Oregon coast – Oregon Paddling

Munsel Lake

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Munsel Lake is a beautiful spot to paddle when you are visiting Florence on the Oregon coast. Consider paddling around its 3+ mile shoreline with its many alcoves when some of the larger lakes in the area get too windy. This 110-acre coastal dune lake is known for good fishing and although motorized boats are allowed here, there is a 10mph speed limit outside of summertime.

Good to Know:

Watch for sharp debris and plenty of fallen trees underwater that can potentially snag you.
The cellular signal is poor here.
Waterway restrictions: 10mph, except June 1- Sept. 30 10am-5pm

Put-In Location:

Munsel Landing County Park

Parking fee: day use fee or Lane County Parks pass
Launch type: boat ramp and dock
Restrooms: port-a-potty
Open: year-round

Driving Directions:

Munsel Lake parking — pay with Passport Parking app

More Things to Do:

Make the most of your Lane County parks day use fee or pass: it can be used at nearby Mercer Lake, Siltcoos Lake, or at Bender Landing (caution North Fork Siuslaw River is tidally influenced) for more paddling.
Hike the sand dunes at Sutton Creek: a National Forest Recreation pass or day use fee is required but this is a fun hike. Does Sutton Creek look like a possible paddle?
Visit the historic riverfront area in Florence.

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.

Parking: Purchase your day use pass before you go at the Lane County parks website or get the Passport Parking app and pay when you get there. Just be aware that the cellular signal is not great at this location. For an annual pass, you can purchase one at the local REI, Cabela’s, or Bi-Mart.

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.

Cleawox Lake

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Cleawox Lake is an 87-acre coastal dune lake located just a few miles south of Florence. It is one of our family favorites because you can spend an entire day here paddling, swimming, playing on the beach and of course, charging up that giant sand dune. In addition, the shallow beach area in front of the sand dune is a great place for kids and beginners to play around. Another plus, no high speed motorboats or water-skiers to avoid at this lake.

Aside from a few surface streams, most of the water just seeps into Cleawox Lake. Thus, the water clarity is very good here and it is great fun to see the fish darting around below you. Water temperature in the summer reaches the 70’s, which is a little warmer than the other coastal lakes nearby.

Good to know:

In the summertime, check the forecast for windy conditions and especially watch out for afternoon winds.
This location is open year-round. On a sunny winter day when the valley is socked in with fog, it is good to know that paddling at Cleawox may still be a nice option.

Jessie Honeyman Memorial State Park

Parking fee: day use fee (purchase on site) or Oregon State Parks pass
Launch type: boat ramp, beach
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round

After you enter the state park there are two day use areas to choose from- Honeyman to the left and Cleawox to the right. Both areas require a day use fee or an Oregon State Parks day pass for parking (or campground reservation). There are also restroom facilities, picnic areas, and shallow beach areas for swimming or paddle launches at both day use areas. But you will be closer to the sand dune if you park at Honeyman and you will be closer to the boat rentals if you park on the Cleawox side. The boat ramp is located on the Cleawox Day Use side, almost immediately after turning right. There is also a small launch with steps at the far north end of Cleawox Day Use parking lot, as well as plenty of sandy beach for launching.

Driving Directions:

Additional things to do:

Hike the sand dunes. Oregonhikers.org describes the hiking trails in this area in detail and hiking around sand dunes can be tricky.
Visit Woahink Lake on the other side of Hwy 101 for more paddling.
Camp at Honeyman, the 2nd largest campground in Oregon and provides easy access to the lake. It has a lot of tent sites, RV sites, and yurts.
You can use your day use parking permit to park at the Heceta Head Lighthouse parking lot. It is a short hike from there to one of the most photographed lighthouses on the coast. For a longer hike, continue past the lighthouse to take the Hobbit Trail to visit Hobbit Beach.

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 Jessie Honeyman State Park website for current park conditions or to book a spot at the 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.

Woahink Lake

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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.

Tahkenitch Lake

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Tahkenitch Lake, located between Florence and Reedsport, is one of the larger coastal dune lakes. The many arms of the lake provide about 27 miles of shoreline with coves, marshes, and wetlands, making it a paradise for paddlers and fishermen alike.

Tahkenitch Lake is a beginner-friendly lake under good weather conditions. The main limitation for paddlers would be the strong winds that can start as early as noon.

Good to Know:

Cellular reception is fair here.
This location is good for year-round paddling.
A good map (printed or offline) is recommended here due to the similar shoreline patterns.

Put-In Locations:

Tahkenitch Lake Boat Ramp

Parking fee: USFS day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

Driving Directions:

The Tahkenitch Lake Boat Ramp is north of the Tahkenitch Landing Boat Ramp.

