Green Peter Lake is located in the Cascade Mountain foothills of the picturesque Willamette Valley, Oregon. This beautiful lake is somewhat hidden amongst towering Doug fir and western hemlock trees, which adds to its secrecy and privacy. This vast reservoir is part of a system of thirteen multi-purpose dams and reservoirs that make up the Willamette Valley project. This gem of a lake can often be easily overlooked for more popular recreational destinations in Oregon. However, if you are an outdoor enthusiast who wants a little more privacy and vast areas of wilderness on your camping holiday, this is a destination you shouldn't miss! Green Peter Lake is one of the largest bodies of water found in Linn County, OR, covering an area of 3700-acres. This makes it a haven for boating, fishing, and nature enthusiasts who seek a destination that is remote yet close enough to all major amenities. Several recreational areas are also available at Green Peter Lake that are managed and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The region is close to the Willamette National Forest that comprises a vast region of wilderness home to spectacular scenery and plenty of wildlife. This vast lake was artificially created by the construction of a dam that was instrumental in regulating flood control, irrigation, wildlife management, and power generation in the region. The creation of the dam also improved downstream navigation for both recreational and commercial boats and also helped bolster recreational activities in the region. Green Peter Lake offers that perfect blend of remote and untouched natural beauty combined with modern recreational activities that make for a highly entertaining and enjoyable RV camping holiday.
Green Peter Lake is connected to the Quartzville Back Country Byway. This spectacular stretch of tarmac winds past the lake and hugs Quartzville Creek, a designated National Wild and Scenic River. This beautiful back country road is well-maintained and offers those driving to Green Peter Lake some simply breathtaking scenery all along the way. Rocky outcroppings, rapids, old-growth forests, waterfalls, and wildflowers are all found along this picturesque corridor.
Once you arrive at Sweet Home, the lake lies just ten miles northeast from here. Drive for 5 miles east on the US-20 E/Main St towards 22nd Ave. Turn left on to Quartzville Road and continue on this road until you arrive at your destination.
For those who enjoy RV camping by the lake in remote, less-crowded regions of Willamette Valley should certainly consider Green Peter Lake as their next Oregon outdoor destination. Whitcomb Creek Park is managed and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers and offers campers the opportunity to spend several nights surrounded by some truly untouched and largely unexplored natural beauty.
The campground offers 85 campsites for tent and trailer camping for those that enjoy a more primitive camping experience. They are no electric or water hookup services here, but vault toilets and access to drinking water are made available to campers.
This vast lake is the perfect destination for motorboating enthusiasts that are looking for a place that is remote, scenic, and offers a vast body of water to explore. Make sure you put on your life jackets and adhere to the boating speed restrictions at the lake. If you are using smaller watercraft, make sure to stay away from open waters on windy days as waves can build up suddenly. Boat ramps are available at Moose Creek, Thistle Creek, and Whitcomb Creek Park and are managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Every year the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife stock and manage these lake waters with pan-sized trout and kokanee from the many surrounding fisheries. Anglers of all ages and experience can visit Green Peter Lake to try and catch rainbow trout as well as plenty of other species of fish that thrive in this vast basin.
Fishing via boat is by far the more popular fishing method here as one can enjoy the beautiful lake scenery and also get a chance to toss in a line in the deeper waters of the lake in the hopes of catching large-sized game fish.
Certain designated swimming areas are available at Green Peter Lake for those that fancy taking a dive in the lakes cool and calm waters. There are no lifeguards on duty, so make sure you use the buddy system and only swim in areas that are away from the docks and boating areas. You can also find a swim beach at Lewis Creek Park.
Whitcomb Creek Park has designated hiking trails that carve through the dense green forested settings surrounding the reservoir. These marked and unmarked trails vary in difficulty and length and take hikers on a journey that leads to spectacular mountain scenery, rocky outcroppings, wildflowers, streams, waterfalls, towering hardwoods, and many species of flora and fauna that thrive in the area.
A picnic with family and friends close to the water's edge and surrounded by mountain scenery is amongst the most perfect ways to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Partake in recreational activities or simply relax and enjoy a BBQ and heartfelt conversations with those you love. Whitcomb Creek Park offers a group picnic area for larger gatherings while picnic tables, grills, and fire pits are also available for use at the various campsites.
If you're something of a history buff and would like to learn more about this breathtaking region, taking a day-out to visit Linn County Historical Museum in historic Brownsville, Oregon, is a must. The museum preserves the rich history of Linn County. It has numerous displays, as well as the Moyer House, an elegant house built by the pioneers of Brownsville in 1881.
