Oregon Locations – 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.

Coyote Creek Trail at Fern Ridge Lake

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The Coyote Creek Trail is a popular paddling trail near Eugene that meanders through the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area and enters Fern Ridge Lake. Although the water is always muddy here, paddlers can look forward to a peaceful paddle and the chance for sightings of herons, osprey, beavers, frogs, and more.

This a beginner-friendly paddle, sheltered from the winds and boat wake at nearby Fern Ridge Lake. The current is minimal during the summer months. Also, there are a couple of places along this route to pull over, if needed.

Good to Know:

The cellular signal is average or fair here.
This section is less windy than in the main body of Fern Ridge Lake.
This route is best paddled when the lake levels are at or near full pool. Watch out for faster creek flow during the rainy season and more exposed snags at lower water levels.
Waterway restrictions: slow no-wake in the Coyote Creek Channel, slow no-wake south of Perkins Peninsula Park

Put-In Location

Coyote Creek Canoe Access

Parking fee: none
Launch type: undeveloped bank
Restrooms: none
Open: daily May 1 – Oct 10

Parking is located on the shoulder (north side) of Cantrell Road.

launch site coyote creek — put-in at sloped bank

Additional things to do:

Visit Perkins Peninsula Park for more amenities and more parking. It is only a few miles away but parking there requires a day use fee or Lane County pass.
Visit the nature trails in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area.

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.

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 Level: check that that reservoir level is full

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.

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.

Dexter Lake

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Dexter Lake is a reservoir of the Middle Fork Willamette River just 19 miles east of Eugene. Unlike other reservoir lakes in the area, it is not drained for winter storage. This means it can be paddled year-round as weather permits. Crew practice takes place regularly here, as well as the usual boating and other water recreation.

Dexter Lake can be accessed for paddling at either Dexter or Lowell State Recreation Sites (SRS). Dexter SRS is conveniently located right off Hwy OR-58 and also has a disc golf course and walking trails. Lowell SRS is located on the opposite side of Dexter Lake away from the highway noise and has more amenities such as a picnic area, beach and swimming area, and playground for a day of family fun.

A loop around the entire lake would take about 2 hours or more (5+ miles).* Paddle up to the bridge and head towards the Lookout Point Reservoir dam.

*Time is roughly based on a leisurely paddle pace in typical conditions and includes breaks for longer distances. Wind, current, equipment, and the paddler’s fitness and motivation can greatly affect this estimate.

Good to Know:

The cellular reception appears to be good or excellent here.
Be aware that the water can get choppy and there may be a lot of boat wake on popular days.
Although this location is open year-round and maintains its water level year-round, the best times to go are May – October due to weather.

Put-In Locations

Lowell State Recreation Site

Parking fee: none
Launch type: boat ramp, shore
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round

Check Oregon State Parks park website for more info.

There is a large paved parking lot with room for trailers. The day use area has a playground, sport court, picnic area and swimming beach.

Dexter Lake at Lowell — Lowell day use area

Dexter State Recreation Site

Parking fee: none
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

Check Oregon State Parks park website for more info.

There is a large paved parking lot with room for trailers.

Dexter Lake at bridge — paddle to the bridge

Lowell Covered Bridge at Dexter Lake — paddle to the bridge

Additional things to do:

visit the fish hatchery near Lowell STS
visit Lowell and support a community event

Check before you go:

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

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.

Water Temperature: Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info. Here is the estimated water temperature from Lookout Point Lake just upstream. Dexter may run a few degrees cooler as it receives cool water discharge from Lookout Point Lake.

Park notices: check for any park status changes or scheduled rowing events at Lowell SRS or at Dexter SRS.

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.

Plat I Reservoir

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Plat I Reservoir is a small 150-acre reservoir near Sutherlin. It is a good lake for beginners or families due to the small size and a 10 mph speed limit.

Good to Know:

This place has not been reviewed yet. You can share your tips and experiences with us in the comments below!

Put-In Location:

Plat I Reservoir Day Use Area:

Parking fee: none
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, shoreline
Restrooms: yes
Open: call Sutherlin Water Control District at 541-459-5450

There is a paved parking lot, grassy area by the shore, picnic tables, and covered shelter.

Driving Directions:

Paddle Route:

loop entire lake ~2.2 mi (53 min)

*Time is roughly based on leisurely paddling pace of 2.5mph. Wind, current, equipment, and paddler’s fitness and motivation can change this estimate.

Additional things to do:

consider a visit to nearby scenic Cooper Creek Reservoir for more paddling.

Check before you go:

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

Park/ Reservoir status: call the Sutherlin Water Control District at 541-459-5450

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.

Cougar Reservoir

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Cougar Reservoir is located just a little over an hour’s drive from Eugene along the McKenzie Highway. The reservoir impounds the south fork of the McKenzie River and provides flood control, hydroelectricity, and water recreation. The Terwilliger Hot Springs is also a popular place to visit if you are in the area.

This is a long thin reservoir with 18 miles of shoreline, and generally steep rocky terrain.

Good to Know:

Check the water level (see below). Once the water level drops below the boat ramp, there is exposed steep terrain which makes launching difficult here.

This place has not been reviewed yet. You can share your tips and experiences with us in the comments below!

Put-In Locations:

Echo Boat Ramp

Parking fee: $5 day use fee or NW Forest Pass or equivalent
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

The parking area is paved.

Driving Directions:

Slide Creek Campground Day Use

Parking fee: $8 day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp, swimming beach
Restrooms: vault
Open: seasonal

Driving Directions:

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.

map download

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. Here is the latest water temperature reading.