Tahkenitch Landing

Parking fee: USFS day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round, 6am- 10pm

Driving Directions:

The Tahkenitch Landing Boat Ramp is 1/4 mile south of the Tahkenitch Lake Boat Ramp and is located at the Tahkenitch Landing Campground. (Don’t confuse this with the Tahkenitch Campground located on the west side of Hwy 101.)

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.

Water Temperature: Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info.

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.

Mercer Lake

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Mercer Lake fills in the valleys of an ancient streambed blocked by sand dunes just a few miles north of Florence. Its 9 miles of shoreline is adorned with residential properties and a private resort. During the summer months, a bustling lakeside vacation atmosphere emerges, filled with power boats, waterskiers, and various water-based activities. However, for those seeking a serene paddle without the crowds, the off-peak season offers an ideal opportunity to appreciate the tranquil beauty of this lake.

Good to Know:

This place is open year-round
There are no waterway restrictions for this lake.
Watch for motorboat activity and watersports, especially in the summertime.
Watch for strong winds, especially in the summer afternoons.

Launch sites:

Mercer Lake County Park

Parking fee: Lane County parks day use fee or pass
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

Driving Directions:

From Florence US-101, drive north 4.5 miles and then turn right onto Mercer Lake Road. After 3.3 miles, look for the paved boat ramp on your left. The parking lot for Mercer Landing County Park is located about 500 ft further up the road on the right.

More things to do:

Consider paddling at nearby Munsel Lake if it is too choppy or busy at Mercer 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.

Lane County parks fee: check here for more information on getting a pass or paying for the day use fee.

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.

Siltcoos Lake

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Siltcoos Lake, located between Florence and Reedsport, wins the prize for being the largest Oregon coast lake at 3,164 acres. Its 28 miles of shoreline presents a mix of private marinas and resorts, county parks, private lakefront homes, as well as undeveloped forest. Siltcoos Lake is shallow with an average depth of 11 ft and it is well-known for fishing warm-water species.

Many paddlers gravitate to the Siltcoos River paddle trail and avoid the choppy conditions that this massive lake is prone to. But on calmer and quieter days, such as early mornings or in the winter or spring, there are plenty of other paddling options to consider. Premium members may access the library of suggested paddle routes and maps.

Cellular reception is fair here.
Watch for choppy conditions, avoid large crossings.
No boating restrictions here. Watch for speeding boats and watercraft.
A good map (printed or offline) is recommended due to the size of the lake.

Launch Sites:

Westlake boat ramp

Parking fee: day use fee $5 or Lane County Parks pass
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, grassy shoreline
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

Driving Directions: From Florence, OR drive south on Hwy 101 for 7 miles. Turn left onto Pacific Avenue. Proceed straight for 0.4 miles and you will see Westlake County Park straight ahead of you.

From Reedsport, OR drive north on Hwy 101 for 15 miles. Turn right onto Pacific Avenue. Proceed straight for 0.4 miles and you will see Westlake County Park straight ahead of you.

Darling’s RV Resort & Marina

Launch fee: $5
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round
Amenities: On-site kayak rentals, RV camping, restaurant

Nightingale’s Fishing Camp

Launch fee: $5
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round
Amenities: Tent and RV camping
Contact: (541) 997-2892

ADA Fishing Resort

Launch fee: $7
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round
Amenities: RV and tent camping, general store
Contact: (541) 997-2342

Driving Directions: From Florence Highway 101 go south about 2 miles. Turn left onto Canary Road. At the T, turn right onto S Canary Road. Then turn right on Ada/ S Canary Road. The road narrows to a one-lane paved road along the water’s edge for the last few miles. An alternate route is after the T, turn right on Siltcoos Station Road, and follow the road to ADA Resort. The last few miles are gravel road.

ADA Park

Launch fee: $5 day use fee or Lane County Parks pass
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: portable
Open: year-round

According to the Lane County Parks website, there are 14 parking spaces here. There is also an area for picnicking.

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.

Water Temperature: Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info.

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.

Siuslaw River Water Trail

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The Siuslaw River begins its journey close to Cottage Grove in the southwestern part of the Willamette Valley, picking up speed as it flows through the Coast Range, ultimately emptying into the Pacific Ocean in Florence. For year-round flatwater paddling opportunities, the tidal estuary between Mapleton and Florence really hits the spot.

Good to Know:

The Siuslaw River is tidally influenced up to 26 miles, which is just above Farnham Landing. Tidal charts should be consulted to avoid getting stranded when exploring channels and to avoid paddling against strong currents when closer to the ocean.
Watch out for boat wake along the mainstem, especially during the fishing season.
Best times: Spring to Fall, watch for stronger river current after heavy rains.
Watch for afternoon winds, especially closer to to the ocean.

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.

River flow and tidal schedules- Look for paddling suggestions based on the river flow and tidal schedules, a premium feature, on the SWT Planner App

Tide: Check the tide table here.

