Outdoors
Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Eugene for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
5 mi west · Bureau of Land Management
On the western edge of the City of Eugene, visitors can view wildlife and restored wetlands while they walk trails, play a round of disc golf, or ride the Fern Ridge Bicycle Path through the wetlands.
11 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Fern Ridge Lake, a popular recreation area for sailing, power boating and water skiing, is just 12 miles from downtown Eugene.
16 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
22 miles southeast of Eugene, Dexter Lake is a popular recreation area offering year-round fishing, seasonal water skiing, sailing, swimming, picnicking and hunting.
Map of 17 places loads as you scroll.
On the western edge of the City of Eugene, visitors can view wildlife and restored wetlands while they walk trails, play a round of disc golf, or ride the Fern Ridge Bicycle Path through the wetlands.
Fern Ridge Lake, a popular recreation area for sailing, power boating and water skiing, is just 12 miles from downtown Eugene.
22 miles southeast of Eugene, Dexter Lake is a popular recreation area offering year-round fishing, seasonal water skiing, sailing, swimming, picnicking and hunting.
The refreshing location with its lush, forest setting, coupled with comforts normally associated with an urban park, blend seamlessly at this popular day-use site.
This scenic 1,852 acre lake is surrounded by 22 miles of forested shoreline, providing many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as boating, water skiing, hiking and wildlife viewing.
22 miles southeast of Eugene, Lookout Point Lake is a popular recreation area offering year-round fishing, seasonal water skiing, sailing, swimming, picnicking and hunting.
This 14-mile, paved, multi-use National Recreation Trail follows the route of the now-abandoned Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line, along the scenic shores of the Row (rhymes with "cow") River and Dorena Reservoir.
The lake is located in rolling, partially wooded hill country. Its three parks offer boating, swimming, sailing, fishing and water skiing. Schwarz park located downstream of the dam, offers overnight camping for families and groups.
The lake and its shoreline set in the gently rolling hills of the Willamette Valley, is used for boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, picnicking and camping.
The natural bedrock slide at Lake Creek Falls is very popular and ideal for a hot summer day! A series of low cascades carved in the bedrock within a narrow gorge create this geological wonder that spills into Triangle Lake.
Timber Butte Lookout is located in the Fall Creek area of the Willamette National Forest at an elevation of 3,650 feet 19 miles from Lowell, Oregon.
Located outside the City of Corvallis, just off of Highway 99, William L. Finley offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities for the whole family!
Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley on the South Santiam River, Foster Lake provides boating, swimming and picnicking opportunities. The Foster Dam and Lake regulates the flow from the nearby Green Peter dam.
This scenic 1,240 acre lake with its many miles of forested shoreline provides multiple outdoor recreational opportunities. Overnight camping is available at Mona campground, boat launching at Saddle Dam and Lookout Creek ramps.
Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley on the Middle Santiam River, Green Peter Lake provides boating, swimming and picnicking opportunities.
Hills Creek Lake is set in rugged mountain country within the Willamette National Forest. The scenic 2,735 acre lake with its 44 miles of forested shoreline provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation.
With the beauty of the McKenzie River and a good reputation for trout fishing and several boat launches, this scenic 1,280 acre lake offers many recreational opportunities.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Eugene. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by Traveling Spud.
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THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by The Boutique Adventurer.
Watch on YouTube ↗
West Eugene Wetlands (Bureau of Land Management), about 5 miles west of Eugene as the crow flies. Next are Fern Ridge Lake (11 mi) and Dexter Lake (16 mi).
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.