Cottage Grove Lake, also known as Cottage Grove Reservoir, is a midsize artificial lake formed by the impoundment of the Coast Fork Willamette River. Just 5 miles (8 km) south of Cottage Grove, this scenic reservoir is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking, and more.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers developed four day-use parks and a large campground around the lake, making it an excellent getaway for families, campers, and nature lovers.

Cottage Grove Dam

The lake is held back by the Cottage Grove Dam, an impressive earthen structure measuring 95 feet (29 meters) tall and 1,750 feet (530 meters) long. Built in 1942 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the dam is part of a broader system of 13 dams in the Willamette River Basin.

Working together with Dorena Dam on the nearby Row River, Cottage Grove Dam helps control flooding, supports irrigation, and improves river navigation. As of 1977, it had already prevented over $64 million in flood damages.

Cottage Grove Lake - Outdoor Activities

Cottage Grove Lake is perfect for families and friends who love spending time outdoors. Here is a short list of all the fun activities you can do here.

Swimming and Water Sports

With a surface area of 106 square miles, the reservoir has plenty of space to enjoy various water activities. The lake is excellent for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and water skiing.

The lake warms up enough for comfortable swimming in summer and early fall. In the summer and early fall, the water warms up to a comfortable 78°F (26°C), making it perfect for a swim.

Boating

There are two convenient boat ramps at Cottage Grove Lake—one at Lakeside Park close to the dam, and the other at Wilson Creek Park on the upper east shore.

Both are great starting points for exploring the water by motorboat, kayak, or paddleboard.

Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

The area surrounding the lake features several trails that welcome hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. There are routes to match different activity levels and interests from a gentle walk or a longer trek.

Wildlife Viewing

Cottage Grove Lake is also a great place to observe wildlife in a natural setting. Waterfowl like ducks and geese are often seen on the surface, while bald eagles and ospreys soar above or dive for fish. Deer frequently appear near the shoreline, and the sound of songbirds carries through the trees, making the area feel alive with nature.

Fishing

Fishing is especially popular here, with the lake known as one of the best places for trophy largemouth bass in Western Oregon. In addition to bass, anglers can catch rainbow trout, panfish, catfish, and black crappie.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout each year, and the reservoir supports a healthy population of warm-water game fish. You can fish from a boat or cast your line from the bank.

⚠️ Health Advisory: The Oregon Health Authority has issued a mercury warning for fish caught in Cottage Grove Lake, Dorena Reservoir, and the Coast Fork drainage.

• Trophy bass should be released due to high mercury levels.
• Stocked trout, on the other hand, are generally safe to eat because they don’t live long in the reservoir.

 

Cottage Grove Lake Day-Use Areas

Cottage Grove Lake has 3 main parks for day use directly on the lake and 1 on the river nearby:

Shortridge Park – Quiet, shaded picnic spots, restrooms, and easy lake access.

Wilson Creek Park – Gradual entry into the water, picnic tables, restrooms, and playground area.

Lakeside Park – Easy access, large boat ramp, picnic tables, restrooms, drinking water, but fewer shady spots.

Riverside Park - Sits on the river's east bank downstream from the dam.

Open: Year-round
Managed by: Lane County and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Amenities:  Vault and flush toilets, campground, picnic tables, fire rings, showers, drinking water, boat ramp
Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, camping, horseback riding, hiking, and nature viewing

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes at some areas or Interagency Senior/Access/Military Pass

Elevation: 800 ft (240 m)

Cottage Groove Lake is located:

• 8 miles east of Cottage Grove
• 30 miles southeast of Eugene
• 91 miles south of Salem.

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