Located 9 miles up Highway 58, from I-5.

The area on the south bank of the Middle Fork of the Willamette was called Butte Disappointment until 1875. It was renamed Dexter to commemorate the "Dexter" brand cook stove of the first postmaster (the post office was built in 1872) Samuel Handsaker, who also owned the only store in the area. Farming and logging became the main occupations for the residents of Dexter. Boaters and water skiers are drawn to Dexter and Lookout Point Reservoirs, which were completed in 1961.

Although located directly across Dexter Lake from Lowell, Dexter children go to school in Pleasant Hill. Dexter features an RV park, Store, Post Office, Hardware and Tavern. The Dexter Lake Club's claim to fame was being featured in the movie "Animal House"