Eugene-Springfield area – Oregon Paddling

Yamhill River Locks

Skip ahead to check conditions

The Yamhill River drains the North Coast Range and slows down to barely a crawl in the summer and fall before emptying into the Willamette River near Newberg. This provides the opportunity for an easy, beginner-friendly, out-and-back paddle from Dayton where you can paddle up to the remnants of the Lafayette Locks (aka Yamhill Locks), an important part of early Yamhill County history. There are mostly SUPs, kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats here. The narrow waterway about 100ft wide and snag hazards keeps the larger boats away.

A little history

In the late 1800s, steamboats transported vital materials such as wheat and lumber from Portland to McMinnville on the Yamhill River. The lock and dam project at Lafayette would allow ships going upstream to pass even during the dry summers.

First steamboat passage through Lafayette Lock
Unknown author – Oregon Historical Quarterly, Vol 91, No. 2 (Summer, 1990), cover page

This was highly contested by engineers though due to the dramatic rise and drop in water elevation on the Yamhill River. Nevertheless, it was eventually completed in 1900. Sadly, in the years after its completion, winter and spring floods would result in water rising above the lock and dam, which made the lock useless and the dam a navigational hazard. These problems limited its utility and more importantly, the interest of businesses. The lock ceased operations and was eventually blasted in 1950 in order to allow for native fish migration.

Good to Know:

The best times to paddle this route are usually between May through October. Outside of these months, you may encounter higher flows, dangerous logjams, and colder water temperatures.
The cellular reception is average here.

Launch Site:

Dayton Landing

Parking fee: no fee
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: none
Open: year-round

Parking: Dayton Landing is a very small park managed by Yamhill County Parks. It has a gravel parking lot and a small boat ramp. It can be a little tricky to find so I’ve included coordinates.

Driving Directions:

GPS coordinates to gravel parking lot 45.22194, -123.07102

Before- OSU Special Collections & Archives: Commons
Original Collection: Gerald W. Williams Collection
After- taken July 2022

Photo Gallery:

Additional Things to Do:

drive over to the Lafayette Locks Historical Park– to get a view of the entire dam and lock site from above; there is also a toilet there.

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 for the area.

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.

Silverton Reservoir

Skip ahead to check conditions

Silverton Reservoir, also known as Silver Creek Reservoir, is located in the foothills east of Salem and under an hours’ drive for many Portlanders. Despite its small size, this 65-acre earth and rock fill reservoir receives a steady flow of visitors on nice days.

This is a beginner-friendly spot for a calm paddle as gas motorboats are not allowed on Silverton Reservoir. The park has a few picnic tables, a very small beach area, docks, boat ramp, and a fishing pier.

Good to know:

Parking fee is $5 (pay kiosk on site) or with city of Silverton pass
In the summer, you may have to get there as early as 9am to get a coveted parking spot.
Be aware of the signs posted for parking. If you park illegally, the Silverton PD will find you and issue you a ticket.
The cellular signal is average here.
There are flush restrooms on site.

view of Silverton Reservoir launch area and dam — launch and day use area

Driving Directions:

Additional things to do:

If you get there and the parking lot is full and you really want to find water for paddling, consider going to either Turner Lake or Mission Lake. Both are small lakes within 1/2 hour drive. Day use fees apply to each place.
Hike the Trail of Ten Falls at nearby Silver Falls State Park.

Check before you go:

Weather: Check the weather forecast and pay attention to the wind forecast.

Check hours and other info on the city of Silverton website

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.

Turner Lake

Skip ahead to check conditions

Turner Lake, new to the water scene in 2020, is already quite popular for those who live near this southeast Salem area town of Turner. This is a converted quarry lake of about 70 acres that is now open to the public with a boat ramp and dock and facilities and more exciting development in the works. A creek from the east side empties into it as well as stormwater from the private HOA development on the north end.

Only non-motorized boats or electric motors are allowed and the entire lake is limited to 5mph, making this a kid-friendly and beginner-friendly place to try out paddling. Also, kayak and SUP rentals are available for rent on-site during the summer.

Good to know:

The city of Turner manages this lake. Check here for latest parking fees and opening hours and other info.
Residents receive a parking pass. Nonresidents pay parking fees Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
There is a boat ramp and dock.

Directions:

Check before you go:

[ventus width=”100%” height=”300px” radius=”10px” lat=”44.821″ lon=”-122.964″ zoom=”10″ layer=”wind” scale=”F” units=”mph” marker=”true” forecast=”false” time=”now].

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.

Dexter Reservoir

Dexter Reservoir is located along Hwy 58 just 19 miles east of Eugene and the water levels are maintained year-round. It’s a popular place for boaters, water-skiers, and even the UO rowing club. First-timers and kids enjoy coming here to play near the swimming beach and more secure paddlers can venture out further. You can also visit early mornings or after the peak summer season for a calmer paddle.

