Miller Lake Trail

The Miller Lake Trail is less than 2 miles out and back with the full list of mountain lake amenities such as swimmin’ fishin’ and chillin’. Unless, you can’t drive across the steep creek embankment whereas you will add a dull 7 miles to your experience. You have been warned!

The Driving

– It’s a 60 minute drive from the I-5 to the Miller Lake Trail. Starting at exit 24 head toward Phoenix. Turn right on Route 99 then quickly left on South Stage Road. Into the countryside towards Jacksonville. Drive through Jacksonville and continue on Route 238 past Ruch and past Applegate.

The second you cross the bridge over the Applegate River turn left on Thompson Creek Road. You are now about 24 miles into your drive. Thompson Creek Road runs for about 10 miles and then turns into a dirt road. There is a 4 way intersection here. The road uphill to the right goes up to the Greyback Mountain Trail. Today, you will stay to the left and begin going downhill. In less than 1 mile you take the dirt road to your right.

That dead ends into another dirt road where you will turn left. 3 miles on this and there is an intersection where you continue straight instead of continuing uphill to your right. In 200 yards you will arrive at a steep embankment that crosses a creek. You need a truck or an insane amount of confidence and a car you don’t mind tweaking to cross this. I parked here. If you cross the creek in your car, it’s another 3.5 miles on a very smooth gravel road that dead ends into the trailhead.

The Parking

– Plenty of roadside parking at the creek, and a huge turnaround and a dozen spots at the trailhead.

The Adventure

– From the creek parking area you will start by crossing the creek. 75% chance you will end up getting your feet wet. Once you’ve climbed the other side of the creek it is a wide, smooth gravel road for 3.5 miles. It’s a steady elevation gain of 1,000 feet. This dead ends into the trailhead.

There is the classic Forest Service sign and everything. Uphill you continue on this trail for under 1 mile and you emerge from the forest into the perfect mountain lake. Little trails head around the lake for exploring. There’s a significant fire ring and, or course, teepee poles to wrap your elk hides around. Whether you did the 2 mile route or the 9 mile route. Boom. Worth it.