USGS Water-data graph for site 14159200 — S Fork McKenzie River above Cougar Reservoir stream monitor

Check the water level: This reservoir is allowed to start filling 2/1 and begins active draining 9/1 each year. Water levels will also drop during the dry summer months.

USGS Water-data graph for site 14159400 — Boat ramp levels Slide Creek 1635 ft., Echo boat ramp 1635ft

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.

Hills Creek Reservoir

Skip ahead to check conditions

Hills Creek Reservoir is located near Oakridge, within an hours’ drive from Eugene. It is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and provides flood control, temperature regulation downstream, as well as water recreation. Hills Creek Reservoir is located along the Middle Fork Willamette River, just upstream from Dexter and Lookout Point Reservoirs.

Good to know:

This place has not been reviewed yet. You can share your tips and experiences with us in the comments below!

Launch Sites:

Larison Cove

Parking fee: day use fee or NW Forest Pass or equivalent
Launch type: dock
Restrooms: vault
Open:

This area has a waterway restriction of slow no-wake only in Larison Cove or Creek west of NF-21.

Paddle around Larison Cove on a 2-mile family-friendly loop, just check first that the reservoir has enough water.

Driving Directions:

Packard Creek Boat Ramp

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

This ramp is located at the low-water level and is open year-round.

There is also a campground here and a designated swimming area

Driving Directions:

CT Beach

Parking fee: NW Forest Pass (or equivalent) or day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

The parking lot is paved and has spaces for trailers. There are also picnic tables at this site.

Check the water level (see below) to see if it reaches this ramp. This a popular place for paddlers to put in and paddle into the arm.

Driving Directions:

Bingham Boat Ramp

Parking fee: NW Forest Pass (or equivalent) or day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open:

Check the water level (see below) to make sure it reaches this ramp.

Driving Directions:

Check before you go:

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

Park questions: contact the Middle Fork Ranger District at 541-782-2283

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

Water Level: This reservoir is allowed to fill starting 2/1 and is lowered starting 9/1 each year.

USGS Water-data graph for site 14145100 — Boat ramp levels: Bingham 1520 ft, CT Beach 1507 ft, Packard 1441 ft; winter level= 1450 ft.

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.

Willamette River at Cedaroak

Skip ahead to check conditions

The Cedaroak boat ramp in West Linn is a popular launching point on the Willamette River. On a warm sunny day, you may see anglers hanging out by the dock, powerboats and personal watercraft roaring along the mainstem, and paddlers playing around in the adjacent lagoon or heading out to Goat Island and beyond.

Paddling from the Cedaroak boat ramp to Goat Island provides just enough connection to nature while maintaining the conveniences of an urban paddle. Beginners and families may also enjoy just playing around in the protected lagoon of Cedar Island.

Good to know:

The cellular reception is fair here.
At higher flows in the winter and spring, this route may not be suitable for an out-and-back paddle. Please check conditions before getting on the water.
The area inside Cedar Island lagoon is a slow-no wake zone.

Cedaroak boat ramp

Parking fee: free
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, beach
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round

The boat ramp access is managed by the City of West Linn. Contact info 503-557-4700

Driving Directions:

Additional things to do:

visit nearby Mary S. Young Park which has wooded trails leading to the river and to Cedar Island.
Consider starting at other launch sites along the Willamette River.

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 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.

Cooper Creek Reservoir

Skip ahead to check conditions

Cooper Creek Reservoir is located just east of Sutherlin, convenient for Douglas County residents and only a one-hour drive south for Eugene-Springfield visitors. The 166-acre reservoir impounds Cooper Creek for flood control and provides some of the drinking water for Sutherlin residents. Popular activities here include fishing, boating, waterskiing and jet-skiing, paddling, and hiking or bicycling.

To paddle around the entire lake takes about 4 miles in a lovely forested canyon with a few coves to explore. Beware that you may also be sharing the water with motorized boats and personal water crafts on this narrow lake.

The West Day Use area on Edgewater Drive provides a nice setting for families and beginners. There is a small no-wake area to paddle around while non-paddlers can enjoy the large grassy picnic area by the shoreline.

The East Day Use area on Cooper Creek Road, on the other hand, has a smaller space for setting up by the shoreline and it is located next to the “Personal Watercraft Zone.” Nevertheless, this may be a more desirable launch point if the winds pick up from the west and you want to cruise on your way back.

Good to Know:

It appears that parking is free currently, although this may be subject to change as there was previously a $4 parking fee.
Cellular phone reception is poor or no service available here.
Open year-round
Several inlets here are designated slow no-wake zones.

Launch Sites:

Cooper Creek Reservoir- West Day Use Area

Parking fee: none
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, shore
Restrooms: flush

This is a large paved parking lot with room for trailers. The day use area includes picnic tables and a grassy area by the water.

Cooper Creek Reservoir – East Day Use Area

view of East Day Use from upper level parking lot

Parking fee: none
Launch type: paved boat ramp
Restrooms: vault

Note that the parking for cars without trailers is on the upper level. There is very little space here for picnicking. The launch is next to the swim area but also next to a busy Personal Watercraft area.

Additional things to do:

Hike or bike the Cooper Creek Reservoir Trail from the day use areas. This popular trail now completely encircles the lake (as of May 2022) thanks to the dedication and hard work of many volunteers. The result is an inspiring example for what can be accomplished if we make enjoying the healthy outdoors a priority.

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.

Park updates: check with Douglas County Parks for questions regarding the park.

Weather: Check the weather forecast including 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.