• Detroit Lake is a the go-to destination for lake fun and scenic beauty
If you ask people in the Salem area about their favorite recreation spots, many will mention the Little North Fork, parks along the Santiam River, and especially Detroit Lake.
On summer weekends, thousands of cars and RVs travel along Oregon Route 22, which connects Salem with the Cascade Mountains. Many are headed straight for the lake, often towing boats for a full day on the water.
The Detroit Lake area is known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by the Willamette National Forest and offering views of Mount Jefferson.
Clear waters from the Santiam and Breitenbush Rivers, along with numerous mountain creeks, feed the reservoir.
The lake attracts visitors year-round for activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and relaxing along the shore.
Located in the western Cascade foothills, the lake sits roughly midway between Salem and Sisters.
It was formed in 1952 after the construction of Detroit Dam, which flooded the original town of Detroit. A new town was later rebuilt about half a mile northwest of the old site.
When full, the reservoir stretches about 9 miles and has a shoreline of up to 32 miles. It is primarily fed by the North Santiam and Breitenbush Rivers.
Adjacent to Detroit Lake is Big Cliff Lake, a smaller reservoir formed by Big Cliff Dam just downstream.
Both reservoirs are operated together by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control, hydroelectric power, irrigation, and recreation.
Water Activities
During the summer months Detroit Lake becomes very popular with water sports enthusiasts and visitors looking to relax. Boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are among the most common activities.
There are several boat ramps around the lake, and boat rentals are available if you don’t own one. The water warms up during summer, making it ideal for swimming, with many access points at day-use areas and campgrounds.
Fishing
Fishing is open year-round and managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Each year, the reservoir is stocked with thousands of rainbow trout, including trophy-sized fish. Anglers can also catch kokanee salmon, Chinook salmon, and bullhead catfish.
Fishing is allowed from the shoreline, docks, or near the dam.
Mushroom picking
The surrounding forest is also a great place for mushroom foraging. The Willamette National Forest is known for edible species such asgolden chanterelles, boletes, and suillus.
No permit is required for collecting less than one gallon per day (excluding matsutake). Free-use permits are also available through local ranger districts, allowing up to two gallons per day for up to 10 days per year.
The Detroit Ranger Station is located just west of the town of Detroit, off Highway 22.
Day Use Areas and Campgrounds
Mongold Day-Use Area
Mongold Day-Use Area is a fee state park located on the lake's north shore. There is a public boat ramp, picnic sites in shade trees, spots for fishing, drinking water source, and restrooms. Overnight parking is allowed only for those who camp on Piety Island.
Open: Year-round
Services: Flush restrooms, picnic tables, and boat ramp
Detroit Flats Day-Use Area
Detroit Flats Day-Use Area is located within the town at the eastern edge of the lake. This is a free park with picnic sites, swimming and fishing spots.
Open: Year-round
Services: Picnic tables and boat ramp
Upper Arm Day-Use Area
Upper Arm Day-Use Area is situated along the Breitenbush River near the spot where it enters Detroit Lake. A stretch of the Breitenbush River at this spot is more calm, wide and deep.
The park is equipped with picnic tables including grills, a fishing pier, and toilets. Upper Arm is supervised by the US Forest Service and there is a fee associated with its use. To get to this area, follow 0.8 miles north from the intersection of OR-22 and OR-46.
Open: May - October
Services: Toilets, picnic tables, garbage service, and barbecue grills
Blowout Creek Arm
A great place for water activities, located in the picturesque canyon, is filled with bright emerald water at the southwest arm of the Blowout Creek that enters Detroit Lake.
This place is popular among boaters and swimmers.
Detroit Lake State Park
Detroit Lake State Park is a camping destination. You will have access to boat ramps, a fishing deck, areas for swimming, a playground, basketball and volleyball courts. There is a visitor center where you can also buy ice, drinks, firewood, and souvenirs. A 2.7-mile hiking trail runs the perimeter of the campground. The park is located in close proximity to the Detroit Ranger Station.
Open: Year-round
Services: Flash restrooms, drinking water, showers, two boat moorages, and fishing dock
Accommodations: 107 full-hookup sites, 68 electrical sites with water, 96 tent sites
Camping reservation: 800-452-5687
Cove Creek Campground
The largest campground on Detroit Lake, Cove Creek is a quiet location on the southeast side of the reservoir with a fishing dock. The quarter-mile Stahlman Point Trail begins from the campground entrance. Day-use is allowed.
Open: May - September
Services: Flash restrooms, drinking water, coin-operated showers, a dock for launching, loading and unloading, (no mooring allowed)
Accommodations: 63 campsites and 70 person campground
Camping reservation: Recreation.gov
Hoover Campground and Group Campsite
Hoover Campground and Group Campsite are located at the southeastern arm of Detroit lake. This spot offers accessible viewing and fishing platform. The Hoover interpretive trail, Stahlman Point Trail, and others are available for hiking.
Open: May - September
Services: Flash restrooms, vault toilets, drinking water, a dock for launching, loading and unloading. No mooring is allowed.
Accommodations: 35 standard sites, with 21 reservable, and 1 reservable group site
Camping reservation: Recreation.gov
South Shore Campground
Situated on the southeast side of Detroit Lake, the 30-site South Shore Campground offers boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. There is an easy trail to the Blowout Creek swimming area. Day-use is allowed.
Open: May - September
Services: Vault toilet, drinking water, coin-operated showers, a dock for launching, loading and unloading. No mooring is allowed.
Accommodations: 5 tent double and 25 single sites
Camping reservation: Recreation.gov
Piety Knob Island Campground
Piety Knob Island Campground is located on an island in the middle of Detroit Lake with good boat-in access. Travel by boat from any day-use areas.
Open: Year-round
Services: Vault toilets and picnic tables. No drinking water
Accommodations: 22 tent sites
Camping reservation: All sites are first-come, first-serve
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Detroit Lake
From I-5,
- Take exit 253 for OR-22 Santiam Highway East
- Follow 41 miles on Highway OR-22 to Detroit Lake.
Detroit Flats Day-Use Area is temporarily closed for constructions