Big Cliff Dam, Gravity dam in Marion County and Linn County, Oregon.
The concrete dam stretches 280 feet across the North Santiam River, reaching a height of 191 feet at its crest elevation of 1,212 feet.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers completed the construction of Big Cliff Dam in May 1953 as part of the Willamette Valley Project authorized in 1938.
The dam creates Big Cliff Lake, offering 128 acres of water surface for recreational activities while supporting the local agricultural development through irrigation systems.
A single Kaplan turbine within the dam structure generates 18 megawatts of hydroelectric power while regulating water flow from the upstream Detroit Dam.
The dam maintains water temperature between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit through selective depth withdrawal, creating optimal conditions for native fish populations.
Location: Marion County
Location: Linn County
GPS coordinates: 44.75100,-122.28310
Latest update: March 8, 2025 22:12
Silver Falls State Park
28.3 km
Bagby Hot Springs
22.3 km
Detroit Lake
8.7 km
Opal Creek Wilderness
12.2 km
Detroit Dam
4.3 km
Bull of the Woods Wilderness
18.7 km
Santiam State Forest
11.3 km
Table Rock Wilderness
24 km
Shellburg Falls
26.6 km
Middle Santiam Wilderness
19.6 km
Winter Falls
31.9 km
North Falls
30.7 km
Lower South Falls
33.4 km
Bagby Guard Station
22.3 km
Middle North Falls
32.3 km
Drake Falls
32.5 km
Lower North Falls
32.7 km
Henline Falls
11.8 km
Marion Forks Guard Station
30.5 km
Pamelia Creek Bridge
27.6 km
Twin Falls
31.7 km
Pechuck Lookout
20.4 km
Silver Falls State Park Concession Building Area
32.7 km
Marion Creek Bridge
30.5 km
Bagby Trail
32.4 km
Abiqua Falls
29.8 km
Collawash River Bridge
34.6 km
South Falls Lodge
32.7 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes