Fern Ridge Reservoir, Reservoir in Lane County, Oregon, United States

Fern Ridge Reservoir is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Long Tom River in Lane County, Oregon, about 12 miles west of Eugene off Oregon Route 126. The Fern Ridge Dam, completed in 1942, holds back the water; the reservoir and surrounding Fern Ridge Wildlife Area cover more than 12,000 acres. Moored sailboats with tall masts line the shore in front of white-walled buildings with light brown roofs, with a band of trees and low hills behind.

The dam that created the reservoir was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1940s to control flooding along the Long Tom River. Over time, the area around the water was developed to welcome recreational use alongside its original purpose.

The Eugene Yacht Club holds annual regattas and class championships on the reservoir. In summer, strong northerly winds arrive in the afternoon and usually last until dusk, which is why the reservoir is a sailing destination for people from nearby Eugene.

Several access points around the shoreline have parking and paths leading to the water, and conditions can vary a lot depending on which side you visit. Water levels drop noticeably in late summer, which changes how much of the shore is usable, so it helps to plan accordingly.

Fern Ridge Reservoir sits within a wildlife area that is one of the most visited birdwatching spots in western Oregon. During migration seasons, thousands of waterfowl stop here, making the shore feel completely different from the rest of the year.