Dexter Reservoir is best viewed in winter, when waterfowl are plentiful. Scan the lake for Redhead, Canvasback, Goldeneye, both species of scaup, Bufflehead, American Wigeon, and more. Long-tailed Duck has shown up in fall. In summer, look for nesting Bald Eagle and Osprey. At Dexter State Recreation Site, view the open water from the boat ramp area. On the way back to the hwy, turn R and go 0.5 mi to the base of the dam; walk through the first yellow gate to several gravel pit ponds. A riverside trail leads from here 5 mi to Elijah Bristow State Park (Site M12). The covered bridge 1 mi upstream also offers good look at open water. From here, cross N to small town of Lowell, and either go 1 mi E to Lowell State Recreation Site (for concentrations of Ring-billed, California, and Glaucous-winged Gulls in winter) or go R on Main St 1 block, turn R on North Shore and continue 0.5 mi to Orchard Park for another look at open water.
From I-5 at Goshen, take Hwy 58 E for 11 mi. Turn L into Dexter State Recreation Site, or continue E 1 mi on Hwy 58 and turn L on Jasper-Lowell Rd to park at the covered bridge. Transit: Lane Transit District Bus 92 stops at Lowell (limited schedule).