How Tenmile Lake Shaped the Growth of Lakeside, Oregon

If there is one feature that defines Lakeside, Oregon more than any other, it is Tenmile Lake. This sprawling, glistening, freshwater landmark is the reason people settled here over a century ago, and it remains the center of community life today. The lake has influenced everything—from early industry to tourism, homebuilding, recreation, and the cultural identity of Lakeside.

In many ways, to understand Lakeside, you must understand Tenmile Lake.

A Lake Formed by Nature, Celebrated by People

Tenmile Lake was formed thousands of years ago through natural geological changes involving sand dune movement, ocean levels, and sediment deposits. Its complex system of channels and basins make it one of the most diverse and unique lake environments in Oregon.

Early Indigenous communities recognized its value immediately. The lake served as a rich source of fish, freshwater, and migratory bird hunting grounds. When European settlers eventually arrived, they too were drawn to the lake’s abundance.

Settlement Around the Water

Cabins and early homesteads were often built along the lake’s edge. Families relied heavily on Tenmile Lake for:

• food

• bathing and washing

• transportation by boat

• small-scale agriculture aided by the freshwater supply

The lake wasn’t just a resource; it was the center of daily life.

The Logging and Mill Era

As logging operations expanded along the Oregon coast in the early 1900s, Tenmile Lake played a major role. Timber companies used the lake to:

• float logs

• power machinery

• support mill communities

• transport workers

Boathouses, docks, and mills once lined different parts of the shoreline.

The lake’s role in industry directly influenced where Lakeside neighborhoods later formed. Areas that once housed workers now host residential properties, many with unique histories tied to the timber era.

This is the type of local insight Sydney Shapiro with Shapiro Home Group eXp Realty shares with clients looking for homes with character and historical significance.

From Industry to Recreation

As the timber era slowed, Tenmile Lake transitioned into something new: a beloved recreational destination. Visitors traveled from across the region to enjoy:

• boating

• fishing

• swimming

• kayaking

• lakeside cabins

• family camping trips

In the 1950s–1970s, lake tourism surged, giving Lakeside both economic stability and a new identity.

A Top Fishing Destination

Tenmile Lake is now famous for its bass fishing, hosting tournaments and attracting anglers year-round. The lake produces trophy-size largemouth bass thanks to its warm water, protected coves, and vegetation.

The fishing reputation helped Lakeside grow not just as a tourist stop, but as a desirable place to live for outdoor enthusiasts.

Real Estate Growth Rooted in the Lake

As the reputation of Tenmile Lake grew, developers began creating waterfront neighborhoods, vacation homes, and scenic residential streets. Many modern buyers move to Lakeside specifically because they want:

• lake views

• boat access

• private docks

• quiet neighborhoods surrounded by nature

Sydney Shapiro with Shapiro Home Group eXp Realty specializes in guiding clients to these unique lake-oriented opportunities, always emphasizing the deep historical connection between the homes and the water.

Tenmile Lake Today: Still the Heart of Lakeside

Even now, nearly every part of Lakeside’s culture ties back to the lake:

• annual fishing events

• summer boating

• lakeside picnics

• sunset paddleboarding

• wildlife watching

• community gatherings

• seasonal tourism

The lake literally and symbolically reflects the soul of the town.

Why This History Matters for Buyers and Residents

People considering a move to Lakeside often fall in love with the scenery first. But when they learn the history—that the town exists because of this incredible body of water—they begin to appreciate the deeper meaning of living here.

This is why Sydney Shapiro with Shapiro Home Group eXp Realty incorporates lake history into conversations with clients. A home on or near Tenmile Lake isn’t just a purchase—it’s a continuation of a lifestyle that has shaped generations.