The reservoir is a reregulating dam that captures the cold water discharged from Lookout Point Dam during power generation. Together, the two reservoirs generate hydroelectric power and prevent flood damage downstream from the Middle Fork Willamette River.

Route length– 2-5 miles out and back
Fee – none
Restrooms– flush toilets (at Lowell SRS), vault toilets (at Dexter SRS)
Cellular signal– excellent
Best times to go – May- Oct

There are two Oregon state recreation sites (SRS) that allow access to Dexter Reservoir. Lowell SRS has the swimming beach, flush toilets, and a play area for kids. It is also a shorter paddle to get to the covered bridge, if that is your goal. Dexter SRS, on the other hand, is conveniently located right off the Hwy 58 and it has a disc golf course and trails leading to Elijah Bristow State Park.

Directions:

Lowell State Recreation Site

Dexter State Recreation Site

At Lowell SRS, launch anywhere along the swim beach area. Start out by paddling left towards the covered bridge. You will pass a few private homes behind the no-wake zone.

Dexter SRS is located on the southwest corner of the lake. If you launch from here, you will be paddling alongside the Hwy 58 and end up on the side closer to the Lowell Covered Bridge.

Turnaround when you get near the bridge if you want about a 2-mile paddle starting from Lowell SRS or 3-mile paddle starting from Dexter SRS.

Want more paddling?

Continue under the bridge towards the Lookout Point Dam. This would add up to 2 more miles to your paddle route.

Check before you go:

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.

Water advisories

Water temps: Here is a graph of the water temperature trend during an entire year, just to give you an idea of what to expect in case you take a splash.

The actual water temperature appears to run 0-3F higher than the readout from the water monitor.

Current water temp

Wind: waves can get choppy here, check on wind conditions

Events: there are some large events held here, such as the Covered Bridge Regatta in April and the CBDA drag races in the summer. The Oregon Association of Rowers keeps a calendar of events and row practices that you can check here.

Events Calendar

Additional things to do:

Fish hatchery
Disc-golf
Hiking trails

Lowell community events

Foster Reservoir – Sunnyside Day Use Area

Foster Reservoir is located in the foothills of the Cascade Range just east of Sweet Home. Like other reservoirs in the area, it is very popular for boating and jet skiing in the summertime. But if you don’t enjoy surfing wakes, you can go up either of two no-wake zone arms for a gorgeous wind-protected scenic paddle.

Foster regulates flow from Green Peter Reservoir and also impounds water from the South Santiam River for flood control downstream and hydroelectric power. You can read more info about the reservoirs and dams in the area here.

As a reregulating dam for Green Peter Reservoir, the water level at Foster is kept at a steady level during the summer and then drawn down starting late September. Even at low pool, you can still generally launch a paddlecraft from the Sunnyside day use area.

This post describes the water route from the Sunnyside Day Use area and up the northern arm, which is where the Green Peter Reservoir releases its flow.

Route length– up to 5 miles out and back (~2 hr paddling time)
Parking – Sunnyside day use area
Fee – none.
Restrooms– vault toilets
Cellular signal– very good
Best times to go – day use area open year-round
Rentals: at Lewis Creek Park during summer

Sunnyside Day Use Area on a sunny fall weekend

Paddle route: You can start out by paddling right to check ou the bridge then back in.

Paddling is possible up to the boulders

Turnaround and enjoy a little assist on the way back. In November, the current is very minimal. Just glassy water reflecting the fall colors.

Check before you go:

Park status: Calkins day use area is managed by Linn County Parks.

park status

Water temps: Here is a graph of the water temperature trend during an entire year, just to give you an idea of what to expect in case you take a splash.

Note that the water can reach about 70F in September even though the water monitor shows much cooler waters.

current water temp

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.

Water advisories

Leaburg Dam

Leaburg Dam along the McKenzie River is used by EWEB to provide hydroelectric power to some Eugene homes. It is located only about 22 miles east of Springfield along the McKenzie Highway 126. Enjoy this no-wake flatwater portion of the McKenzie and photo-ops of the iconic covered bridge known as Goodpasture Bridge. The water is always cold here, so it’s probably not the best choice for first-timers or someone who is still working on balance.

Length– ~3 miles out and back
Fee – none
Restrooms– vault
Cellular signal– no service
Best times to go – Open year-round but caution with cold water

Directions: From Springfield, go east OR-126 for 23 miles, turn right on Leaburg Dam Road, then turn left immediately after crossing the bridge, park in gravel lot.

The launch site is visible from the parking lot, right before the dam. Just walk your board in and go right!

You will initially be paddling alongside the Lloyd Knox park and perhaps find a picnic table stopover.

Private residences line the rest of the route, but there is a boat ramp on river right (your left side, if facing the covered bridge) if a pullover stop is needed.

