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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Cougar Lake

Blue River, Oregon · Lane County

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. There are visitor viewpoints at both sides of the Cougar Dam that offer spectacular views of the valley downstream and the vistas upstream around t…

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About Cougar Lake

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. There are visitor viewpoints at both sides of the Cougar Dam that offer spectacular views of the valley downstream and the vistas upstream around the lake. Most of the recreation areas are located within the mountainous Willamette National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Plan Your Visit to Cougar Lake

Heading to Cougar Lake? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Cougar Lake?

No central reservation system listed for Cougar Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/233) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Cougar Lake?

From Eugene, 42 miles east on OR 126.

How do I contact Cougar Lake?

You can reach the park at phone: (541) 937-2131.