KENO ROAD ROCK QUARRY, OREGON

Keno Road Rock Quarry is located a short distance outside of Ashland, Oregon. There is a lovely little lake surrounded by large boulders and forests. There is swimming and camping. The quarry area is maintained by The Rogue Suncatchers, a NON-landed nudist club.

DIRECTIONS: From Asland, OR, take I-5 to Dead Indian Memorial Road (Exit 14) to 1.75 miles past the Howard Prairies Reservoir turn off. Turn right onto Keno Road and go 0.75 miles to the top of the hill. Turn right at the gravel piles. Follow the road around to Bare Lake. The CO beach is at the northeast end. Bring an air mattress.

SITE REVIEWS:

Subject: Re: pictures of Keno Rock Quarry
Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002
From: Matt Schneider (matt@ms-photo.com)

First one, the entire quarry, from the south side.
Second one, Mt McLoughlin in the background.
Third one, the diving rocks on the right.

I have a sequence of someone diving off the cliffs (with model release) but that film hasn't been developed yet, I'll send that to you when I have it.

Thanks for keeping a great site.. that's how I found out about a lot of these locations.

- Matt

From: WKLNCK@aol.com
Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997

I grew up in Ashland and have been going to the "quarry" since high school (sheez..has it been that long?).

History

The site used to be a rock quarry. Shortly after work began, workers struck an underground spring which caused the excavation to fill with water. It is my understanding that workers didn't realize that they had hit the spring, and upon their return from lunch found their heavy equipment submerged in water. Divers had to be used to eventually retrieve the equipment.

Geography

The lake (actually more of a pond) is roughly oval shaped. It is approximately 100 X 30 yards. About 3/4 of the area surrounding the pond is relatively flat and allows for sunbathing and easy entry into the water. One side is bordered by rock cliffs which rise above the water to a height of approximately 30-35 feet depending on the time of year. Many people jump or dive from various out rock outcropings. The water is sufficiently deep to prevent striking the bottom. Because the water is spring fed, the water is quite cold in the early spring, but warms as the summer progresses. In late summer and early fall, aquatic weeds tend to obstruct entry into the water. They have not caused any accidents (i.e. drownings) to my knowledge, but are more of a nuisance and feel "creepy" across the skin.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is generally relaxed and is mostly frequented by locals from Ashland, Medford and Klamath Falls. However, sometimes as is the case with all "beaches", an occaisional obnoxious group of teens or middle aged, beer bellied pervert with a binoculars can be a minor problem. In most cases, these individuals are prompted to leave. The Rogue Valley Suncatchers maintains the site (i.e., trash, primative toilet facilities, trails). The Suncatchers frequently use the site and are a friendly bunch. Attire at the sign is primarily nude, or topless, but also visited by those wishing to remain covered as well.

Visitors

On weekdays one can expect to find anywhere from 0 - 15 people. Although, on weekends or when southern Oregon temps climb into the 90 - 100's, one can expect up to 50 - 75 people.

Recommendations

1. Take plenty of sunscreen..Summer sun in southern Oregon is extremely intense and is compounded both reflection from the water and high mountain altitudes.

2. Take food, drink and toiletries. The site is primative and has no potable water.

3. Leave radios and portable stereos at home. Use personal tape players or radios at the site.

4. Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere, friendly people, and cool clean water.

Hope this information helps..I've never written a trip report before.

Keith  

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