Oregon Paddling

Blue River Reservoir

Skip ahead to check conditions

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.

*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.

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.

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.

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.

Yamhill River Locks

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

A little history

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

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

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

Good to Know:

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

Launch Site:

Dayton Landing

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

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

Driving Directions:

GPS coordinates to gravel parking lot 45.22194, -123.07102

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

Photo Gallery:

Additional Things to Do:

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

Check before you go:

Maps and Suggested Routes: Download or print out a map before you go from the SWT Planner App. As a premium member, you can access an ever-growing library of paddling-related maps and suggested routes.

Weather: Check the weather forecast for the area.

Inspect your watercraft. You can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by wiping off any vegetation or debris from your watercraft and making sure it is dry each time before entering a new waterway.

PFD, Whistle, and Waterway Access Permit: In Oregon, all paddlecraft 10′ or longer (including SUPs, kayaks, and canoes) require a permit. You can purchase the permit online.

George Rogers Park

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George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego provides access to the Willamette River for SUPs, kayaks, and any other paddlecraft you can carry in. On hot summer days, the diminutive beach fills up with families and the boat ramp receives plenty of entry and exit traffic. From George Rogers Park, you can paddle up to Hog Island or further to Cedaroak Lagoon where you can pull over for a picnic or some playing around in the water. Early beginners and children, however, may be more comfortable with staying in the nearby Oswego Creek which is located adjacent to the beach.

Good to know:

Prepare to carry or wheel your gear 300- 500 ft or more depending on parking.
The cellular signal appears fair or good here.
If you don’t find parking here, consider looking for a spot near Roehr Park or Foothills Park. Both of these parks have hand carry boat launches and are less than 3/4 mile upstream from George Rogers Park.

Directions:

Additional things to do:

Get to know Lake Oswego’s gritty past by checking out the Iron Heritage Trail. One of the sites is the large can’t-miss-it iron furnace at George Rogers park. It was the first iron furnace to be built on the West Coast and was part of a large enterprise for pig iron production in the 1860s. You can drive, walk, and even paddle up to some of the other sites on the Iron Heritage Trail.

iron furnace at george rogers park — By Another Believer – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69339878

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 conditions.

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

Check Water Flow: Take caution with paddling on the river at higher flow. The usual slow summer rate is <1 ft/sec.

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.

Clear Lake (Linn County)

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Clear Lake (Linn County) in the Willamette National Forest is a favorite for many Oregonians. Of the many lakes in Oregon given the name of Clear Lake, this one stands out for its truly mesmerizing clear blue turquoise waters. Historically, Clear Lake was formed by a lava event 3000 years ago which blocked the flow of the McKenzie River and inundated the existing forest. Today, this lake has an average depth of 80 ft. and is so clear and devoid of any additional plant life or nutrients that it is deemed “ultraoligotrophic” (Atlas of Oregon Lakes, 1985).

You will see many kayaks, SUPs, rowboats, and canoes on the water. With a visibility level down to 50 ft. deep, standup paddleboarding in particular provides an exciting (and maybe even a little unnerving) viewpoint deep into the underwater forest and the fish swimming around below.

Overall, Clear Lake is an easy paddle but it would not be ideal for first-timers or someone who is likely to fall into the very cold water.

Good to Know:

The water is very cold here (35-42F), as it is fed directly from snowmelt. It is not suitable for swimming.
Best months to visit are June-October.
Arrive early on summer weekends to get parking in the day use lot. Otherwise, be prepared for a longer walk from the overflow parking along the road shoulder.
No motorized boats are allowed on the lake.
Cellular reception is poor here.

Put-In Locations:

Clear Lake Day Use Area

Parking fee: none
Launch type: shore
Restrooms: flush
Open: access to cars opens up when the snow melts, sometime in May
The McKenzie Ranger district of the Willamette National Forest division manages the Clear Lake Day Use area. There is shoreline access from the trails leading from the free day use area next to the resort. When the small parking lot fills up, cars will park along the side of the main road leading away from the Day Use area.

Clear Lake Resort

Parking fee: none (launch fee, see below)
Launch type: dock, boat ramp
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round
It is managed by Linn County Parks and located on the north end. They charge a launch fee of $5 per watercraft to launch from the docks or boat ramp. You can also rent one of their rowboats or kayaks. The Clear Lake Resort is open year-round (even the rowboat rentals) but 4WD is recommended for access during the snowy winter season.

Coldwater Cove Campground Day Use

Parking fee: $8 day use fee or NW Forest Pass or equivalent
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Check here for the seasonal dates.
There is a day use lot and boat ramp located at the far end of Coldwater Cove Campground. The paved parking area can hold about 20 cars. The day use area does not have a lot of space for groups on land.

Driving Directions:

Additional things to do:

Hike the 5-mile trail around the entire lake to really take in the diversity of the landscape and visit the Great Springs pool.

You can drive/hike to the Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls, the outflow of Clear Lake, which were also formed by the same lava flow.

Check Before you go:

Maps and Suggested Routes: Download or print out a map before you go from the SWT Planner App. As a premium member, you can access an ever-growing library of paddling-related maps and suggested routes.

Weather: Check the weather forecast for the area.

Inspect your watercraft. You can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by wiping off any vegetation or debris from your watercraft and making sure it is dry each time before entering a new waterway.

PFD, Whistle, and Waterway Access Permit: In Oregon, all paddlecraft 10′ or longer (including SUPs, kayaks, and canoes) require a permit. You can purchase the permit online.

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.

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.

Willamette River Narrows

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The Willamette River “Narrows” in West Linn is a popular paddling destination. It is defined by a cluster of basalt islands that are located just a few miles upstream from the dramatic basalt cliffs at the well-known Willamette Falls. In late summer and early fall, when the water level and flow are just right, paddlers can enjoy an easy out-and-back paddle to the Narrows.

Good to Know:

Cellular reception is good or excellent here.
The best time to visit is late summer or early fall.
Watch for stronger current and turbulence at winter and spring flows.
Watch out for powerboat traffic on the river and stay to the side.

Launch sites:

Willamette Park (West Linn)

Parking fee: free
Launch type: beach
Restrooms: flush toilets near playground
Open: year-round

There is a grassy parking lot located behind Willamette Park in West Linn at 12th St. and Volpp St. It is about 100 ft carry distance from the parking lot to the beach launch. The access to the beach is via a sloped narrow dirt path, suitable for hand-carrying your gear.

There is also parking along the west end of Volpp St. which leads to a wider, more gradual path about 160 ft to the beach.

Driving Directions:

Bernert Landing

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

This launch site is located directly on the Willamette River. Parking is primarily for trailers here.

Driving Directions:

Additional things to do:

To paddle up to the Willamette Falls, the 2nd largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest, you would need to launch from a different point further downstream. There are several launches to choose from that are just a 5-mile drive away. See the post on Willamette Falls for more details.

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 that it is not too windy

[ventus width=”100%” height=”300px” radius=”10px” lat=”45.339″ lon=”-122.650″ zoom=”9″ 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.

Check the water level: When it rises above 56 ft. the flow is usually more turbulent, especially in the rocky areas. At lower water levels, some places may not be passable.

Park questions: contact West Linn Parks at 503-557-4700

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.