Overview
Lowell is a small town (pop 1,045) in Oregon.
4 sights · 3 things to do · 1 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lowell
Dexter State Recreation Site
State park on the western side of the lake. Home to one of Oregon's best disc golf courses.
Elijah Bristow State Park
Fall Creek State Recreation Area
Dexter Reservoir
The town lies on the edge of the large lake.
Dexter Lake Club
famous for being the filming location of an iconic scene in the movie Animal House.
Parvin Bridge
one of Oregon's many historic covered bridges.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jul–Sep. Summer highs reach about 69°F; winter lows dip to about 19°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Crater Lake National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- EUG Eugene Airport, Eugene — 26 mi away. Directions
- SLE Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field, Salem — 69 mi away. Directions
- PDX Portland International Airport, Portland — 116 mi away (major hub). Directions
From Eugene via Hwy 58. Shortly after Dexter State Park, turn left and cross the bridge into town (about 30 min).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Dexter State Recreation Site, Fall Creek State Recreation Area
- Afternoon Dexter Reservoir, Parvin Bridge
- Evening Buckhorn Tavern
Day 2
- Morning Elijah Bristow State Park, Dexter Lake Club
- Afternoon Dexter Dam
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The town itself is small and not very exciting, however, there are a few popular destinations nearby.
Get in
By car
From Eugene via Hwy 58. Shortly after Dexter State Park, turn left and cross the bridge into town (about 30 min).
By bus
There is (very infrequent-- a couple per day) LTD bus service from Eugene on weekdays.
See
See Dexter Lake Club
famous for being the filming location of an iconic scene in the movie Animal House.
See Dexter Dam
Do
Go boating on the lake.
Go camping at one of the campgrounds in the area.
Go fish?
Buy
Golf discs can be bought at a gas station on the highway near the course. From Dexter Park, drive towards Eugene.
Drink
Go next
- Fall Creek Lake
- Eugene
Nearby
Creswell
City / town · 3 listings · 12 mi away
Cottage Grove
City / town · 7 listings · 16 mi away
Eugene
City / town · 128 listings · 18 mi away
Lorane
City / town · 6 listings · 23 mi away
Veneta
City / town · 7 listings · 30 mi away
Sweet Home
City / town · 4 listings · 33 mi away
Willamette National Forest
Park · 1 listings · 39 mi away
Waldo Lake
Park · 4 listings · 40 mi away
My experience
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