Rogue River Trail @ Lost Creek Lake - Takelma TH

March 18, 2018

The trail around Lost Creek Lake is called the Rogue River Trail, which may seem a little confusing.  However, when one realizes that the Rogue River is before and after Lost Creek Lake and that the lake is only here due to a dam, one can understand how the trail got it's name.  There are many trailheads on which one can access this trail and we have started at all of them except one - the Takelma TH.

Time for another new hike for us.

So with some sunshine between rain storms we took Katie and headed up to Lost Creek Lake and started our hike at the Takelma TH.  Since we were not familiar with this segment, we actually parked at the Day Use Area and had to hike on the road to get to the TH which is better accessed from the Boat Launch Area.

Into the forest we go....

Great trail signs along this segment

Most of the segment hikes we have done around the lake are pretty exposed and out in the sunshine which makes hiking them a non-summer option.  This segment, as we quickly found out, stays in forested areas most of the time, but still provided many opportunities for viewing the lake and of course, picture taking.

Taking in the views of Lost Creek Lake......

and more views......

and more views.

The shaded trail also allowed for lots of moss, ferns and our small wildflower friend Snow Queen, to abound as we progressed on the nicely kept trails.  As temperatures begin to warm up, we are sure there will be even more wildflowers to enjoy on this hike.

Snow Queen

Hiking on the edge.  Do not  try hiking this segment at night!

The trail eventually comes out of the woods and heads through an Oak Savannah area before joining with a dirt road for a bit to continue to the next trailhead, the Lost Creek Lake TH.  We made the road our turnaround point for a nice 6 mile round trip.

Large rock formation across the lake from the trail

View of lake from Oak Savannah area.

We got to enjoy the views of the lake once again and took time to look at the various rock formations around some parts of the lakes and take in the views of the surrounding mountains, some with a dusting of snow, others still completely covered.  By the way, the trail also has many benches where you can pause and take in the views and goes through a primitive campground which has many picnic tables.  Vault toilets are available at the Day Use Area and at the primitive campground.

We really enjoyed this segment of the Rogue River Trail and highly recommend you give it a try when in the area.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol