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Blue River Reservoir Area
In the summer months, Blue River Reservoir is a popular place for fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing and stand-up paddle boarding. There are two main campgrounds, Lookout Campground and Mona Campground. There are also two boat launches, Lookout and Saddle Dam.
The reservoir is 6.4 miles long and when full, has a surface area of 1,420 acres. The dam is 1,265 feet long and 270 feet high. In the winter months, the reservoir is primarily used as storage for floodwaters in winter.
In late summer, early fall through mid-March, the water levels on Blue River Reservoir are frequently drawn down to the point where boat launches are no longer available. Non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks and rafts can still find enough water, but there is no access for motorized boats. Reservoir and river level information is available from the US Army Corps of Engineers here. Watch for obstructions near the shoreline such as submerged stumps, logs and rocks. Small craft should stay out of open waters when it is windy since dangerous waves can build up suddenly.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Reservoir and river level information is available from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Blue River, OR |
| Water: | At Mona Campground |
| Restroom: | At Campground and Launch Sites |
| Passes: | Some trails and day use sites require a Recreation Pass |
| Information Center: | McKenzie River Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Blue River, OR, travel 3 miles east on Highway 126 to Forest Road 15. Turn right on Forest Road 15, heading north 1 mile to Blue River Reservoir.
General Notes:
Boating Regulations & Boating Safety: Oregon State Marine Board manages boating regulations. Visit their website for boating regulations and safety information. They also have links to information about water levels in the reservoirs.
Fishing Regulations & Information: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages fishing regulations. Visit their website for information on fishing seasons and fishing licenses.
Reservoir and River Level Information: From the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Boating - Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:| Water/Flow Level | Water levels and boat ramp accessibility information is available from the Oregon State Marine Board website. Look for Blue River Reservoir in the section titled "Willamette Basin Reservoirs." |
Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:Swimming
Recreation areas with activity Swimming:Waterskiing
Recreation areas with activity Waterskiing:Alerts & Warnings
- Delays on Forest Road 46, temporary closure starting mid-December
- Landslide on Forest Road 19; one lane traffic
- FIRE CLOSURES: Lookout, Bedrock, Cedar Creek, Beachie Creek & Lionshead
- Portion of McKenzie River Trail closed; trail detour in place
- Christmas Tree Permits Available Now; 6th Annual Ornament Hunt Nov. 17-Dec. 31
Related Information
Highlights
- Download the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App!
Planning your next national forest adventure? There's an app for that! The Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App Now Available on Android and iOS Devices - Accessible Adventures Videos
See accessible adventures at Detroit Lake & the McKenzie River Valley
- Recreation Passes
Location