Willamette Valley Area – Oregon Paddling

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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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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.

Blue River Reservoir

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Blue River Reservoir is about an hour east of Eugene in the Cascade foothills. The reservoir provides flood control and irrigation for the McKenzie River downstream and is also popular for boating, paddling, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. The water warms up to a comfortable 70F in the summer months, unlike the nearby McKenzie River.

Blue River, which is deserving of its name, flows into the reservoir next to Lookout Campground. The reservoir fills in a narrow steep canyon which then winds its way to Saddle Dam at almost the midpoint and finally to Blue River Dam at the opposite end.

There are 16 miles of forested shoreline that you could potentially explore on this elongated reservoir. But the strong winds, which usually come up by early afternoon, hinder longer explorations for most paddlers.

Good to Know:

Cellular reception is poor.
Watch for strong winds, typically starting in the early afternoon and especially when paddling in the direction towards Blue River Dam or towards the Lookout boat launch.
It is a good idea to bring a map for this one as the landmarks may be difficult to differentiate when you are out there.

Put-In Locations:

Saddle Dam

Parking fee: $6 day use fee or NW Forest Pass (or equivalent)
Launch type: concrete boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: mid-March to mid-Oct depending on water levels (> 1295 ft), verify park status

Saddle Dam boat launch has about 15-20 parking spaces on a gravel lot, with room for trailers.

Driving Directions:

From Eugene/ Springfield: take OR-126E about 37 miles, pass the sign for Blue River Reservoir, then make left onto Old Scout Road (Forest Road 15). Continue on this paved road for 1.1 miles until you reach the boat launch on your left.

blue river reservoir sign — Sign for turnoff on OR-126E, photo courtesy SUP2UOregon

Lookout Boat Launch

Parking fee: $7 day use fee , no passes honored
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round, check park status

This boat launch is located on the upper end of the reservoir and the boat ramp may be out of the water before the Saddle Dam boat ramp.

Driving Directions:

From Eugene/ Springfield: take OR-126E about 37 miles, pass the sign for Blue River Reservoir, then make a left onto Old Scout Road (Forest Road 15). Continue on this paved road for about 3.6 miles until you reach Lookout Boat Launch and Campground on your left.

Additional things to do:

Camp at Mona campground or Lookout Campground, both USFS-managed campgrounds on the far northeast end of the lake. You should know that when the water level is low, it may not reach this end of the lake.

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 forecast.

Parking fee: You can purchase the Northwest Forest Pass or day use fee before you go and save a little money. Either purchase this online or get it at a local vendor.

Water level: This reservoir fills starting 2/1 and starts emptying 9/1 each year (water level may also drop due to evaporation over the summer).

USGS Water-data graph for site 14162100 — Saddle Dam boat ramp 1295 ft, Lookout boat ramp 1330 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.

Estacada Lake

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Estacada Lake, located about 40 minutes drive southeast of Portland, is a favorite for many paddlers. It is a “run-of-the-river” reservoir of the Clackamas River managed by PGE for hydroelectric power. The paddle feels very special as you paddle through tall forested canyons, visit gushing waterfalls, and listen for the sound of dripping water. Of note, larger powerboats and PWCs mostly avoid this lake due to the narrow waterway and thus it is very popular for SUPs, kayaks, and smaller boats.

This is considered a beginner-friendly paddle under typical conditions. First-time visitors to Estacada Lake, however, may be surprised by how cold the water is. It reaches only into the 60s during the summer months. You can check on the latest water temperature below.

There are 2 main launch sites at Estacada Lake, Milo McIver State Park and Timber Park. Both are located next to the dam but on opposite sides of the lake. The Milo McIver day-use area is open year-round and requires a state parks pass or day-use fee, while the main launch at Timber Park is open seasonally and requires (in 2024) a PGE Parks pass or day-use fee.

Paddle in the southeast direction away from the River Mill Dam (From Timber Park, go LEFT; from Milo McIver, go RIGHT). It soon narrows to about 300 ft. or less in some sections. Watch or listen for waterfalls and find some coves to play in.

If you paddle beyond the bridge, the crowds thin out and there is a larger waterfall on the left you don’t want to miss. There are also more coves to observe in this section. As you get closer to the turnaround point, the current picks up and you will pass some large rock islands.

Good to Know:

Arrive early, as parking may be difficult to find in the summertime, especially on weekends.
There are no special waterway speed restrictions for Estacada Lake.
The cellular reception is good here.

Launch sites:

Milo McIver boat ramp

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

Driving Directions:

After you enter the park, follow the road to the right, pass the horse arena, then pass a campground, then turn right on S River Lake Road, and go to the end of the road.

Timber Park

Parking fee: Beginning in 2024, a $5 parking pass will be required at Timber Park from May 1 to October 15. A season pass will be available for $40. Contact PGE Parks for details.
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, primitive bank
Restrooms: near the ball field
Open: seasonal, 5/1- 10/15

Alternative launch sites

At Timber Park, there are a couple of smaller hand launch sites as noted on the map provided by PGE (see map download). There is one behind the ball field and also one on Tulip Road.

timber-park-map Download

Driving Directions:

For Timber Park, drive past the disc golf course and find the parking lot to the left.

Additional things to do:

Camp at the Milo McIver State Park campground.
Hike on miles of hiking trails at the Milo McIver state park. Also, the nation’s 2nd largest yew tree is located here.
Play disc golf? There are disc golf courses at Milo Mc Iver SP and Timber Park, both highly rated in Oregon.

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: For Milo McIver State Park, check the Oregon State Parks website for more info and for Timber Park call the PGE Parks Information Line at 503-464-8515.

Check the weather forecast for the area.

