Cottage Grove Lake, or Cottage Grove Reservoir, is a midsize artificial lake created by impounding the Coast Fork Willamette River.

Located just 5 miles (8 km) south of Cottage Grove, the lake and the surrounding area have plenty of fun things to do. These include boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, camping, picnicking, nature viewing, and more!

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built 4 day-use parks and a big campground at the reservoir.

Cottage Grove Dam

Cottage Grove Lake is 3 miles (4.8 km) long and is held back by the impressive 95 feet (29 m) tall and 1,750 feet (530 m) long Cottage Grove Dam. The dam was built in 1942 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers as part of the 13 dams project in the Willamette River basin.

This dam works with the Dorena Dam on the Row River to control flooding, supply water for irrigation, and improve river navigation.

Since its completion in 1942, Cottage Grove Dam prevented over $64,000,000 in flood damages as of 1977.

Outdoor Activities at Cottage Grove Lake

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 Other Water Sports

Cottage Grove Lake has a surface area of 106 square miles (270 square km) and thus has plenty of space to enjoy various water activities.

The lake warms up enough for comfortable swimming in summer and early fall. In July, for example, the water temperature quickly reaches 78° F (26° C).

Cottage Grove Lake is also great for paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, and other sports.

Boating

There are two boat launches at the lake.

You can choose either Lakeside Park, located near the dam, or Wilson Creek Park, on the east bank towards the upper end of the lake.

Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

The area around Cottage Grove Lake has trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trails vary in length, so you can go for short strolls or longer rides, depending on how adventurous you feel!

Wildlife Viewing

The lake and surrounding areas are home to many animals and birds. As you explore, you might see:

• Waterfowl (ducks and geese)
• Bald eagles soaring above the lake
• Ospreys diving for fish
• Songbirds singing in the trees
• Deer grazing near the shore

Fishing

Cottage Grove Lake is a fantastic fishing spot, especially for largemouth bass.

In fact, it is one of the best spots for trophy largemouth bass in the Willamette Valley and among the top largemouth lakes in Western Oregon.

In addition to bass, you can also fish for rainbow trout, panfish, and catfish.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks trout at the lake every year. The state also supports a variety of warm-water game fish, including largemouth bass and black crappie.

You can either use a boat or angle right from the bank of the reservoir.

Caution! Oregon Health Authority has issued a warning for Cottage Grove Lake, Dorena Reservoir, and the Coast Fork drainage.

Fish at the reservoir accumulates mercury, especially trophy bass. Because of that, it's best to release your catch.

Conversely, trout is safe since the hatchery plants it. So, it only accumulates the same amount of heavy metal if it has lived in the reservoir for a long time.

Rockhounding

Rockhounding at Cottage Grove Lake is not allowed because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages it.

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 US 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 (244 m)

Dorena Lake is located:

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

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