Anyone ever found Cougar Lake in Linn County?

tastybrookies · Jul 11, 2023

I tried to bushwhack my way to this remote lake, located probably about 2 north of Highway 20 and 20 miles east of Foster lake as the crow flies. I got maybe about a quarter mile from the lake, but it was really hard going, no trail whatsoever. There was evidence of a campsite, so I was wondering if anyone on here had ever found their way to this lake?

jamisonace · Jul 16, 2023

I found directions in John Shewey's: Complete Angler's Guide to Oregon

Here's a quick summary. If you want all the details I can take a pic or something.

The route requires a circuitous drive through miles of logging roads.

Begin on FR 2047. From 2407 look for 2049 turning to the East. Cougar Lake requires a 1/2 mile of bushwacking originating from spur 630 or 635.

One important note might be that 2049 crosses Cougar Creek but Cougar Creek does not flow from Cougar lake.

tastybrookies · Jul 16, 2023

Thanks! Yeah, Shewey's book is where I had the idea to try and find it in the first place. I was able to navigate to spur 630, and get to the parking area near where the red line starts on my map. I just struggled to bushwhack my way along the red line. Looks easy on the map, but a half mile can be tricky to navigate safely, especially if you want to find your way back through the forest. Yesterday I tried finding Crescent Lake (Linn County, not on hwy 58), which is described a few pages later in the Shewey book. The tricky thing is, Shewey's book is a little outdated. It said Crescent Lake was a one mile creek walk, but the creek was totally overgrown and impassable. I really want to get to these lakes, because I'm sure the brook trout are large and plentiful, since no one can get there! LOL

jamisonace · Jul 16, 2023

tastybrookies said:
Thanks! Yeah, Shewey's book is where I had the idea to try and find it in the first place. I was able to navigate to spur 630, and get to the parking area near where the red line starts on my map. I just struggled to bushwhack my way along the red line. Looks easy on the map, but a half mile can be tricky to navigate safely, especially if you want to find your way back through the forest. Yesterday I tried finding Crescent Lake (Linn County, not on hwy 58), which is described a few pages later in the Shewey book. The tricky thing is, Shewey's book is a little outdated. It said Crescent Lake was a one mile creek walk, but the creek was totally overgrown and impassable. I really want to get to these lakes, because I'm sure the brook trout are large and plentiful, since no one can get there! LOL

I used to have your energy. LOL

I used that book to find a gem or two. If you ever want to fish for large brookies south of Roseburg I'll give you a tip to a lake that had some giants 10 yrs ago. I haven't been back but I'm guessing it would still be worth it.

tastybrookies · Jul 16, 2023

I will totally take you up on that! I've got a bucket list going this summer of different lakes to try out and locate, but nothing south of Roseburg yet. We're heading out to Strawberry Lake this weekend for a camping/fishing trip, but I'll PM you after we get back

DonF · Jul 27, 2023

tastybrookies said:
Thanks! Yeah, Shewey's book is where I had the idea to try and find it in the first place. I was able to navigate to spur 630, and get to the parking area near where the red line starts on my map. I just struggled to bushwhack my way along the red line. Looks easy on the map, but a half mile can be tricky to navigate safely, especially if you want to find your way back through the forest. Yesterday I tried finding Crescent Lake (Linn County, not on hwy 58), which is described a few pages later in the Shewey book. The tricky thing is, Shewey's book is a little outdated. It said Crescent Lake was a one mile creek walk, but the creek was totally overgrown and impassable. I really want to get to these lakes, because I'm sure the brook trout are large and plentiful, since no one can get there! LOL

Probably all stunted due to over population!

Anyone ever found Cougar Lake in Linn County?

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