The current starts to pick up when you get closer to the bridge.

Check before you go:

Water temps: Here is a graph of the water temperature trend during an entire year, just to give you an idea of what to expect in case you take a splash.

This is such a lovely place to paddle except the water is cold in the summer and colder rest of the year. The water temperature appears to track closely to this monitor, so it really is that cold.

Current water temp

Download a map and track your paddle:

This is a geospatial-enabled PDF map of the paddle. You can use these special PDFs with the mobile app Avenza to follow the route or track your own paddle distances and times. Please note that the routes are just general guides. The best path may vary based on water level or new obstructions in the water.

leaburg-dam Download

Additional things to do:

visit the Leaburg fish hatchery
enjoy the Lloyd Knox Park that is maintained by EWEB

Foster Reservoir- Calkins Day Use Area

This post describes the water route from Calkins Day Use area and up the southern arm, which is where the S. Santiam River flows in. The paddle up the northern arm will be posted separately.

Route length– up to 5.2 miles out and back (~2.5 hr paddling time)
Parking – Calkins day use area, 44529 Quartzville Road, Foster, OR
Fee – none.
Restrooms– vault toilets
Cellular signal– poor
Best times to go – open midMay to September
Rentals: at Lewis Creek Park during summer

Note that it is about 100 yards from the near end of the parking lot to the boat launch, if you are planning to carry your gear from the parking lot. The launch site has a busy drive-up concrete boat ramp and a dock.

Paddle route: Head right and pass under the bridge. The rest of the route should be a no-wake (< 5mph) zone.

Keep an eye out for the two small cascading waterfalls on the right.

You could shorten your route to about 3.2 miles if you want to turn around after the 2nd waterfall.

As a reregulating dam for Green Peter Reservoir, the water level at Foster is kept at a steady level during the summer and is not drawn down for winter until late September.

you may continue for about another mile before you get to some riffles and shallow water. Turnaround and enjoy a little assist on the way back.

Turnaround point South Santiam River inlet

Check before you go:

Park status: Calkins day use area is managed by Linn County Parks.

park status

Water temps: Here is a graph of the water temperature trend during an entire year, just to give you an idea of what to expect in case you take a splash.

Note that the water can reach about 70F in September even though the water monitor shows much cooler waters.

current water temp

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.

Water advisories

Alton Baker Canoe Canal

The Alton Baker canoe canal in Eugene is a calmer side channel of the Willamette River which allows for a fun out-and-back experience. Only have an hour or two? This place is a popular in-town option for a quick paddle and connecting with nature session.

Route length– 2.3 mile out and back (~1 hour paddling time)
Fee – none
Restrooms– at nearby Alton Baker park
Cellular signal– excellent
Best times to go – May-Oct

Directions: Navigate to Leo Harris Parkway in Eugene. Park in the small unmarked gravel lot across the street from the Autzen stadium “O”.

Gravel parking lot across from Autzen stadium

This is a primitive launch site, so there is no dock or ramp here. Just find the opening at the end of the gravel path, ease your watercraft in and go!

Start out by paddling left against the mild current. You will traverse a narrow passageway lined with trees and then go under a wooden footbridge. It just might bring back fond memories of the Jungle Cruise ride for some of us.

It then opens up to a pond where you can stop for a bit, explore, or practice paddling techniques.

This area can get busy in the summertime with -SUP’ers, kayakers, anglers, maybe a SUP yoga class, and some friendly mallard ducks and testy Canada geese- but it is just large enough for you to find your space here.

I’ve spotted 3 tree stumps in this pond. Can you find them too?

Continuing beyond the pond, you will pass by private residences and resident ducks lining the canal. The water is clear and you can easily see fish swimming around. Also, watch for underwater snags here (I’m looking at you, trees).

And finally, you’ll see the I-5 freeway bridge. Slip under the low footbridge here and practice with a bit of whitewater if you wish, or turnaround and enjoy the current assist on your paddle back.

Want more paddling?

There is a slough on river right where the private residences are that can be paddled for a short distance. You can also continue downstream from the launch site. If you go far enough in that direction, you will eventually encounter a total of two takeout spots and end up at an open pond. Just save some energy for the paddle back.

Check before you go:

Game Days: Considering that the parking lot is right across the street from Autzen stadium, it may be inaccessible during the Oregon Ducks games. You can check here for upcoming games.

Oregon Ducks schedule

Water temps: Here is a graph of the water temperature trend during an entire year, just to give you an idea of what to expect in case you take a splash.

Current water temp

Download a map and track your paddle with GPS:

Alton Baker Download

Additional things to do:

There are plenty of other things to do at Alton Baker park while you are there. One really cool and unique feature is the solar system placed to scale along the multi-use path. (Getting to Pluto is about 3.5 miles away though).

Alton Baker Park