The Fern Ridge Lake project is 12 miles northwest of downtown Eugene and near Veneta. The dam is an earthfill structure with a gated concrete spillway for regulation of lake levels. The dam was completed in 1941 at a cost of $6 million. Six park sites and several remote access points around the lake offer a variety of day use recreation opportunities. A private concession on the peninsula at the south end of the lake has overnight camping sites.

The water level is kept as high as possible from April through September. The level usually drops 2-3 feet during the summer due to irrigation needs downstream. During winter, the level is lowered to provide storage capacity for flood control.

Extensive wetlands provide unique habitats for a variety of wildlife. Cereal grains and forage crops are planted on lands surrounding the lake to provide for wintering waterfowl populations.

Recorded Information: (541) 682-4414