With the beauty of the McKenzie River and a good reputation for trout fishing and several boat launches, this scenic 1,280 acre lake offers many recreational opportunities. There are visitor viewpoints at both sides of the Cougar Dam that offer spectacular views of the valley downstream and the vistas upstream around the lake. Most of the recreation areas are located within the mountainous Willamette National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

From Eugene, 42 miles east on OR 126.