A six-mile artificial impoundment, with a beautiful beach and scenic surroundings, Blue River Lake is a prime spot for year-round recreation. Located in Lane County, Oregon, the lake was impounded from Mckenzie River in 1968. The lake has become one of the premium spots for summer recreation in Oregon, attracting millions of visitors to the Willamette National Forest annually. The reservoir was formed in 1968 by the US Army Corps of Engineers when they built both Blue Lake Dam and Saddle Dam, a project intended for flood control and irrigation. When the reservoir is full, it can span up to 1,400 acres, making it a brilliant resource for both water supply and recreation. The US Army Corps of Engineers administer and maintain the resort, including the lake, while The Department of Wildlife is in charge of the fishery and other animals at the resort. Watersports are the most popular activity at the lake. The lake has two boat ramps used for both personal and rented boats. Anglers also use boats to fish for trout, whitefish, bass, and numerous other sport fish species. Swimming, kayaking, and diving are also common at the reservoir. Other activities at the resort include birding, hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing, and photography. There are two campgrounds at the lake for overnight visitors, making the lake a perfect RV destination for you and the family.
The park can be easily accessed approximately one mile north of Oregon Route 126 and 45 miles east of Eugene in Oregon. Roads from Eugene are generally smoother than those on Route 126, but all roads are vehicle-friendly.
Highway 126 is only one lane in each direction, so pull over whenever possible to let faster traffic pass. In this mountainous region, the roads that lead from the highway to the lake can be winding with steep inclines and switchbacks, so make sure you're comfortable handling your RV on this route. Also, during the winter, the area is subject to snow, so use appropriate tires and bring snow chains. On some mountain roads, winter tires are mandatory in the winter season.
Mona campground is the largest campground in the Blue River area. Situated on a narrow strip along the northwest shore of the reservoir, the campground has 23 campsites available.
Lush vegetation at the ground divides campsites, giving visitors privacy and shade. If you're lucky - or book early - you may even get a site that has a view of the lake itself. Some amenities at the ground include vault toilets, water pumps, bathhouse, picnic tables, and water pumps. However, there are no hookups for RVs, so you will be dry camping here. The sites are mostly flat, which makes it easy to park up your vehicle.
Firewood and ice are also available to purchase at the ground. There is a fishing pier and a boat ramp nearby, as well as an area for swimming. Camping is not allowed for more than 14 days at a time, and reservations can be made up to 6 months prior and at least four days before arrival.
Lookout Campground is the second campground at Blue River Lake, offering 20 campsites with no water, sewer or electricity hookup available. Located on the northeastern shore of the lake, the site is popular for group camping, providing picnic tables, vault toilets, fire rings, and water pumps.
Firewood is available for sale at the ground, and there is a boat launch, fishing pier and day-use area nearby. Buck Mountain Trail and Lookout Creek Old Growth Trail run near the ground and are used for hiking and biking by campers. Camping is not allowed for more than 14 days at a stretch, and availability is alternated between reservations and first come first served.
The lake is surrounded by some of Oregon's best mountain bike trails. Trails range from dirt roads to paved roadways and grasslands. The 35 mile Mckenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway is arguably the most popular biking route in the region. It offers some great scenic views of the Oregon sunrise as well as its unique nature, making the route a brilliant ride for photography.
Get out on two wheels and explore this part of the Pacific Northwest. You'll be glad you did.
The reservoir at the park runs for over six miles, and the lake has a surface of 1,400 acres, making Blue River Lake a boating hotspot in Oregon. There are two boat ramps, Lookout and Saddle Dam, giving all park-approved boats access to the wide lake area.
Boating is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful lake and its surroundings as well as for fishing and birding. There are few things more relaxing than rocking on the gentle waves of the lake while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Spring and summer is the best time for bird lovers to enjoy the wonderful range of bird species at Blue River Lake. A lot of nesting and migrating goes on at the lake early in the year and right through summer, and visitors can see some amazing species like herons, swallows, quails, and numerous songbird species. Eagles, egrets, and hawks are also common, as well as turkeys and grouse.
There are a few fishing piers at the lake available to all visitors with proper licensing. Trout, bass, white fish, panfish, and catfish are all easy catches at the lake. Whether you're trying to catch your dinner or simply looking to have a little fun, this is the place to do it. Remember that fishing is highly regulated, so all anglers are to strictly follow the states fishing rules.
There are a whole host of scenic views and photography opportunities for visitors at the resort. The Mckenzie Scenic Bikeway has some of the park's most scenic views, with hikers and boaters also having brilliant photography opportunities of birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Snap some Instagram worthy shots to make everyone envy your vacation.
Come down to Blue Valley Lake to see some of Oregon's wildlife species. Otters are common at the lake and can be seen swimming away from the populated areas, boaters cam also see other small mammal species around the river. Raccoons and badgers are more land-based, with rabbits and foxes common on the grasslands. A few snake and turtle species also dwell at the resort.
As always with wildlife, keep a respectful distance and don't harass or feed any wildlife.
