Lily Glen Horse Camp

Location:

Lily Glen Horse Park
Dead Indian Memorial Road
Ashland, OR


Date Trail Reviewed:

Spring 2010

Overview:

This is a truly magical place to ride! Not only is it an amazing equestrian area, it's also an overnight camping destination complete with corrals for your horses. There are eight overnight campsites, plenty of day parking and bathroom facilities (alas, no showers).

Because this equestrian recreation area adjoins Howard Prairie lake, there are countless scenic trails. You can ride around the lake, take off into the trees, or even ride on the other side of Dead Indian Memorial Highway onto BLM land. The park itself is maintained by the Jackson County parks department so there is a day and overnight use fee that applies.

Trailer Parking:

There is plenty of trailer parking and turn around opportunities. You'll see a small kiosk as you enter with envelopes for your use fees. Please be sure to observe all rules and fees while in the park so this incredible facility remains open for all of us.

I usually pull in and drive to the right, taking a right turn past the corrals and parking in the field behind them. There is enough room for 20+ trailers, which is why this is a popular camping spot and a great place for organized group rides.

Water Source:

There are several old school style water pumps that you can use to fill buckets for your horses. No watering troughs are present however. The water is drinkable for humans as well. In addition, there is a creek that flows across the park and into Howard Prairie lake that can be used for horses.  Do not drink from creeks or lakes, there are too many cattle in the area for this water to be drinkable.

Bathroom Facilities:

Port-a potty set up in a cinderblock building. These can be chilly in the winter so it's not exactly luxurious. No showers or other facilities.

Length of Trail:

This is the kind of destination where you can ride all day long, or just a few hours. The trail I like best, crosses the stream and heads to the right along Howard Prairie Lake. You'll go through some meadows  (complete with jumps if you want to try them out!), then skirt the lake and ride into the trees for a nice long ride. You can head left after a while and go up the mountain and when you get come down the otherside, you'll be right in front of the campground.

There are also smaller trails that roam in and out of the tree line at the base of the mountain. Those are great on a hot day because the footing is super soft and you're in shade most of the time.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to ride on the north side of Dead Indian Memorial highway but from what I hear, there are lots of great trails there too.

Footing:

Soft and marshy at the beginning, then into pine needle flooring through the forest. If you chose to ride into the mtn, you'll encounter some rocks, but nothing that it's impossible to cross.

Sharing Trail With:

The best part of Lily Glen is you'll only encounter horses (and occasional hiker). One of my biggest pet peeves is riders who bring their dogs and allow them to run lose. There is abundant wildlife in the area and between that and other horses, un-leashed dogs just lead to trouble.

If you stay on the trail that skirts the lake, you'll more than likely eventually run into campers. Sometimes they'll float over on a boat and just set up camp wherever so be on the look out for folks that don't know to stay out of the way of a horse.

Difficulty of Trail:

Moderate for the most part. You will encounter some inclines and declines, but it's a fairly easy ride for a trail horse. The toughest part for me has been the creek at the beginning. In the summer, it's pretty low but you'll still encounter some mud and horses that don't like water crossings will find it a bit challenging. There is a small wood bridge that some horses will cross, but it's fairly narrow.

Features of Trail:

Lots of wildlife, everywhere! It's rare to not see a deer at Lily Glen. There are many gates, logs and horse jumps set out for you and your horse. Some of them are quite old and shouldn't be jumped, while others are new. The footing is pretty good around the new ones. (Always take your horse around all sides of a jump before attempting).  The views are great along the lake and the forested part is very serene and peaceful.

Potential Hazards:

Remember that the presence of deer means their predators are roaming too. It's highly unlikely you'll see them or that they'll give you any trouble but just be cautious and ride with another person if possible. Because there are a fair amount of rocks and other potentially harmful surfaces on which to land, wear a helmet while at Lily Glen.

Note: few cell providers get coverage here so you're along way from help if you chose to forgo the helmet and have a fall. US Cellular and Verizon seem to have good coverage.

Great Place for Lunch:

I like to ride along the lake for about 3-4 miles then take a break in the treeline. Be sure to either wear a halter/bridle combination or bring your halter and lead rope so your horse can be tethered safely and comfortably. Again, remember to pack out everything you brought in.

The grove of Oak trees mentioned above provides some great shade and a place to tie your horse, it's usually where I take a break. Remember to pack out all trash.

Stuff Nearby:

Not a thing! That's one of the advantages of Lily Glen, but also one of the disadvantages. Don't count on cell coverage, gas stations or stores to buy things. If you follow the signs to Howard Prarie and Hyatt lake, you'll find a café and pizza place but it's a good 15 miles away.

Nearest Gas:

Along Highway 66 before you turn off on Agate Road, you'll find most major stations.

Directions:

Allow for at 30-45 minutes to climb up Dead Indian Memorial Highway. It's a pretty good change in elevation but fairly easy to climb. 

Traveling south on 1-5, take the second Ashland exit. Travel east on Dead Indian Memorial Road climbing up the hill then dropping down toward Howard Prairie Reservoir. Travel past the turnoff to Howard Prairie Resort, approximately ½-mile. Look for the large barn and corrals on the right side of the road. For an easier "haul" but a few extra miles, take Hwy 140 from White City east toward Klamath Falls. Turn south at North Fork Campground Road. Turn right on Dead Indian Road. Lily Glen is about 4 miles on the left.