Skip ahead to check conditions
The Freeway Lakes is a chain of three connected lakes fed by Oak Creek in Albany, Oregon. This is the site where construction materials were harvested in the making of the I-5 freeway in the late 1950’s. Today, the Freeway Lakes is a convenient, no-frills fishing or paddling spot managed by the Linn County Parks. This would be considered a beginner-friendly and kid-friendly paddling spot due to its small size.
Good to know:
- The parking lot is a gravel lot.
- This place is open year-round.
- Cell signal is good here
- There is a vault restroom on site
Directions:
Additional things to do:
Consider a visit to Cheadle Lake, also a small-sized lake, which is 12 mi away in Lebanon, OR.
Another small lake located in Albany is Waverly Lake. It is only 10 acres in size but you can rent paddleboards and kayaks to try out there.
Check before you go:
- Weather: Check the weather forecast for the area and check the wind conditions.
- Toxic algae blooms: This temporary condition occurs at some of the area lakes in the summer and may affect your health if water or fish is consumed during these conditions. Get more info on how to tell if algae is harmful and watch for water advisories but also use common sense if you see water that doesn’t look right.
- Inspect your watercraft. You can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by wiping off any vegetation or debris from your watercraft and making sure it is dry each time before entering a new waterway.
- PFD, Whistle, and Waterway Access Permit: In Oregon, all paddlecraft 10′ or longer (including SUPs, kayaks, and canoes) require a permit. You can purchase the permit online.
Beware that the routes and information on this site are just general guides and the best path may vary based on water level, obstructions, experience level, equipment, and other conditions. Paddlers are responsible for providing their own safety. Super Water Trails does not assume any liability.
Oregon Paddling 