The lake is near Oakridge in Lane County about 40 miles (64 km) southeast of Eugene, at the confluence of Hills Creek with the Middle Fork.

[1] The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created the lake in 1961 when it built the dam, primarily to control floods and generate hydroelectricity.

Since then, the lake has become a popular recreation site with parks, boat launches, and a fishery.

[6] The United States Forest Service manages campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails near the lake.

These include the Packard Creek Campground, Bingham Boat Launch, C.T.