Dorena Reservoir is an artificial lake located east of Cottage Grove. It is situated among marshland, grasslands, and coniferous forests with scenic rolling hills. The area is also home to a variety of animals and birds.

This picture-perfect location offers endless outdoor adventures in the beautiful Oregon wilderness. The lake is fantastic for swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other water activities. At the same time, the surrounding area is a paradise for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, or simply taking in the natural beauty.

Dorena Dam impounds the Row River, creating Dorena Reservoir. US Army Corps of Engineers constructed the dam in 1949 as a part of the 13-dam project in the Willamette River's basin.

The primary goal of the Dorena Dam is to prevent flooding caused by heavy rain and melting snow in the surrounding mountains. As a nice bonus, it got us a fantastic area for outdoor adventures.

Nature Viewing and Wildlife Watching

Rolling hills, marshland, grasslands, and coniferous forests surround Dorena Lake. This area is home to a diverse array of waterfowl, swallows, yellow-breasted chats, bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, great egrets, and other bird species.

Fishing

Dorena Lake is a fantastic location for both bank and boat fishing, with a maximum depth of 97 feet and an average depth of 42 feet. You can angle from the bank and multiple spots around the lake, including parks, and launch your boat at Harms Park and Baker Bay Park.

It is a fantastic spot for fishing. The ODFW stocks Dorena with hatchery-raised rainbow trout from late winter into mid-spring, and occasionally in early fall. Trout fishing is at its best during these times, but it can be productive throughout the year.

The lake is also popular for small and largemouth bass fishing. There are even bass fishing tournaments held here. Spring is the ideal time to fish for bass, as the big fish migrate into shallow water to feed and spawn. Interestingly, smallmouth bass have recently become more established, which has reduced the largemouth bass population.

The reservoir also has crappie, brown bullhead catfish, and bluegill. You can catch those species right from the shore.

Please always verify state and local fishing regulations.

Note: The Oregon Health Authority has issued a permanent recommendation to limit the consumption of year-round resident fish caught in the state due to naturally occurring mercury. However, hatchery-planted trout is generally safe to eat.

Rat Creek Bridge on the Row River Recreational Trail is a scenic viewpoint with trail access for hikers and bike riders.

Harms Park is a small day-use area with picnic tables, developed walkways, restrooms, and a boat ramp.

Bake Stewart Park provides picnic tables, restrooms, and has blooming wildflowers in the spring.

Vaughn County Park is a beautiful spot with picnic tables, restrooms, and a swimming area.

Schwarz Park and Campground is the largest park on the lake, full of old-growth trees and other vegetation. There is lake access, picnic tables, restrooms with running water, drinking water, and a playground for kids.

Baker Bay Park and Campground is a well-developed day-use and camping area. There are a lot of picnic tables, restrooms with running water, and a marina with a boat ramp.

Dorena Covered Bridge

Dorena Covered Bridge is the newest of all other historic covered bridges in Oregon spanning Row River near Dorena Lake. The surrounding area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking, camping, and nature viewing.

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There are 2 campgrounds around the lake. You can camp at Schwarz Park Campground and Baker Bay Park Campground.

Schwarz Campground has 59 campsites for tents, RVs, and trailers. There are also several double campsites. This spot is a perfect base camp for boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities. You can reserve your spot at recreation.gov.

Baker Bay Campground has 48 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents, along with 5 premier campsites near the water. There are also 2 group sites, a designated swimming area, a boat lunch, and a playground. You can reserve your spot at lanecounty.org

Lodging in Eugene

Affordable vacation rentals for short- and long-term stays in Cottage Groove