Skip ahead to check conditions
Woahink Lake (pronounced hō’ hingk) is a 784-acre coastal dune lake located just a few miles south of Florence. This is a large and very deep lake with excellent water clarity, plenty of free parking and clean facilities. See if you can find the cobra lily (Darlingtonia californica), an endangered carnivorous pitcher plant that grows here naturally amongst the sedges and water lilies in the bogs.
Woahink Lake can get choppy from wind and quite busy with powerboats and personal watercraft zipping around but it has several long shallow arms and some coves to paddle into.
Although private residences line most of the shoreline, the northwest border of the lake is actually a part of the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. This is the area where you can access the boat ramp, beaches, picnic tables, and walking trails.
Good to Know:
- This place is open year-round
- There are no waterway restrictions for this lake.
- The winds in the summertime can really be amplified at this large lake. For first-timers, families with young children, and other paddlers seeking calmer waters, it may require some planning and some luck to get the right conditions.
- The cellular reception is average here.
Launch sites:
Woahink Lake East Day Use Area
- Parking fee: none
- Launch type: boat ramp, dock, beach
- Restrooms: flush
- Open: year-round, 8:30am- 7:00pm
Woahink Lake West
- Parking fee: none
- Launch type: see image below
- Restrooms: none
- Open: year-round
From Hwy 101, go east on Canary Road. Park along shoulder of Canary Road immediately after first bridge.
Driving Directions:
From Florence, continue south on Hwy 101, turn left at Canary Drive. After passing the first bridge, you will see parking along the right side shoulder of the road for West Boat Ramp. You will then pass the Meeting Hall on the right. After that, turn right into the Woahink Lake East Day Use Area.
For the East Woahink Day Use Area, either park in the left lot to be closer to the boat ramp and swimming area or go right to park closer to the restrooms, picnic area, and beach.
More things to do:
- Participate in the annual Oregon Dunes Triathlon at Woahink Lake and usually occurs early June.
- Visit nearby Cleawox Lake. It is a smaller lake and may be a worthy option if it is too windy or choppy at Woahink Lake.
- Visit historic Old Town Florence
- Visit the nearby Darlingtonia State Natural Site and walk through a natural bog filled with thousands of this carnivorous plant.
Check before you go:
- Maps and Suggested Routes: Download or print out a map before you go from the SWT Planner App. As a premium member, you can access an ever-growing library of paddling-related maps and suggested routes.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and pay attention to the wind.
- Park status: check the Honeyman State Park website for current park conditions or to book a spot at the nearby campground.
- 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 