Detroit Lake State Recreation Area is a state park in the Cascade Mountains region of Oregon.
The 400-foot-deep lake was created in 1953 when the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers completed the Detroit Dam project. The dam blocks the current of the Santiam River, thus keeping the downstream rivers accessible to fishermen and tourists. The lake is over nine miles long with more than 32 miles of shore line. The lake is drained at the beginning of each winter in expectation of rainfall. During this time, the lake looks more like an unmoving river. In the spring, valves are closed in the dam in order to increase the lake depth in time for the busy summer months.
Detroit Lake is surrounded by rolling hills covered with enormous Douglas firs. On a map, Detroit lake resides within the outskirts of the Willamette State Forest. Mountains can be seen in the distance, rising above the hills. Sometimes in the early spring, snow still clings to the distant mountains, making the scenic views picturesque. There isn't a major city within 50 miles in any direction, allowing Detroit's night sky to be free of light-pollution and unattractive vapors.
- Boating:There is a long floating dock that has 82 boat slips built into it. It costs $7 for each boat to be attached. The boat ramp is free to use after paying the $3 day use fee. This fee must be paid before entering the park, unless you are camping overnight.
- Swimming: There are two swimming areas designated by the large perimeter of orange floats. These floats are tethered together and are kept in formation by chains leading to the bottom of the lake. There is a swimming area on each side of the park. These swimming areas do not have lifeguards, so stay safe at all times.
- Play areas: There are two playgrounds available to everyone. They include slides and swing sets. There is also a basketball court next to each playground.
- Mongold Day Use Area. The lake's developed day-use boat launch with a swimming area, picnic tables, and restrooms. Parking $5/day.
Boating:There is a long floating dock that has 82 boat slips built into it. It costs $7 for each boat to be attached. The boat ramp is free to use after paying the $3 day use fee. This fee must be paid before entering the park, unless you are camping overnight.
Swimming: There are two swimming areas designated by the large perimeter of orange floats. These floats are tethered together and are kept in formation by chains leading to the bottom of the lake. There is a swimming area on each side of the park. These swimming areas do not have lifeguards, so stay safe at all times.
Play areas: There are two playgrounds available to everyone. They include slides and swing sets. There is also a basketball court next to each playground.
Mongold Day Use Area. The lake's developed day-use boat launch with a swimming area, picnic tables, and restrooms. Parking $5/day.
The town of Detroit is only a few miles up the road from the recreation area. There are several small restaurants along Detroit Avenue.
- Korner Post, Detroit Avenue. Has a rustic feel-good atmosphere. It is a family-owned and ran business that serves burgers, pies and more. If compared to a large chain restaurant, it would be similar to a Shari's. The walls are covered in old pictures and paintings. There are rusted tools and antiques sitting on high shelves. The food is exquisite and the service is friendly.
- KC's, 155 Detroit Ave. Owned and operated by two women. They serve espresso drinks, sandwiches and ice cream. KC's makes the best milkshakes around. The food is good and the atmosphere is fun.
- Marion Foirks restaurant. This restaurant is locally and family owned. There is a deck that overlooks the river to eat on. The service is great. The only bad thing is its a short drive from Detroit towards the bend on highway 22.
Korner Post, Detroit Avenue. Has a rustic feel-good atmosphere. It is a family-owned and ran business that serves burgers, pies and more. If compared to a large chain restaurant, it would be similar to a Shari's. The walls are covered in old pictures and paintings. There are rusted tools and antiques sitting on high shelves. The food is exquisite and the service is friendly.
KC's, 155 Detroit Ave. Owned and operated by two women. They serve espresso drinks, sandwiches and ice cream. KC's makes the best milkshakes around. The food is good and the atmosphere is fun.
Marion Foirks restaurant. This restaurant is locally and family owned. There is a deck that overlooks the river to eat on. The service is great. The only bad thing is its a short drive from Detroit towards the bend on highway 22.
Detroit lake is a man made lake and under the water can be large rocks and tree stumps from when it was originally established. Do not jump into the water when you cannot see the bottom. This lake experiences annual fatalities from people diving in and hitting stumps and rocks.