Skip ahead to check conditions
Cottage Grove Reservoir, set in the rolling hills at the south end of Willamette Valley, is a close drive from Eugene and only 1 hour from Roseburg. As with the other Willamette Valley dam projects operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, it is a popular place for boating and other water sports in the summertime. The water temperature warms up early in the season and reaches a comfortable upper 70s by summertime.
When it comes to launching your paddlecraft, Cottage Grove Reservoir provides several options. Lakeside Park features a low-water boat ramp and spacious beach day use area but tends to be the busiest. On the opposite side of the reservoir, you’ll discover Shortridge Park, a smaller day-use area that grants shoreline access. It’s particularly popular among families who enjoy leisurely floating in the protected cove. Lastly, Wilson Creek Park awaits at the far southern end of the lake. While it may receive fewer visitors due to its location, it boasts a cozy day-use area with a swim beach and sits adjacent to the tranquil no-wake inlet area.
Paddling from Wilson Creek Park to the inlet where the Coast Fork Willamette River flows is typically a peaceful hour-long roundtrip, turning soon after passing under a road bridge. When the winds pick up though, especially in the afternoons, it can make the return more challenging. A paddle around the entire teardrop-shaped reservoir would take approximately 2 hours (5+ miles).
*Time is roughly based on a leisurely paddle pace in typical conditions and includes breaks for longer distances. Wind, current, equipment, and the paddler’s fitness and motivation can greatly affect this estimate.
Good to Know:
- Cellular signal is generally poor or fair here.
- It can get choppy here when the winds pick up or with boating activity.
- The water temperature warms up earlier here and can reach a comfortable upper 70s F in the summer.
- Waterway restrictions: the inlet south of Wilson Creek Park is a slow no-wake zone.
Launch Sites:
Additional Things To Do:
- You can visit the nearby Row River trail, a rails-to-trails conversion that passes next to Dorena Reservoir in Cottage Grove.
- Camp at Pine Meadows Campground at Cottage Grove Lake.
Check before you go:
- Maps and Suggested Routes: Download or print out a map before you go from the SWT Planner App. As a premium member, you can access an ever-growing library of paddling-related maps and suggested routes.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and pay attention to the wind.
- Toxic algae blooms: This temporary condition occurs at some of the area lakes in the summer and may affect your health if water or fish is consumed during these conditions. Get more info on how to tell if algae is harmful and watch for water advisories but also use common sense if you see water that doesn’t look right.
- Water Temperature: The water temperature warms up in May and reaches a comfortable upper 70s in the summer. Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info.
- Water Level:
- Inspect your watercraft. You can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by wiping off any vegetation or debris from your watercraft and making sure it is dry each time before entering a new waterway.
- PFD, Whistle, and Waterway Access Permit: In Oregon, all paddlecraft 10′ or longer (including SUPs, kayaks, and canoes) require a permit. You can purchase the permit online.
Beware that the routes and information on this site are just general guides and the best path may vary based on water level, obstructions, experience level, equipment, and other conditions. Paddlers are responsible for providing their own safety. Super Water Trails does not assume any liability.
Oregon Paddling 