Eugene-Springfield 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.

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.

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.

Dorena Reservoir

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Dorena Reservoir is an impoundment of the Row River in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Even though it is less than 30 miles south of Eugene, this area feels like a hidden gem with miles of easily accessible hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, and of course, paddling.

At full pool, a paddle around the entire lake would take about 3 1/2 hours (8.4 miles)*. The inlet which is located in the no-wake zone can be paddled for a little distance. This would be to the right of Baker Bay or to the left from Harms Park.

Good to Know:

Cellular signal appears good at Harms Park but poor elsewhere.
Watch for boat wake and chop in the open main portion of the lake.
Water temperature warms up in the summer to 70s.

Put-In Locations

Harms Park

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

There are some picnic tables overlooking the lake but no swimming area.

Although this park is open year-round, the boat ramp closes when the water is low. Launching from this boat ramp is best when the reservoir is at or near full pool in the early to mid-summer months.

You can also access the Row River Trail from this park.

Baker Bay Marina

Parking fee: Lane County pass or day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, shore
Restrooms: flush
Open: mid April to mid October

There is a swim beach, seasonal rentals, and a campground here.

Additional Things to Do:

Camp by the lakefront at Baker Bay campground
Bike or hike the popular Row River Trail, a 14-mile long rails-to-trails conversion and site of multiple scenes from the 1986 movie Stand By Me.
Drive down to Culp Creek (about 15 min. drive) to see Wildwood Falls.

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 for the area 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.

Water Temperature: Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info. To get a general idea, here is the water temperature at a nearby reservoir.

USGS Water-data graph for site 14154500 — Row River above Pitcher Creek near Dorena, OR stream monitor

Water level– Watch for exposed mudflats when the water level starts dropping below the boat ramp level.

USGS Water-data graph for site 14155000 — Harms Park boat ramp 820 ft., Baker Bay boat ramp 765 ft.

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.

Leaburg Dam at McKenzie River

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Enjoy this no-wake flatwater portion of the beautiful McKenzie River at Leaburg Dam and the photo-ops of the iconic covered bridge known as Goodpasture Bridge. Leaburg Dam is located only 22 miles east of Springfield and is used by EWEB to provide hydroelectric power to some Eugene homes.

There are two public launch sites along this stretch of the river from Leaburg Dam to Goodpasture Bridge. The boat ramp next to Lloyd Knox Park is the favored starting point for an out-and-back paddle, going against the mild current first and then getting a little boost on the return. The Goodpasture Boat Ramp is located on the other end, very close to the Goodpasture Covered Bridge.

Good to Know:

The cellular signal is poor or fair.
The water is always cold here, so this is probably not the best choice for first-timers or someone who is prone to falling in. In the warmest months of July and August, for example, you can anticipate water temperatures in the low 60’s.
There is a waterway restriction of slow no-wake 5mph for this entire route.

Launch Sites:

Lloyd Knox Park

Parking fee: none
Launch type: boat ramp, gradual shore
Restrooms: vault
Open: year round

McKenzie River Leaburg Dam parking — gravel parking lot and bathroom

Leaburg Dam launch site McKenzie River — gravel parking lot and bathroom

Driving Directions:

From OR-126, turn at Leaburg Dam Road and cross over the 1-lane bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left into the small gravel parking lot next to to the dam.

Goodpasture Boat Ramp

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

Goodpasture Covered Bridge at McKenzie River Leaburg Dam — facing Leaburg Dam

Additional things to do:

Visit the Leaburg fish hatchery, which is located next to the dam.
Enjoy a picnic at Lloyd Knox Park that is also maintained by EWEB.

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.

Check the flow: This is usually an easy out-and-back paddle during the months of April to October when the flow is less than 5000 cfs. (It has been noted, however, that this paddle can get difficult going upstream when it is> 12,000 cfs.)

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.

Alton Baker Canoe Canal

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The Alton Baker canoe canal is a side channel of the Willamette River in Eugene, OR which allows for a fun out-and-back paddle without the rapids. Situated just across from the Autzen stadium where the Oregon Ducks play, this place is a popular in-town option for those seeking a quick paddle and connection with nature. And it is a suitable paddling spot for first-timers and families with children.

Good to Know:

It can get busy in the summertime with -SUP’ers, kayakers, and anglers- but it is just large enough to find your space here (and parking).
Although it is open year-round, the best times to paddle here are usually May-October.
Cellular reception is good.

Canoe Launch

Parking fee: none
Launch type: primitive bank
Restrooms: none
Open: year-round

This parking lot can hold ~35-40 cars. Locate the canoe launch sign and a short gravel and dirt path leading to the canoe canal access.

Driving Directions:

Navigate to Leo Harris Parkway and locate the small gravel lot located directly across the street from the Autzen Stadium “O.”

parking lot entrance — entrance to parking lot

Canoe canal parking lot — entrance to parking lot

Alton Baker Park Duck Ponds

Parking fee: none
Restrooms: flush toilets on west side of Day Island Road (across the street)
Open: year-round

duck pond at Alton Baker park — alternate launch from duck ponds at Alton Baker park

Driving Directions:

Park near the disc golf course at Alton Baker Park off Day Island Road and start at the duck ponds. This is a larger parking lot and it is near restrooms but there is about a 100-yard walk from the parking lot to the pond and the paddle from here involves 2 portages.