Check the water level and flow: closures may occur when it reaches flood stage

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.

Henry Hagg Lake

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Henry Hagg Lake is a reservoir located in the Coast Range foothills that is used for irrigation, municipal water, and improving the water quality of the Tualatin River downstream. At just under 40 miles west of Portland many residents in the northern Willamette Valley area visit this lake regularly for water recreation, especially in the summertime.

Scoggins Valley Park surrounds Hagg Lake with two boat ramps and multiple park recreation areas along a forested shoreline. The most popular and most convenient access for paddlers is known as Boat Ramp C. At this location, families or groups have generous parking, plenty of shoreline access, picnic tables, restrooms, and seasonal on-site rentals. And most importantly, this area is within the 10 mph speed restriction zone of the lake. Many first-timers or early beginners start off here. There are also quiet coves to explore within the no-wake zone.

Good to Know:

By May and June, the water temperature can rise above 60F while nearby paddling spots such as the Willamette River and Estacada Lake are still only in the 50’s. By summer, the water reaches upper 70s, warm enough for swimming. However, watch out for mudflats when the water level drops in late summer or fall (you can check the water level below).

The cellular reception is only fair or poor here.

Additional Information:

The water at Hagg Lake is known for being muddy, which is attributed to the high clay content soil bottom. Also, when the water level gets low in late summer or fall, you may get a view of the man-made concrete structures placed at the bottom of the lake. These structures are made of plastic pipe “tentacles” and concrete cinder block anchors and take the place of submerged trees that usually provide shelter for fish.

Put-In Locations:

Parking fee: $7 at entrance or annual pass
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, shoreline
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round

Driving Directions:

Scoggins Valley Park is at 50250 SW Scoggins Valley Rd., Gaston OR 97119.

From State Highway 47, turn onto SW Scoggins Valley Road. Once you pass the fee booth, turn left onto W Shore Drive. Follow until you reach Boat Ramp C on right about 4 miles in.

Additional things to do:

In the summer, there may be events such as the free “Live at Hagg Lake” concert series. Also, visit the other recreation areas at Scoggins Valley Park for hiking, bicycling, fishing, or playing the disc golf course.

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 check the wind conditions.

Park updates: Washington County manages Scoggins Valley Park
Water level: US Bureau of Reclamation manages the dam and water levels.

Parking: If you qualify for a discounted pass (55+ or veteran), purchase it ahead of time at the Park Office, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm (cash and card), or at Lake Stop Store 8015 SW Old Highway 47, Gaston, OR 97119 (card only).

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

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 Falls

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The Willamette Falls in Oregon City is actually the largest waterfall by volume in the Northwest and second only to the Niagara Falls in the United States. It has played an important role in the early development of Oregon, from providing the local tribes with fish and lamprey to harnessing its power for hydroelectricity and the operation of paper mills. Today, when you paddle along this section of the Willamette River you can get an idea of these myriad historic activities- with the canal and locks, the paper mills, and the power stations- juxtaposed with the natural beauty of this horshoe-shaped waterfall.

Good to Know:

Best time to visit is June-Oct. Watch for higher water flows outside of these months.
The cellular reception here is good or excellent

Launch Sites:

Sportcraft Landing/ eNRG Kayaking

Parking fee: none
Launch type: 2-lane boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: on-site
Open: year-round
On-site rentals at eNRG Kayaking are available, if needed

Sportcraft Boat Ramp and ENRG Kayaking Parking Lot

Driving Directions:

credit: Bob Heims, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual Library, Public Domain

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 before you go.

[ventus width=”100%” height=”300px” radius=”10px” lat=”45.305″ lon=”-122.610″ zoom=”11″ layer=”wind” scale=”F” units=”mph” marker=”true” forecast=”true” time=”now].

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

Water levels:

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.

North Fork Reservoir

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North Fork Reservoir in Estacada is lined by narrow steep canyons in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. It is one of several reservoirs along the Clackamas River, such as Estacada Lake, which were built to provide hydroelectric power. The water runs clear and cold here. At less than an hours’ drive from Portland, it is a popular place for paddling, as well as boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Paddlers who want to avoid boat wake can go up the inlet that is south of Promontory Park or paddle around by the culvert.

Good to know:

There is no/ very poor cell signal at this location. (Found cellular signal on the main road before turning into Promontory Park)
Waterway Restrictions: 10mph limit south of Promontory Park, slow-no wake in north arm (culvert area)
The water temperature runs cold here.

Put-In Locations:

Promontory Park Marina

Parking fee: none
Launch Type: kayak dock, boat ramp
Restrooms: flush

There is a large paved parking lot with a lot of parking spaces for trailers. A convenience store with boat rentals is also located here.

Directions:

From Estacada OR-224E, after passing E. Faraday Road, turn right at the Promontory Park sign. Then follow the road to the right for the marina.

The Culvert

Parking fee: none
Launch Type: shore
Restrooms: none

The parking lot has space for about 25 cars and faces the shoreline. This area is in a slow-no wake zone.

Directions:

From Estacada OR-224E, soon after passing East Faraday Road (North Shore ramp), look for the turnout on the left. Turn left and proceed to small paved parking lot by the culvert.

North Shore Ramp

Parking fee: none
Launch Type: boat ramp
Restrooms: flush

This parking lot is large and has room for trailers. It is the closest boat ramp coming from Estacada, but it is located on the busy main portion of the lake where there is no speed restriction.

Directions:

From Estacada OR-224E, turn right on E. Faraday Road. Proceed to parking lot on the left.

Additional things to do:

Camp at the PGE Promontory Park Campground which has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and yomes (yurt + dome = yome).

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.