Fern Ridge Lake – Great “Escape-the-City” Destination near Eugene

Fern Ridge Lake, aka Fern Ridge Reservoir, is a short drive from Eugene and near the small city of Veneta. This fantastic getaway has six developed parks, numerous secluded spots around the lake, a campground, and an RV park. You can choose from Richardson Park, Richardson Park Campground, West Kirk Park, Orchard Point Park, Shore Lane Park, Perkins Peninsula Park, Zumwalt Park, Fern Ridge Shores RV Park, and many other places.

It is also home to the Eugene Yacht Club, hosting multiple regattas and championships yearly. In addition to yachting and boating, the lake is your "escape-the-city" destination, with many other things to do.
Come here for swimming, picnicking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other fun activities.

The Fern Ridge Dam, completed in 1942, impounds Long Tom River, creating a 9,360-acre lake. This is one of 13 Willamette Valley dams operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The primary purpose of Fern Ridge Dam and Reservoir is flood control. Additional uses for the complex include crop irrigation, water navigation, and municipal water quality improvement.

From May through September, the water level in the lake is kept high to accommodate recreational activities.

Water Activities

Fern Ridge Reservoir is a fantastic place for summer and early fall swimming. Water temperature in July is around 85°F (29°C). The lake has a sandy bottom and numerous sandy beaches.

You can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, water skiing, and fishing.

The lake is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts. Three areas with boat ramps around the reservoir are Orchard Point Park, Perkins Peninsula Park, and Richardson Park. Eugene Yacht Club, located at the reservoir, hosts yearly regattas and yachting championships.

Fern Ridge Lake is a fantastic place for largemouth bass and crappie fishing.

Bank fishing can be good, but a boat is better for reaching areas like wetlands that are difficult to access from shore.

Wildlife Viewing

The lake and the surrounding area are home to many birds and animals. Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is a wildlife management zone around parts of the reservoir. This is a unique habitat for various species, including wintering waterfowl populations.

Throughout the year, this area hosts over 250 species of birds, including bald eagles, ducks, swans, geese, osprey, great-horned owls, red-shouldered hawks, turkey vultures, and many others. You can also spot bears, bobcats, elk, black-tailed deer, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, mink, beavers, nutria, and other animals.

Hunting

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area is a fall and winter hunting spot for big game, including pheasants, quail, doves, ducks, snipes, and goose. For the current hunting regulations, check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.