Alton Baker canoe canal — opening up to the pond

Additional things to do:

There are plenty of other things to do at Alton Baker park if you want to make an entire day of it. One really cool and unique feature is the solar system placed to scale along a multi-use path. You would start at the large model of a Sun at the park and then continue along the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System (South Bank path) until you get to Pluto about 3.5 miles away.

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.

Water flow: The nearby Willamette River generally flows at below 4000 cfs during the summer months which allows for an easy paddle at the canal. At much higher flows, such as when it is >12,000 cfs, the current can be quite swift.

check water flow

Questions: contact Willamalane Park District at 503-434-7463

Game Days: Note that the canoe launch parking lot is located right across the street from Autzen stadium, which makes it inaccessible during Oregon Ducks games and Emeralds events. You may consider the alternate launch from the Alton Baker Park duck pond when this parking is inaccessible. Check the Ducks game schedule and the Emeralds schedule (season is April to Sept).

Concerts at Cuthbert: Parking can also be difficult when there are events at Cuthbert Amphitheater. Here is the schedule of events.

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.

Fall Creek Reservoir

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Fall Creek Reservoir, located about a 30-minute drive southeast of Eugene, is a rock-filled reservoir that provides flood control to the Middle Fork Willamette River as well as water recreation in the summer. The lake is made up of two arms, Fall Creek Arm to the north and Winberry Creek Arm to the south. In comparison to Dexter Reservoir which is only 4 miles away, Fall Creek Reservoir is set in deep forested canyons away from major roads and has generally less wind and warmer water (Dexter Reservoir receives cold water discharge from Lookout Point Reservoir).

The Winberry State Recreation Site is located on the south arm where Winberry Creek flows into the lake and provides the most launching options for paddling. There is plenty of room here for group gatherings and families to enjoy their day here, including a large paved parking area, many picnic tables facing the shore, barbecue and fire rings, and a swim beach. North Shore, on the other hand, has the low-water level ramp and a longer open season. And finally, the other day use areas that are located along the far end of the north arm are popular with paddlers when there is enough water.

Good to Know:

The cellular reception is poor or average here.
The water temperature reaches a comfortable 70s in the summer.
Under the new water control plan of 2021, the US Army Corps of Engineers plans to draw down the water level much deeper in the winter and delay filling into April or May in order to allow the fish to migrate. It is possible that in years where there is little rain falling after April, there may not be enough water to fill the Winberry arm or the far end of the Fall Creek arm.

Additional things to do:

Cascara Campground first-come first-served sites and Fisherman’s Point Campground (group site) offer primitive camping experiences with lake access at the far northeast arm of the lake when water level is high enough.

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.

Check the park status: on the Oregon State Parks website

Water Temperature: Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info. Here is the latest water temperature estimate.

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.

Triangle Lake

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Triangle Lake is a 293-acre natural lake in the Coast Range that sits at just less than 700 ft elevation. In contrast to the lakes of the Cascades Range which were formed from volcanic activity, Triangle Lake was likely formed from a landslide of the steep sandstone walls which impounded the existing streamflow. Loon Lake near Reedsport, OR was likely formed in a similar fashion.

This is a busy place in the summertime, where motorboats and water-skiers buzz around producing wake that reverberates off the triangular shaped boundaries of the lake. Paddlers may have opportunities to enjoy quieter paddles, however, in the mornings and outside of the prime season.

Good to know:

The parking lot has about 16 spaces, most are large trailer spaces.
Available year-round.
The water at Triangle Lake warms up earlier than the lakes on the east side of Willamette Valley.
The cellular signal was poor here.
Vault restrooms are available.

Driving Directions:

Please note that this is not the Triangle Lake in Mt. Hood National Forest.

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.

Parking: Purchase your day use pass or annual pass before you go at the Lane County parks website . The cellular signal is very poor at this location, so you may not be able to pay online when you get there. There is a cash pay option though.

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

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.

Fern Ridge Reservoir

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Fern Ridge Lake is a massive 9,360-acre reservoir in the Long Tom River watershed near Eugene. The lake is known for its windy conditions and is used by the yacht club, the UO Sailing team, as well as windsurfers, boaters, and water-skiers.

Paddlers launching from Orchard Point Park or Shore Lane Park may enjoy exploring Gibson Island and the Amazon wetlands. Or start at the Perkins Peninsula Park at the south end of Fern Ridge Lake and explore the no-wake zone near the Coyote Creek inlet. A pod of pelicans and a great blue heron may be easily spotted during your visit, and there are many more bird species to be spotted as well.

Richardson Park, Orchard Point Park, and Perkins Pensinula Park all provide ample space and amenities for large groups.

Good to Know:

The cellular signal reception is generally good or excellent here.

Due to the flat shape of the basin, a significant reduction of shoreline occurs with just the 20 ft drawdown that occurs each year. All of the launch sites are seasonal as the area becomes mudflats when the water level is lowered.
If the main part of the lake appears too windy, consider paddling at the Coyote Creek channel instead.
The water is usually muddy, attributed in part to the high clay content in the soil.

Launch Sites:

Additional things to do:

Camp at Richardson Park on the northern end of Fern Ridge Lake
Visit the Coyote Creek Nature Trail managed by the ODFW 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.

Park Status: call Lane County Parks at 541-682-2000 or visit the website.

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

Water level: The reservoir is allowed to fill starting 2/1. Over the summer, the water levels can drop several feet once the rains end. The reservoir is actively drained starting midSeptember. The Perkins Peninsula Park ramp lies at 368ft., Orchard Point 364 ft., Richardson Park 365 ft.

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.