Day Trips® from Portland, Oregon by Kim Cooper Findling

Author:Kim Cooper Findling
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781493037667
Publisher: Globe Pequot

detroit

The original town of Detroit is under water. Born on the pursuits of logging and fishing, Detroit’s fate changed when the Army Corps of Engineers selected the site for the Detroit Dam in the 1930s. Three thousand workers descended on the area to build the dam at the peak of construction in 1950. That was the good news. The bad news was that the proposed dam would put the town under 100 feet of water. Many businesses closed and relocated to the new town site—along with the residents, of course. Life reconvened on higher ground 1 mile north of the old town, just west of the confluence of the North Santiam River and Breitenbush River.

Today that dam makes Detroit a recreationalist’s heaven. Detroit Lake is now the number one recreational lake in the state of Oregon. This is the spot for all types of water sports: fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing, and personal watercraft. Camping, swimming, hiking, and the like are very popular, too.

getting there

Detroit is 20 miles east of Mill City directly on OR 22.

where to go

Boating. Whatever your craft of choice, Detroit Lake will float it. Folks come here to motor boat, sail, paddle, canoe, kayak, and water ski. For great water skiing or wakeboarding, get out on the lake early, as skiing is best when the water is calm. Sail boaters should direct their vessel toward the dam, where the wind is the windiest and most constant. For respite, tie up in the calm waters and sheltered coves of the Breitenbush Arm (near Detroit Lake Marina) or Blowout, located at the far southwest end of the lake, for a picnic or swim. Bon voyage!

Fishing. Detroit Lake is over 9 miles long with more than 32 miles of shoreline, and provides many accessible locations for fishermen. For good fishing from the shore, try areas where a creek enters the lake, like Tumble Creek, French Creek, and the Breitenbush River. Fishing from the Detroit Dam provides easy access with very good fishing action. There are also several high lakes around Detroit, many of which are stocked with fish. These lakes are open year round, but may be inaccessible in winter. To fish from a boat, find lake access at Detroit proper or Detroit Lake State Park, which has two boat moorage docks. Detroit Lake fishing is best April through October.

Hiking. There are many options for the hiker near Detroit, whether you’d enjoy scaling the steep hills of the Cascade Range or strolling around the flatter flanks of the lake. Try the Rocky Top Trail for the former or the Beachie Trail for the latter. To find more information on each, visit the Detroit Ranger Station, near Detroit Lake State Park on Highway 22.

where to eat

The Cedars Restaurant & Lounge. 200 Detroit Ave.; (503) 854-3636. Marked by a blinking green and red tree on its roof, this family-oriented restaurant has been serving food to hungry Detroit Lake visitors since 1949. Breakfast is available all day long, and a large full-service liquor lounge with lottery, adjacent to the restaurant, keeps tourists happy.

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