For a photo of the main resort, click here Lost Creek Lake is an artificial lake created in the early 1980's. It's located on Hwy. 62 about 30 minutes East of Medford. Lost Creek Lake is popular among water skiers, campers, and for sailing. For diving, there are several locations that offer easy entries and exits. The most popular, however, is on the Northern side of the lake, across the dam, at the boat ramp. Here you'll find the old highway leading right into the lake, and coming out on the other side. Some people also dive off the main boat ramp at the resort, but only in the off-season when there is no boat traffic. The lake is deep - very deep. It can be very easy to get 80 feet or more on a dive, but not really worth it as visibility is generally not really good, and there's nothing down there anyway. Rumour has it that the lake is nearly 400 feet in some areas.
Surface temperature gets up to the 70's in mid-summer, but there is always a thermocline, and it's generally 50-55 degrees below it. You won't last long without a full wetsuit. The lake is calm enough for beginners, but it's best to go with someone who knows the lake. Advanced divers can do deeper dives for training. Do a thorough site review before getting in. Heavy boat traffic during the summer months. Lots of trees & stumps in the lake from when the lake was made, and fishing line in some areas. Deep water, often low visibility. Telephones located at many park areas around the lake. The best I've seen it was around 35 feet in the shallower areas (<30 feet deep). At depth, usually 5-10 feet. After a good rain, visibility will reduce to faceplate. The lake is diveable year 'round and does not freeze over. Winter storms resulting in runoff ruin visibility for several days. |
