Smith Reservoir is a quiet mountain reservoir in the Willamette National Forest, about 70 miles east of Eugene.

When full, it covers roughly 170 acres and sits at an elevation of about 2,600 feet.

It feels much more hidden than nearby Trail Bridge Reservoir. You can't see it from Highway 126, which helps keep the area quieter.

Smith Reservoir is best suited for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and quiet boating rather than a busy lake day.

One important update: the recreation area reopened on May 1, 2026, after about nine years of closure for improvements to the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project.

How Was Smith Reservoir Formed

There was no Smith Reservoir until 1963, when EWEB (Eugene Water & Electric Board) completed Smith Dam as part of the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project.

The earth-and-rock dam is roughly 250 feet high and 1,100 feet long. Behind it, the reservoir can store about 15,000 acre-feet of water.

The project continues to generate electricity for Eugene today.

Where the Water Comes From

Here's the interesting part. Smith Reservoir receives water from the Smith River and from water diverted from the McKenzie River.

McKenzie River water enters the Carmen Diversion Reservoir, then travels through an 11,300-foot underground tunnel into Smith Reservoir. From there, another tunnel carries the water downhill to the Carmen Power Plant.

The reservoir sits about 500 feet higher than the powerhouse, allowing the water to gain energy as it drops through the power tunnel to the turbines.

Things to Do at Smith Reservoir

Fishing

Smith Reservoir is primarily a trout fishery.

ODFW has resumed stocking the reservoir, including 1,000 hatchery rainbow trout in July 2026. Fishing is open year-round.

It is still a good idea to check current ODFW regulations, limits, and stocking reports before heading out because conditions and regulations can change.

Boating & Paddling

Want a lake where you don't have ski boats flying past you? Smith Reservoir can be a good choice.

Motorboats are limited to 10 mph, and an improved boat ramp is located near Smith Dam. The reservoir is especially suited to kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and small fishing boats.

Water levels can drop significantly from late summer through mid-March, sometimes making the boat ramp unusable. Lower water levels can also expose stumps, logs, and rocks, so use caution when boating.

Hiking

The improved Smith Reservoir Shoreline Trail provides an easy way to explore the area without getting on the water.

EWEB added a new viewing platform and picnic tables as part of the recent improvements.

It is a good option for anyone looking for a short forest stop rather than a full-day hike.

For drive-in camping, Trail Bridge Campground is a convenient nearby option.

The rebuilt campground has 26 walk-in tent sites, 7 pull-through RV sites, and one group area with four sites. It also has drinking water, four vault-toilet buildings, one flush-toilet building, and a boat ramp.

There are no RV hookups.

Smith Reservoir itself has Lakes End Campground, a 14-site campground accessible only by boat.

Other accommodations are available at Clear Lake Resort, as well as in Sisters or Bend.

Lodging in Sisters

Lodging in Bend

Open: Year-round; fishing is open year-round
Managed by: The City of Eugene, U.S. Forest Service

Amenities: Boat ramp, Shoreline Trail, viewing platform, picnic tables
Activities: Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, boating, hiking, picnicking, scuba diving

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None

Elevation: 2,605 ft (794 m)

Smith Reservoir is located: