Detroit Lake (Marion)

Detroit Lake in Marion County, Oregon

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Detroit Lake is a 3,500-acre reservoir impounded by the Detroit Dam on the North Santiam River, located 46 miles southeast of Salem in the Cascade Mountains of Marion County, Oregon, adjacent to Oregon Route 22 near the city of Detroit. Created in 1953 upon completion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Detroit Dam project, this 9-mile-long, 400-foot-deep mesotrophic reservoir serves as a critical component of the Willamette Valley Projects, a system of thirteen multi-purpose dams and reservoirs working together for flood damage reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and downstream water quality improvement within the Willamette River drainage system. The lake and community of Detroit were both named after Detroit, Michigan, as many of the area's original settlers came from that region, while the reservoir itself sits over the historical roadbed of the former Oregon Pacific Railroad, a proposed transcontinental line built by Colonel T. Egenton Hogg that terminated in Idanha before the track was removed in the 1950s to accommodate construction of Detroit and Big Cliff reservoirs. The lake stores water for municipal use by the city of Salem and other nearby communities, with a capacity of 455,000 acre-feet when full and 281,600 acre-feet during summer drawdowns, featuring 32 miles of scenic shoreline when at full pool surrounded by second-growth Douglas fir forests in a forest-ringed canyon setting.

Detroit Lake has become one of western Oregon's major recreation resources, offering exceptional fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon (landlocked blueback salmon), landlocked Chinook salmon, and catfish, with anglers enjoying access from shore, boat, and an accessible fishing dock. The lake is renowned for water sports including boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, with spectacular sightseeing featuring views of snow-capped Mount Jefferson rising majestically in the distance. Detroit Lake State Recreation Area encompasses nearly 300 developed campsites on the north shore including 107 full hookup sites, 68 water and electric hookup sites, 95 tent sites, six mini rustic cabins sleeping up to five people, and reservable boat moorages, along with extensive amenities including horseshoe pits, basketball and volleyball courts, playground, two courtesy boat ramps, visitor center with gift shop and general store offering firewood, ice, souvenirs, and supplies. The separately managed Mongold Day-Use Area, located 1.5 miles west of the main campground, provides additional access with picnic areas, swimming beach, and boat launch for day visitors. The U.S. Forest Service and Linn County Parks and Recreation operate additional facilities around the lake including Southshore Campground on the south shore with 30 campsites accessed via Blowout Road/Forest Service Road 10, while two privately owned marinas near the town of Detroit offer additional services and rentals. Recreational opportunities extend beyond the lake with the 70-mile Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway stretching from the north end of Detroit Lake along the Breitenbush River to the Clackamas River and Estacada, numerous hiking trails throughout the surrounding Willamette National Forest, and seasonal water level fluctuations that create dynamic shoreline conditions from spring through fall.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"