Bend, OR

When full, Cougar Reservoir stretches for 6 miles and covers 1,280 acres. The dam, located at the north end of the reservoir, was completed in 1963. It is the tallest rock-filled dam in Oregon. The view from alongside the reservoir provides outstanding vistas into the French Pete campground to the Three Sisters Wilderness Area which is over 1 million acres. Drive over the dam to access additional campgrounds and boat launches.

French Pete is a combination of beauty and solitude in a grove of Douglas Fir and Red Cedars. Located at the confluence of French Pete Creek and the South Fork of the McKenzie, it is a great place for wading in the water. There are two hand pumps and two vault style toilets available. This is where campers go who want peace and quiet in this Cougar Reservoir area. Within the reservoir, when the water is high, water skiing and other water sports are allowed. When the water is low and you can’t enjoy these endeavors then take a drive and view the spectacular scenery which I’ve yet to find close to a dam. Once again, among the old growth beauties and crystal clear brooks from every direction seems to be a treasure not yet found. Hike through the magnanimous woods and find a different type of solitude that makes me appreciate that there is still a quiet life and intense beauty. There are several campgrounds and boat launches along the way, on both sides of the reservoir, each one of them have their own pay site and fee arrangements set and no campground seems to have the same fee. There are restroom facilities in most campgrounds but no drinking water so please bring your own drinking water. I mention French Pete campground as this is the most popular campground as it provides the most for cool setting within the summer heat and is the closest to wading and swimming for young children and is handicap accessible whereas many others aren’t. There are also horse camps available. Access to all of this is by going to the Terwilliger Hot springs-Cougar Reservoir turnoff, approximately 90 miles West of Bend on Hwy 126. There are signs for all named campgrounds and attractions.