Dexter
State Recreation Site

Near Eugene, Oregon, United States

Park Overview

Dexter State Recreation Site, on the western edge of Dexter Reservoir, provides convenient access to the reservoir with docks and a two lane launch ramp.  A picnic area with bbq stands and fire rings overlooks the lake.  But the lake is not the only attraction!  A popular 18-hole disc golf course winds it way through oaks and Douglas fir trees and you can reach nearby Elijah Bristow State Park through a system of connecting trails that follow the Middle Fork of the Willamette River.

Water Recreation

mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-cellphone Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 541-937-1173
Current Conditions Directions Feedback

Amenities & Features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline General

Is there fishing at Dexter SRS?

Yes.  Fishing is popular at Dexter Lake and below the dam on the Middle Fork Willamette River.  There is shore access for fishing, though most use the launch ramp to fish Dexter Lake from boats.  An access road from the park leads below the dam to a popular salmon and steelhead fishing area operated by the Army Corps of Engineers.  For fishing regulations, please visit Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's webpage at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/

mdi-help-circle-outline About Camping

Is there camping at Dexter SRS?

No, Dexter SRS is a day use only park.  Dexter Shores is a private camp across the highway from the park.  The Fall Creek area, including Cascara Campground is approximately 30 minutes from Dexter SRS on Fall Creek Lake.  Black Canyon, a forest service campground, is 20 minutes east along Hwy 58.

mdi-help-circle-outline Animals

Does my dog need to be on a leash at Dexter SRS?

Yes.  Leashes are required for all pets when you are visiting Dexter SRS.  There is an off leash area at Elijah Bristow State Park, located 3 miles west of Dexter SRS off of Highway 58.

mdi-help-circle-outline Day use/Special Events

When is the lake closed?

Dexter Lake is closed for specific boating events.  These include drag boat races and rowing regattas.  Please check the Events page for specific dates.  On the 4th of July, the launch ramp at Dexter SRS is normally closed, and all boats must launch at Lowell SRS

Is there hiking at Dexter SRS?

Yes, there are hiking trails that start below the dam and provide access through Dexter SRS to Elijah Bristow State Park.  Both the River Trail and Angler's Trail travel through riparian forests, past ponds and sloughs with ample access to the Middle Fork Willamette River.  A map of the trail system can be found on the brochure under "Photos/Videos"

What kind of boating is available at Dexter SRS?

From watersking to rafting, you can do it all from Dexter SRS!  Power boating is allowed on Dexter Lake, though there are speed restrictions under the causeway and near swimming and marina areas.  Since the lake level does not vary more than a few feet, sailing, fishing, canoe/kayaking, and rowing are popular year round.  The two lane launch ramp and courtesy dock provide easy access to launch boats.  Below the dam, there is an unimproved hand launch for small craft to float on the Middle Fork Willamette River.  Across the river, accessible from Pengra Road, is a more developed launch area that is a popular put in for those floating downstream to Pengra Access or Jasper SRS.

Where is the Dexter Disc Golf Course?

The Dexter Disc Golf Course is located within Dexter SRS.  The first tee is at the top of the hill between the first 2 parking lots.  There is a kiosk there with information on the course.  Dexter is a popular course that can challenge even the most experienced golfer.  However, the well marked course, with alternate basket locations and beautiful views can be fun for the whole family.

For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

In 1998, OPRD took part in a land exchange with local government, exchanging three park properties (Armitage, Hendricks Bridge State Wayside, and Howard J. Morton Memorial State Park) for a 25-year lease of federal facilities at Fall Creek Lake and Dexter Lake. Dexter State Recreation Site is one of those properties. Dexter Reservoir is one of 13 multi-purpose water projects built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Willamette Valley. The reservoir was completed in 1954, and Lane County managed the site until the 1998 land exchange with OPRD.

Brochures and Maps

mdi-file-pdf-box Dexter disc golf scorecard mdi-file-pdf-box Southern Willamette State Parks

Photos