Are you a fan of water sports? If so, you’ll want to check out the beautiful Foster Reservoir located in Lebanon, Oregon. Created by the Foster Dam in 1968, this scenic spot is a haven for water enthusiasts.
The reservoir is just a short distance from the South Santiam River, which offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and other aquatic activities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Foster Reservoir is the perfect spot to soak up some sun and enjoy some fun in the water.
Now that we’ve painted a picture of the idyllic Foster Reservoir let’s take a closer look at some of the activities and amenities that make this destination a must-visit for nature lovers.
Living near Foster Reservoir means endless opportunities for fun water activities, and having a home at Santiam Village places you just a short drive from all the action.
Foster Reservoir: Water Sports and Activities
Foster Reservoir is a three-mile-long waterbody that makes it a perfect destination for watersports enthusiasts and boat hobbyists.
Aside from water-loving vacationers, the slower-moving water of the Foster Reservoir also attracts carp and trout. Furthermore, it is stocked regularly with native freshwater fish like Rainbow trout (which is the favorite of anglers), Kokanee salmon, and largemouth bass, making it a perfect destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Other popular water activities you can do in this reservoir include swimming, paddling, and water skiing.
In the summer months, the reservoir attracts a crowd of vacationers with its proximity to Interstate 5.
Visit Andrew Wiley Creek Park for a day of fun!
Looking for a destination that offers a diverse range of activities? Andrew Wiley Creek Park might just be the perfect spot for you. Nestled at the base of Foster Dam, this popular day-use park boasts picturesque picnic areas, scenic riverside walking trails, convenient barbecue sites, and even a boat ramp for water enthusiasts.
You can find this gem at 1936 54th Ave., Sweet Home, OR, and if you have any questions, feel free to give them a call at 800-810-1000.
Mud Fest: A Unique Annual Event to Welcome the Winter
The Foster Reservoir is drained every year before the arrival of winter, leaving a thick mud that has become the perfect venue for the annual event aptly called the “Mud Fest,” where four-wheeling drivers get to play in the silt.
The Mud Fest started as an association play day more than 40 years ago but has evolved into a popular event in Sweet Home, Oregon.
In the first few years, the annual festival was held at the Foster Mud Flats, which turned into a mile-long gooey lake bottom after it was drained for the winter. But in 2001, the US Army Corps of Engineers, which owns the property, refused to grant permission to hold the event, forcing the organizers to look for another venue.
The subsequent annual events were held at a private property on Berlin Road in Sweet Home, but over the years, the organizers have been changing their locations. However, they still try to recreate the muddy terrains of their previous venue with its obstacle course, rock crawl, drag strip, hill climb, and bog holes.
Looking for a friendly neighborhood in Lebanon? Enjoy the best of outdoor recreation while living in a welcoming community like Santiam Village Mobile Home Park. Whether you’re looking to settle into a modern mobile home or a peaceful senior community, explore our mobile homes for sale in Lebanon, OR or learn more about the 55-and-better lifestyle at Santiam Village South.
