Fourmile Lake (Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fourmile Lake |
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Fourmile Lake, Southwest shore
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 Fourmile Lake
Location in Oregon
Fourmile Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Klamath County, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 42°27′57″N 122°15′14″W / 42.46583°N 122.25389°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Fourmile Creek |
| Primary outflows | Fourmile Creek |
| Catchment area | 105 square miles (270 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 740 acres (3,000,000 m2) |
| Max. depth | 170 feet (52 m) |
| Water volume | 15,600 acre-feet (19,200,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 5,748 feet (1,752 m) |
Fourmile Lake is a large reservoir (a man-made lake) located high up in the mountains of Klamath County, Oregon, United States. It sits about 5,748 feet (1,752 m) above sea level. This beautiful lake is about 45 miles (72 km) northeast of the city of Medford.
Fourmile Lake was created by building the Fourmile Lake Dam. This dam is 25 feet (7.6 m) tall and holds back the water from Fourmile Creek. The lake is found in the area where the Klamath River gets its water. It's also very close to Mount McLoughlin, a tall mountain that reaches 9,495 feet (2,894 m) into the sky. The lake is surrounded by the Sky Lakes Wilderness area and is part of the Winema National Forest.
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Building Fourmile Lake
In 1898, a company called the Fish Lake Water Company was started. Their goal was to help bring water to farms in the Rogue Valley area. They planned to create Fourmile Lake and make another nearby lake, Fish Lake, bigger. This would help them store more water for the farms.
The Fourmile Lake Dam was finished in 1906. Fish Lake was made bigger a couple of years later, in 1908. To move water between the two lakes, the Cascade Canal was built in 1915. This canal takes water from Fourmile Lake over the Cascade mountains to Fish Lake. This extra water helps fill Little Butte Creek. In 1955, the dam was fixed up, and a new spillway (a way for extra water to flow out safely) was added.
Lake Facts and Figures
Fourmile Lake covers an average area of about 740 acres (3,000,000 m2). That's like more than 500 football fields! The lake holds about 15,600 acre-feet (19,200,000 m3) of water. All the rain and snow that falls on 105 square miles (270 km2) of land flows into the lake.
The deepest part of Fourmile Lake is about 170 feet (52 m). That's as deep as a 17-story building is tall! The dam that created the lake is 25 feet (7.6 m) tall and stretches 660 feet (200 m) across.
Animals of Fourmile Lake
Many types of fish live in Fourmile Lake. You can find Rainbow Trout, Kokanee (a type of salmon), Brook Trout, and Lake trout.
Around the lake, you might also spot some interesting animals. These include the Bushy-tailed Woodrat and the Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel. These animals are not considered to be in danger of disappearing.
Fun Things to Do at Fourmile Lake
Fourmile Lake is a great place for outdoor adventures! The famous Pacific Crest Trail, a long hiking trail, passes about 2 miles (3.2 km) away from the lake.
The lake is part of the Winema National Forest, which means it's a protected area. The Sky Lakes Wilderness also borders the lake, and there's a trail that leads right into this wild area. There is a campground nearby where you can set up a tent and spend the night.
Some popular activities at Fourmile Lake include fishing, swimming, and boating. It's a perfect spot to enjoy nature and have fun outdoors!
