Blue River project data

Dam length 1,265 ft 385.57 m
Height 270 ft 82.3 m
Elevation (NGVD*) 1,362 ft 415.14 m
Lake length 6.4 mi 10.3 km
Area when full 1,009 ac 408 ha
*National Geodetic Vertical Datum

Contact us about Blue River Dam:
General: 541-684-4300
Recreation: 541-942-5631

Email us about Blue River Dam

Blue River pamphlet

Blue River Dam & Reservoir

Blue River Dam is located on a tributary of the McKenzie River about 38 miles east of Eugene, Ore. It is a rockfill structure with gated concrete spillways that was completed in 1969 at a cost of $32 million. Blue River Dam is a rockfill structure with a gated concrete spillway. Since its construction, the dam has prevented an estimated $375 million in potential flood damages. The reservoir provides 85,000 acre-feet of storage and controls runoff from an 88-square-mile drainage area. At full pool, the lake's surface area is 940 acres.

Blue River Dam works in coordination with Cougar Dam to provide flood risk management, and also provides water quality improvement, irrigation, fish and wildlife habitat and recreation.

Blue River recreation

Camping and day-use parks: The U.S. Forest Service operates three recreation facilities at Blue River Dam & Reservoir: Mona Campground, Lookout Creek Boat Ramp and Park and Saddle Dam Boat Launch. For more information call the McKenzie River Ranger District Office at 541-822-3381.

 

Getting around

Blue River area recreation map  

 

Environmental stewardship at Blue River Dam

The project encompasses more than 1,600 acres and the uplands are managed primarily through an agreement with the Willamette National Forest.   Large trees and snags around the lake provide roosts for osprey.  Several rare species can be found at this project, including bull trout, Chinook salmon and western pond turtles.

The Corps works with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to support resident game and nongame fisheries within the waters of the Blue River and McKenzie River basin.

Flood risk management at Blue River Dam

Conservation season - April to November: None.
Flood season - November to March: Restrict pool to 1343 feet.

For more information, visit our Water page.