Lily Glen was once an important stagecoach stop between Ashland and Klamath Falls. Today this grassy meadow on the shore of Howard Prairie Reservoir is a Jackson County Park and a favorite riding area for many southern Oregonians. And while the stagecoach-era barn burned down in 2003, the historic water tower remains.
The Riding
The riding at Lily Glen is a little different than at most horse camps. While there are no official trails in the area, you'll find several unofficial trails nearby. They'll take you around Howard Prairie Reservoir, on a 10-mile loop along the lake's eastern shore and back through the forest, or on the 30-mile Lily Glen Endurance Ride loop, which runs partially on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Or you can explore the BLM land on both sides of Dead Indian Memorial Road near the park, following dirt roads or riding cross-country over the area’s gently rolling hills, through open forest, and across expansive meadows. The riding is easy, and the terrain is beautiful.
The Camping
Lily Glen Equestrian Park is located off Dead Indian Memorial Road, on the shore of Howard Prairie Reservoir, about 20 miles east of Ashland. The horse camp has very nice facilities, including corrals, potable water from a pump, a toilet, a manure dump, and garbage cans. In addition to individual horse campsites, the park has two huge group sites that are reservable in advance.
Give Lily Glen a try this summer. You'll be glad you did!
More Information
Lily Glen Equestrian Camp is covered in more detail in Riding Southern Oregon Horse Trails by Kim McCarrel, available at www.NWHorseTrails.com. Happy Trails!
