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Willamette Valley Region
Detroit Lake State Park
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DETROIT LAKE STATE PARK
DETROIT LAKE STATE PARK

Reservations: 503-854-3346
Mongold Day Use area is 1.5 miles west of Detroit Lake State Park. It?s the only public boat launch facility on the lake featuring a swimming area, grass beach, picnic facilities and restrooms. Mongold is a year-round fee area.

Mongold has 58 single car parking spaces and three fully-accessible parking spaces near the swimming area, and another 25 single car parking spaces at the top of the parking lot. There are 120 vehicle/trailer parking spaces, and three that are accessible to people with disabilities.

Overnight parking at Mongold is permitted only when the visitor is camping on Piety Island.
History of the Area
Located in the western part of Oregon, USA, this recreational area was established as a state park in 1952. The creation of the park followed shortly after Detroit Dam's construction by U.S Army Corps Engineers between 1949 and 1953 on North Santiam River.

The damming project resulted in creating an artificial lake named "Detroit Lake," which spans over nine miles long with approximately thirty-two miles shoreline. This reservoir became central to what is now known as one of Oregon's most popular outdoor recreation areas.

In its early years, it primarily served locals for fishing and boating activities due to its rich aquatic life including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon among others. However, gradually amenities were added such as campgrounds (in late '50s), picnic spots etc., making it more appealing for tourists from far off places too.

Over time various improvements have been made like addition of boat ramps & docks; modernization/upgradation work done during mid-2000s included renovation at campground sites along with new restroom facilities being installed.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseSwimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Camping
1. Detroit Lake Campground: This is the main campground within the state park, offering over 100 full-hookup sites and more than a dozen tent-only campsites.

2. South Shore Campground: Located on the south shore of Detroit Lake, this campsite offers both RV and tent camping options with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits etc.

3. Cove Creek Campground: Situated near Breitenbush River's outlet to Detroit lake, it provides access for boating & fishing along with standard camping facilities.

4. Hoover Campgrounds: It has about 32 single-family campsites located in a beautiful forested setting close to Santiam river.

5. Hoover Group Site: A group site that can accommodate up to 50 people at once making it perfect for large gatherings or events.

6. Santiam Flats: Nestled among towering Douglas fir trees ,it features ten spacious family-friendly campsites.

7. Piety Island: For those looking for something unique,this island situated right in middle of detroit lake could be an option but only accessible by boat though!

All these campgrounds typically offer restrooms/showers,picnic areas,and easy access to water activities such as swimming,fishing,kayaking etc. Some also have playgrounds,hiking trails nearby.
Swimming
1. Detroit Lake State Park offers two designated swimming areas for visitors.
2. The park's large, freshwater lake is perfect for cooling off during hot summer days.
3. Lifeguards are not on duty; swimmers should exercise caution and swim at their own risk.
4. Swimming options include free-swimming or using inflatable floats in the open water area of the lake.
5. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult while swimming due to safety concerns.
6. The shoreline also provides shallow waters suitable for younger children or less confident swimmers.
7. Swim aids like life jackets can be used but aren't provided by the state park officials.
8. Water temperatures vary throughout seasons so it's advisable to check before planning a swim trip.
Boating
Detroit Lake offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There are two boat ramps and several marinas available, making it easy to launch your own watercraft. The lake is popular for motorized boats as well as non-motorized vessels like kayaks or canoes. Fishing boats and pontoon rentals are also offered by local businesses around the area if you don't have your own vessel but still want to enjoy some time on the water.
Fishing
The park offers abundant fishing opportunities with species like rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and brown bullhead. Anglers can enjoy shore or boat fishing. Fishing tournaments are held annually. Ice-fishing is popular in winter months.


Location
Detroit Lake State Park is
Nearby Parks

Picnicking
Detroit Lake State Park offers numerous picnic spots with beautiful lake views, equipped with tables and grills. Restrooms are available.
Trails
1. South Shore Trail: This 2-mile trail offers a scenic walk along the south shore of Detroit Lake, with beautiful views over the water and surrounding forest.

2. Stahlman Point Trail: A moderately difficult hike that stretches for about 4 miles round trip, leading to an old fire lookout site at Stahlman Point which provides panoramic views of Detroit Lake and Mount Jefferson in distance.

3. Hoover Nature Trail: An easy half mile loop through lush greenery ideal for bird watching or simply enjoying nature's tranquility; interpretive signs are placed throughout this ADA-accessible path providing information on local flora and fauna.

4. Mountain View Loop Hike: As its name suggests, it is known for offering stunning mountain vistas during clear days while traversing through dense forests across approximately three miles long route.

5. Tumble Ridge Trial: It's a challenging but rewarding trek spanning around six miles one way where hikers can enjoy breathtaking sights including Dome Rock as well as Three Pyramids peaks from certain points along the track.

6. Cloverpatch Tie:In Trails: These trails connect various other paths within park allowing more experienced adventurers to create their own longer routes by combining different sections according to preference.

7. Piety Island Pathway: Short yet picturesque pathway circling Piety island located right inside lake itself accessible only via boat when water levels permit making it unique experience among all available hikes here.

8. Breitenbush Gorge Whitewater Walk: Though technically outside state park boundaries,it starts near Breitenbush campground just few minutes drive away .This short (less than two mile) out-and-back trail leads you alongside roaring whitewater rapids culminating into spectacular view point overlooking gorge below.
Bicycling
While biking is not a primary activity, there are still options available.

The park's roads offer cyclists paved surfaces to ride on.

However, these roads can be busy with vehicle traffic during peak times.

Therefore, it's important for bikers to exercise caution and wear protective gear at all times.

There aren't any designated mountain bike trails within the boundaries of this location.

For off-road enthusiasts, nearby Willamette National Forest offers numerous trail systems suitable for cycling.

Remember that weather conditions may affect road safety so always check before setting out.

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Directions
1. Start by heading south on I:5 S from downtown Portland.
2. Continue driving for approximately 30 miles until you reach Exit 253 toward Salem Parkway/Highway 22 E/Detroit Lake/Bend.
3. Take this exit and merge onto OR:99E BUS N/Salem Pkwy NE towards Highway 22 E/Detroit Lake/Bend.
4. Stay on OR:99E BUS N/Salem Pkwy NE for about half a mile before merging onto Highway 22 E via the ramp to Detroit Dam/Oregon Coast Range/Mission St SE/Eastern Oregon University-Salem Campus.
5. Follow Highway 22 E for around an hour as it winds through scenic landscapes and forests until you arrive at your destination.
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