Cougar Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cougar Reservoir |
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 Cougar Reservoir
Location in Oregon
Cougar Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lane County, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 44°7′2″N 122°14′20″W / 44.11722°N 122.23889°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | South Fork McKenzie River |
| Primary outflows | South Fork McKenzie River |
| Catchment area | 207 square miles (536 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | About 5 miles (8 km) |
| Surface area | 1,280 acres (5.18 km2) |
| Average depth | 171 feet (52 m) |
| Max. depth | 425 feet (130 m) |
| Water volume | 219,300 acre-feet (0.271 km3) |
| Residence time | 4 months |
| Shore length1 | 18 miles (29 km) |
| Surface elevation | 1,558 feet (475 m) |
| Settlements | Rainbow |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Cougar Reservoir, also known as Cougar Lake, is a large lake in Oregon, USA. It's not a natural lake but a reservoir, which means it was made by people. It's located in Lane County, about 46 miles (74 km) east of Eugene. You can find it in the beautiful Willamette National Forest. In 1963, the United States Army Corps of Engineers built a big wall called Cougar Dam across the South Fork McKenzie River. This dam created Cougar Reservoir. The main reasons for building it were to make electricity and to help control floods.
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Why Was Cougar Reservoir Built?
Cougar Reservoir was created by building Cougar Dam in 1963. The dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Its main jobs are to generate hydroelectricity and control flooding.
Making Electricity
Hydroelectricity is power made from moving water. The dam holds back a lot of water. When water is released, it flows through special turbines. These turbines spin generators to create electricity. This clean energy helps power homes and businesses.
Controlling Floods
The reservoir also helps prevent floods. When there's a lot of rain or snowmelt, rivers can overflow. Cougar Dam can hold back extra water in the reservoir. This stops the water from flooding towns and farms downstream. Later, the water can be released slowly and safely.
Fun Things to Do at Cougar Lake
Cougar Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people visit to enjoy the water and the surrounding forest.
Water Activities
The lake is great for many water sports. You can go boating or try waterskiing. It's also a nice place for swimming on a warm day.
Camping and Hiking
The United States Forest Service manages several campgrounds nearby. These include Cougar Crossing, Slide Creek, and Sunnyside. They offer places to set up camp and enjoy nature. You can also find many trails for hiking and spots for picnicking. Other campgrounds like French Pete and Delta are also in the area.
Hot Springs Near the Lake
Just west of the lake, along Rider Creek, you can find Terwilliger Hot Springs. These are natural hot springs where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich water. It's a unique experience after a day of exploring.
Fishing at Cougar Reservoir
Cougar Reservoir is home to several types of fish. It's a good place for fishing, especially if you enjoy catching trout and salmon.
Types of Fish You Can Catch
The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout. This means young fish are added to the lake so there are plenty for anglers. Fishing for rainbow trout is often good, especially in the winter. The lake also has stocked landlocked Chinook salmon. These are salmon that live their whole lives in freshwater.
Fish You Can't Keep
Cougar Reservoir is also home to bull trout. However, it is against the law to catch and keep bull trout. This rule helps protect their population.
