When Cindi Childs thinks of sunny weekends from late spring to early fall, she thinks of Fern Ridge Reservoir.
“You will find us on our boat, tied together with groups of friends in their boats,” says Childs. “It is a multigenerational activity, including grandparents, parents, and children.”
Since it’s so close to home, Fern Ridge is all the easier to love. Oregon abounds in lowercase-g great lakes, whether Diamond Lake or Waldo Lake, Odell Lake or National Park wonder Crater Lake. However, all these take more drive time.
Our own hometown Fern Ridge makes it much faster to get on the water. From the heart of downtown Eugene, you can be at notable destinations such as West Kirk Park, Orchard Point Park, the Eugene Yacht Club, or Richardson Park Campground in as little as 20 minutes.
Wherever folks are in Lane County, it’s no wonder Fern Ridge features in many people’s childhood memories — and in their goals to have Fern Ridge be part of their children’s lives.
“I grew up going to Fern Ridge every summer with my family,” says Andrew Deffenbacher, Eugene native and owner of Springfield’s Tavern on Main and Eugene’s B2 Bar and Grill. “I learned to water ski on that lake when I was a kid, on little Snoopy skis. I have so many great memories on the lake. It was always a dream to live here one day and create those same memories with my family.”
Just last summer, Deffenbacher’s daughter learned to ski on the same waters her dad did.
“It was so cool to see her follow in her dad’s footsteps,” says Chelsea Deffenbacher, anchor at KEZI and Andrew’s wife. “When Andrew and I were first dating, he would bring me out to the lake for barbecues with his family, and I could tell this lake just held such special memories.” Now they have a house there.
People used the wetlands and dry land here long before the reservoir’s completion in 1942. When water levels are low, people still sometimes find arrowheads from the Chelamela and Chemapho tribes of the Kalapuya Indians, who once maintained camps and settlements here.
Today, people visit Fern Ridge, and the wetlands in the south, for wildlife viewing, birding, cycling, fishing, sailing, paddle sports, and boating. Richardson Park Campground makes it easy for campers and RVers to have access to the water. Seniors enjoy the lake from the Fern Ridge Shores 55+ community, as do residents from growing communities in the Elmira and Veneta areas to the southeast.
“I can drive 20 minutes home from work in the summer and it feels like you’re on vacation,” says Deffenbacher.
This modern enjoyment came from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control project, which today is one of 13 multipurpose dams that the Corps operates in the Willamette Valley.
The 12,000-acre lake sits 12 miles west of Eugene off Oregon 126 (which connects Eugene to the Oregon Coast), on the Long Tom River. On a practical level, Fern Ridge provides flood control and irrigation. The Corps estimates that Fern Ridge has prevented more than $415 million in potential flood damage.
Areas around Fern Ridge are maintained as wildlife management areas, protecting habitats for many species, especially waterfowl. (Speaking of protecting animals, watch for algae blooms, as they can be toxic to pets and their human companions.)
Marinas and boat ramps at Orchard Point Park, Perkins Peninsula Park, and Richardson Park get sailboats, kayaks, and other watercraft onto the lake. Combined with the Eugene Yacht Club, Fern Ridge’s summer calendar includes triathlons, regattas, and other events. Anglers find plenty of places to cast a line for catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and cutthroat trout. The silent early hours may help a duck hunter wait for the right moment.
“I grew up going to Orchard Point for picnics with family and friends, reunions, and lazy lake days. It was always busy,” recalls Childs. “We would go boating and spend time cruising down the canal and through what is commonly referred to as the ‘Jungle Cruise.’ My friends and I would drive to Richardson with sacks full of snacks and drinks and the latest magazines to lay in the sun all day.”
From May to September, the Corps maintains a higher water level in the lake, so that people can enjoy the reservoir for boating and other recreation. Around October, the Corps typically lowers the lake to provide water storage capacity as fall and winter rains take hold.
As the water levels and the seasons wax and wane, Fern Ridge and its surrounding wetlands and countryside are home to a range of species. There are purple martins, ospreys, tree frogs, muskrats, western pond turtles, red foxes, beavers, and great blue herons. Audubon Society of Lane County counts around 250 species of birds, such as mergansers, northern harriers, Canada geese, tundra swans, egrets, and even peregrine falcons.
“You see wildlife, large osprey nests, bald eagles, and pelicans,” says Childs. But come summertime, people often head to Fern Ridge for their favorite summer recreation activities.
Chelsea Deffenbacher says she enjoys hosting barbecues at their nearby property, organizing an annual Barbie-themed “girls float day,” and folks tying up their boats in a “not-so-secret cove” that they call the Chattahoochee, as a nod to the famous Alan Jackson song.
“I love the Fourth of July. It’s my favorite holiday,” adds husband Andrew. “Even though I spent every Fourth of July on the lake growing up, it’s even better now that I can just drive home in a boat. I love to water ski and take a sunset cruise with my family after work.”
Campers from the local area and beyond have much to look forward to at Fern Ridge, says Childs. “It is quick and easy to get to. We thoroughly enjoy camping at Fern Ridge Shores. It is like turning back time. Nothing feels rushed. Things are simple. The hosts always look forward to seeing all of us return every year.”
Even though Fern Ridge is Lane County’s backyard lake, Childs and the Deffenbachers note that they’re always learning something new about one of their favorite places.
“The water is actually pretty clean,” says Andrew Deffenbacher. “It gets a bad rap for being dirty and muddy, but it’s actually cleaner than a lot of lakes. It’s just shallow. There’s a lot of silt, so it gets stirred up and looks dirty.”
“It’s not just a big mud puddle!” Childs says. “It is a fantastic place to go and make memories to look back on for a lifetime.”
With the lake now in its 83rd year, Fern Ridge continues to draw in people throughout the seasons.
“The best part about Fern Ridge? It hasn’t changed over the years,” says Deffenbacher. “It’s nostalgic and I love that about it. You still see the same people out on the lake in the summer, and do the same things.”
