Dexter Reservoir

Dexter Reservoir is only 20 miles southeast of Eugene and is a great spot for water-skiing or any other water sport. There are camping, boating and picnic facilities on the north and south shores of Dexter Reservoir. At the north shore of the reservoir is the town of Lowell - just west of the town is a great spot for camping or having a picnic.

Directions: Dexter Reservoir is approximately 20 miles southeast of Eugene. From Eugene, head south on I-5 to exit 188A. After 0.3 miles, veer left at the fork to highway 58. Drive until you come to the lake and take a left across the bridge on Jasper-Lowell Road.

Fall Creek Reservoir

Fall Creek is great for all types of water-sports. The reservoir is approximately 1800 acres when full but is much lower when it is drained after the first monday of September.

Directions: Fall Creek Reservoir is 12 miles southeast of the Eugene-Springfield. From Eugene, head south on I-5 to exit 188A. After 0.3 miles, veer left at the fork to highway 58. Drive 13.2 miles and take a left on Jasper-Lowell Road. Drive 2.7 miles to Big Fall Creek Road and turn right.

Hills Creek Reservoir

Hills Creek is a 2,900-acre reservoir that is a popular fishing and boating spot. Packard Creek camp ground charges $10-$12 per night, per site. There is also a $4 additional vehicle charge. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-September. No boats with motors are permitted on the Larison Cove arm of the lake.

Directions: Hills Creek Reservoir is approximately 43 miles southeast of Eugene. From Eugene, head south on I-5 to exit 188A. After 0.3 miles, veer left at the fork to highway 58. Drive 38 miles, 1.5 miles past Oakridge, down highway 58 and then head one-half mile southeast on County Road 360. There is a boat ramp at Packard Creek Campground on the west side of the reservoir as well as the C.T. Beach Picnic area, about two miles from the dam on the east side of the reservoir.

Crescent Lake

Located in the Deschutes National Forest, this six-square-mile lake has dazzling clear water and miles of wooded shoreline. Crescent Lake, Spring, and Ontora Point are all campgrounds that have boat ramps on the lake.

Directions: Crescent Lake is approximately 75 miles southeast of the Eugene-Springfield area. From Eugene, head south on I-5 to exit 188A. After 0.3 miles, veer left at the fork to highway 58. Drive down highway 58, three miles south of Odell Lake, and take the Forest Rd. 60 turnoff.

Cultus Lake (Big)

Cultus Lake is 785 acres and has excellent water quality. Water-skiing, swimming and sailing are all popular on the lake. Cultus Resort has a restaurant, cabins, boat and motor rentals, supplies and gas. West Cultus Campground and Cultus Lake Campground both have boat ramps.

Directions: Cultus Lake is approximately 50 miles southwest of Bend. From Eugene, head south on I-5 to exit 188A. After 0.3 miles, veer left at the fork to highway 58. Drive down highway 58, past Odell Lake, to highway 61. Then take highway 46 past Davis Lake and Crane Prairie to the Cultus Lake turn-off.

Wickiup Reservoir

Wickiup Reservoir is one of Oregon's largest reservoirs. A dam on the upper Deschutes River creates the reservoir. It is a great place for fishing, camping and boating. There are 10-mph speed limits on the Davis Creek Arm and around the Twin Lakes Resort, both located on the west side of the reservoir. Twin Lakes Resort has rental boats, a restaurant, supplies, gas, and even accommodations. There are five boat ramps on the reservoir, three of them located on the lower Deschutes arm of the reservoir.

Directions: Wickiup Reservoir is approximately 40 miles southwest of Bend. From Eugene, head south on I-5 to exit 188A. After 0.3 miles, veer left at the fork to highway 58. Drive down highway 58, past Odell Lake, to highway 61. From highway 61, you should take highway 46 past Davis Lake. To get to the Davis arm of the reservoir take a right on primary forest route 44 to the boat ramp. If you would like to go to the lower Deschutes arm, drive further north on highway 46 and take a right on primary forest route 42 until you reach the turn off for Twin Lakes Resort (road 4260).