Skip ahead to check conditions
Dexter Lake is a reservoir of the Middle Fork Willamette River just 19 miles east of Eugene. Unlike other reservoir lakes in the area, it is not drained for winter storage. This means it can be paddled year-round as weather permits. Crew practice takes place regularly here, as well as the usual boating and other water recreation.
Dexter Lake can be accessed for paddling at either Dexter or Lowell State Recreation Sites (SRS). Dexter SRS is conveniently located right off Hwy OR-58 and also has a disc golf course and walking trails. Lowell SRS is located on the opposite side of Dexter Lake away from the highway noise and has more amenities such as a picnic area, beach and swimming area, and playground for a day of family fun.
A loop around the entire lake would take about 2 hours or more (5+ miles).* Paddle up to the bridge and head towards the Lookout Point Reservoir dam.
*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:
- The cellular reception appears to be good or excellent here.
- Be aware that the water can get choppy and there may be a lot of boat wake on popular days.
- Although this location is open year-round and maintains its water level year-round, the best times to go are May – October due to weather.
Put-In Locations
Lowell State Recreation Site
- Parking fee: none
- Launch type: boat ramp, shore
- Restrooms: flush
- Open: year-round
Check Oregon State Parks park website for more info.
There is a large paved parking lot with room for trailers. The day use area has a playground, sport court, picnic area and swimming beach.
Dexter State Recreation Site
- Parking fee: none
- Launch type: boat ramp, dock
- Restrooms: vault
- Open: year-round
Check Oregon State Parks park website for more info.
There is a large paved parking lot with room for trailers.
Additional things to do:
- visit the fish hatchery near Lowell STS
- visit Lowell and support a community event
Check before you go:
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and pay attention to the wind conditions.
- 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.
- Water Temperature: Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info. Here is the estimated water temperature from Lookout Point Lake just upstream. Dexter may run a few degrees cooler as it receives cool water discharge from Lookout Point Lake.
- Park notices: check for any park status changes or scheduled rowing events at Lowell SRS or at Dexter SRS.
- 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.
- 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 