A reservoir in Lane County, Oregon, Dexter Lake is located about 16 miles southeast of Eugene on the Middle Fork Willamette River. Dexter Dam, which is 117 feet (36 m) high, impounds the water in the reservoir, and its powerhouse can generate up to 15,000 kilowatts of electricity. The lake is not used just for flood control and electricity generation, however; it, along with three nearby state parks, is popular for water sports and recreation activities.
The reservoir was created in 1954 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and its water levels vary significantly. Popular activities at the lake include fishing, sailing, swimming, waterskiing, and kayak/canoeing. In fact, the rowing team of the University of Oregon has utilized Dexter Lake for its practices since 1967.
Visitors to Dexter Lake can explore not only the lake, but the three state parks next to it; Dexter State Recreation Site, which is a 100-acre park that offers a boat launch right next to the dam, Elijah Bristow State Park, an 847-acre park that runs for three miles (4.8 km) along the river’s south bank below Dexter Dam, and Lowell State Recreation Site, located on Dexter Lake’s north side. With plenty to see and do, Dexter Lake is an ideal destination for outdoor fun!
From Eugene, take I-105 E toward I-5 Springfield/Portland. From I-105 E take exit 4A to I-5 S toward Roseburg. Continue for 5.3 miles (8 km) to exit 188 for OR-58 toward Oakridge/Klamath Falls. Once on OR-58, proceed for 12.6 miles (20.3 km) to Dexter Lake. Roads are generally well-maintained, and you shouldn't have too many issues getting to the lake. This area of Oregon isn't normally prone to extreme weather conditions, even in the winter months. So long as you have no problem driving in the rain, you'll be fine.
Parking is available at Dexter Lake.
Bus service is available to about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Dexter Lake.
Located across from Cascara Campground is Fisherman’s Point, which is an RV group camp that can be reserved. The campground includes eight individual sites that can accommodate up to eight people each. Potable water and portable toilets are available at the campground, as well as picnic tables, fire rings, and boat tie-ups. As you relax under the shade of many Douglas fir trees, you and members of your group can reflect on your adventure and plan for more fun the next day!
Located at nearby Fall Creek Reservoir is Cascara Campground. The campground can be found on the upper end of the lake’s Fall Creek Arm and is surrounded by Douglas fir trees. The campground is rustic and includes 39 sites, vault toilets, potable water, a launch ramp, and an area for swimming. Sites are private and first-come, first-served, with many offering lake views. When camping at Cascara Campground, you can easily access the Fall Creek Reservoir and its day-use areas, along with Dexter Lake, and enjoy some private time at your campsite after a fun-filled day of adventure!
A small campground about 20 minutes from Dexter Lake, Broken Bowl Campground is small, with 16 sites set in a mature forest. Three of the sites, all of which are first-come, first-served, are walk-in sites. Each campsite includes a picnic table, and RVs and trailers of up to 20 feet can be accommodated. Sites offer shade and easy access to Fall Creek, as well as Dexter Lake and its surrounding parks. Flush toilets and tap water are available at the campground. Broken Bowl Campground offers a quiet place to relax after an adventure-filled day in the area.
Sitting on the western edge of Dexter Reservoir, Dexter State Recreation Site offers access to the reservoir with docks and a boat launch ramp that has two lanes. There is also a picnic area with barbecue stands and fire rings from which you can enjoy excellent views of the lake. There are other things to do at Dexter State Recreation Site; for example, an 18-hole disc golf course, as well as trails that meander along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River.
Those who are looking to breathe in some fresh air and relax in nature’s solitude while casting a line will find a great place to spend some time in Dexter Lake. During your visit, you can fish for hatchery rainbow trout, small chinook salmon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead catfish and white crappie. As you wait for a bite, be sure to take in your surroundings and the area’s natural beauty.
Dexter Lake has calm waters and is popular for a variety of watercraft. Choose to explore the lake by sailboat, motorboat, kayak, or canoe. Both sides of the lake have boat ramps and docks, and the Lowell State Recreation Site, located on the north side of Dexter Lake, has boathouses and a marina. As you traverse the lake in the vessel of your choice, you can take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy the sounds and scents of nature.
Located downstream of Dexter Lake, Elijah Bristow State Park offers more than 10 miles (16 km) of trails that meander through ponds, wetlands, meadows, and the Middle Fork Willamette River. The trails can be utilized by hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Additionally, the park offers an equestrian staging area. Explore the forest as you meander along the trails. And make sure you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like osprey, great blue herons, bald eagles, the Western pond turtle, and beaver.
Want to be sure to catch a glimpse of amazing birds? Check out the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene. Home to one of the largest collections of native raptor species in the Pacific Northwest, a visit to the center can introduce you to almost 50 birds of prey that reside in large outdoor aviaries. Open to the public, the center can be visited throughout the year and provides educational programs to all that are interested in learning more about the raptor species.
During your visit to Dexter Lake, you are a quick drive away from the Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Eugene. The Museum was officially created in 1935-36 as the Oregon State Museum of Anthropology and Museum of Natural History and now offers opportunities to learn about the earth’s environments and cultures. Within the museum are hundreds of thousands of ethnographic and archaeological objects, fossils, and biological specimens from not just the state of Oregon but throughout the world. Changing exhibits offer insight into the state as well as its varied culture.
