities. Lemolo Lake Resort also provides boat rentals, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy fishing and water sports on the lake.