Dexter Reservoir, reservoir in Lane County, Oregon, US

Dexter Reservoir is a large lake in Lane County created by damming the Middle Fork Willamette River in the 1950s. The water is managed by a facility that also generates electricity, while oak and Douglas fir forests surround the basin.

The lake was created in 1954 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a regional hydroelectric project. The dam helps control flooding and provides electricity while keeping water levels more stable than the upstream Lookout Point Lake.

Lowell hosts a northern pikeminnow contest each July, encouraging anglers to remove this rough fish from the lake. The reservoir also supports rainbow trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. The University of Oregon rowing team has practiced on the water continuously since 1967.

Access to the lake is through a public boat ramp and parking areas that require a day permit. Dogs must be kept on leashes, swimming is not actively promoted, but boating, fishing, and hiking on surrounding trails are popular activities.

The City of Lowell holds a northern pikeminnow contest each July, encouraging anglers to remove this rough fish from the lake. The reservoir also holds rainbow trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. The University of Oregon Rowing Team has practiced on the water continuously since 1967.