Dorena Lake

Quick Facts

Dorena Lake

Oregon

(541) 937-2131

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Dorena Lake is located in rolling, partially wooded hill country. The three parks around Dorena Lake offer boating, swimming, sailing, fishing and water skiing. Dorena Dam and Reservoir are located on the Row River about six miles east of Cottage Grove. They are operated by the Corps of Engineers as part of a system of thirteen multi-purpose dams and reservoirs that make up the Willamette Valley Project. These dams and reservoirs work together for the purposes of flood damage reduction, hydropower generation, irrigation, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and downstream water quality improvement within the Willamette River drainage system. The shoreline of Dorena Lake is managed to provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species including waterfowl, black-tailed deer, song birds, eagles, osprey, and many other species.

Schwarz park located downstream of the dam, offers overnight camping for families and groups. Overnight camping is also available at Baker Park on the south side of the lake. The nearby BLM Row River Trail is open to hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Map of Dorena Lake

Latitude, Longitude: 43.771094, -122.929630

Boating
A boat ramp at Harms Park provides convenient lake access.
Bicycling
Bikers who visit the park can make use of the 15 miles of multiple use trail that are located near the lake.
Camping
The nearby Schwarz Park offers non-electric, pull through and group camping sites.
Fishing
Fishing is a fun activity for visitors to Dorena Lake, but check with parks before eating the fish.
Hiking
Over five miles of the multi-use BLM maintained Row River Trail borders Dorena Lake. The trail can be accessed near the lake at Dorena Dam, Row Point and Harms Park trailheads. The 14-mile trail begins in Cottage Grove and has several trailheads, providing multiple opportunities for short trips and shuttling options. Several agencies and organizations have come together to provide this trail opportunity. For more information, contact Eugene District Bureau of Land Management at 541-683-6600.
Hunting
Contact the park for more information.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are offered in Harms Park and Bake-Stewart Park day use areas on Dorena Lake, as well as at the Schwarz campground.
RVing
While the ACOE does not maintain RV areas, some sites are located in the areas surrounding Dorena Lake.
Water Sports
Swimming and water skiing are both popular seasonal activities at Dorena Lake.