Jackson Hot Springs (2253 Route 99, 541/482-3776) is 2 miles north of Ashland on the old highway and has a naturally heated public swimming pool as well as private mineral baths.

Meyer Memorial Pool (Hunter Park, Homes Ave. and Hunter Court, 541/488-0313, summer) includes a wading pool for infants and toddlers under age five as well as a large swimming pool for grown-ups.

Six miles east of Ashland on Route 66 is Emigrant Reservoir (541/776-7001). In addition to waterskiing, sailing, fishing, and swimming, there is a 270-foot twin flume waterslide (noon–6 p.m. daily Memorial Day–Labor Day).

Twenty-five miles east of Ashland (a half-hour’s drive) near Dead Indian Memorial Road is Howard Prairie Lake Resort (3249 Hyatt Prairie Rd., 541/482-1979, www.howardprairieresort.com). Tucked away in the Cascade Mountains at 4,500 feet and surrounded by tall pines and fir trees, this six-mile-long lake peppered with small islands is noted for its runs of rainbow trout.

The resort marina offers boat rentals ($35 half day, $50 full day) and everything else you may need to land some supper, including friendly advice about where the fish are biting. A general store, a restaurant, lodging, and 300 campsites ($20–29) are also found at this mountain retreat.