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.

Siltcoos River

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The Siltcoos River Water Trail takes you from the largest lake on Oregon’s coast, through towering sand dunes and forests and brings you to a special stretch of ocean where snowy plovers nest on protected beaches. Along the way, there are tricky logjams that challenge your skills of Twister and a dam portage with a kayak slide (you know, for grownups). Sound interesting enough?

There is very little elevation change along the length of the Siltcoos River, so the current is usually mild enough that it can be paddled in either direction even for beginners. The wind can be a factor though, especially in the afternoons near the ocean and at Siltcoos Lake.

This is a popular river trail so you will likely encounter other kayakers and paddleboarders on the water (and also river otters).

Good to Know:

Beware that if the dam is open, such as during the rainy season October -May, the faster river flows can make the log strainers quite dangerous and should be avoided.
Preferably, time your paddle so that you reach the beach at or near high tide to avoid bottoming out for that last mile.
Standup paddleboarders, consider using shorter river fins to paddle the lower section from the dam to the ocean.
During the protected snowy plover season (March 15- Sep 15), beach access is limited to just the wet sand and dogs are not allowed to get out on the beach at all.
Cellular reception is poor here. Consider downloading a map prior to going out.

Highlights from Lake to Ocean:

Additional things to do:

Camping- Get an early start on the Siltcoos River. Tyee Campground and Waxmyrtle Campground have access to the Siltcoos River.
Fishing and more paddling at Siltcoos Lake
Hiking- get nice views of the Siltcoos River and access the beach on the Waxmyrtle trail

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 and consider the wind conditions.

Tides-Tidal reports should be consulted to make sure there is enough water depth to navigate the lower portion. Premium members on the SWT Planner App can get timing recommendations. Also, watch for very high tides that may affect your passage through the logjams.

Parking fees– For Westlake, you can purchase the Lane County parks day pass online or at a local vendor, or use the self-pay envelopes at the park. For Lodgepole and Waxmyrtle, purchase a NW Forest day pass online or buy at a local vendor.

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.

Carter Lake

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Carter Lake is a small coastal dune lake located just 11 miles south of Florence. There is a 10mph speed restriction for the entire lake which makes this a great beginners or family-friendly lake. You can paddle around 2 miles of shoreline. The major factor to watch for is that it can get very windy here when the wind picks up and it usually blows in from the north in summer. The water appears quite clear and is nice for swimming, too.

There is a day use area with a small sandy beach tucked away in the Carter Lake campground. It has a few parking spots but requires the NW Forest Pass or equivalent. The nearest restrooms and water are located within the campground itself. The boat ramp for Carter Lake is located on the opposite side of the lake and can be reached off of the Highway 101, south of the Carter Lake campground.

Good to know:

By late summer in dry years, the water level may get too low to paddle the entire length.
The campground and day use area is open 5/1-9/30.
The boat ramp off Hwy 101 is open year-round.
Carter Lake is managed by the Siuslaw National Forest division.
The cellular reception here is poor.

Directions:

The Carter Lake day use area is located within the Carter Lake campground. Drive to the end of the loop to the small day use parking lot.

The Carter Lake boat ramp is located directly off Hwy 101, south of the campground entrance.

Additional things to do:

Stay at the Carter Lake campground where you may get a spot that backs up to sand dunes or, if you can manage the steep access, you can get a spot overlooking the water.

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. A lot of summer afternoons typically have northern winds which can whip through this lake.

Park status: Check on the Carter campground area status.

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.

Lake Marie

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Lake Marie is a sweet little coastal lake located near Winchester Bay. With only a 1-mile long shoreline and the absence of motorized boats, Lake Marie is suitable for early beginners and paddling with children. There is also a small beach area near the parking lot, a 1 mile tree-covered hiking trail around the lake, and the nearby lighthouse to keep everyone in the group busy.

The water is clear and warms up enough for swimming in the summertime. This lake might also be an option if the conditions are not optimal for paddling at one of the larger nearby lakes or river.

Good to know:

Watch for woody debris and snags, especially near the shore line.
The cellular reception is good or very good here.
Similar to other small lakes in the area, expect water temperatures in the low 50s during the winter and low to mid 70s in the summer.

Directions:

Navigate to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park from Hwy 101. Continue to parking near Lake Marie Trailhead.

Additional things to do:

Stay at the Umpqua Lighthouse SP campground which not only has tent and RV sites, but also cabins and deluxe yurts. There are some trails leading from the campground to the lake.
Hike around Lake Marie which is only 1 mile, plenty of shade for sunny hot days, and plenty of views of the lake.
Tour the Umpqua River Lighthouse which is managed by the Umpqua Valley Museums.

Check before you go:

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

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.

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.