Oregon Paddling

Foster Reservoir- Calkins Day Use Area

Foster Reservoir is located in the foothills of the Cascade Range just east of Sweet Home. Like other reservoirs in the area, it is very popular for boating and jet skiing in the summertime. But if you don’t enjoy surfing wakes, you can go up either of two no-wake zone arms for a gorgeous scenic paddle with waterfalls.

Foster regulates flow from Green Peter Reservoir and also impounds water from the South Santiam River for flood control downstream and hydroelectric power. You can read more info about the reservoirs and dams in the area here.

This post describes the water route from Calkins Day Use area and up the southern arm, which is where the S. Santiam River flows in. The paddle up the northern arm will be posted separately.

Route length– up to 5.2 miles out and back (~2.5 hr paddling time)
Parking – Calkins day use area, 44529 Quartzville Road, Foster, OR
Fee – none.
Restrooms– vault toilets
Cellular signal– poor
Best times to go – open midMay to September
Rentals: at Lewis Creek Park during summer

Note that it is about 100 yards from the near end of the parking lot to the boat launch, if you are planning to carry your gear from the parking lot. The launch site has a busy drive-up concrete boat ramp and a dock.

Paddle route: Head right and pass under the bridge. The rest of the route should be a no-wake (< 5mph) zone.

Keep an eye out for the two small cascading waterfalls on the right.

You could shorten your route to about 3.2 miles if you want to turn around after the 2nd waterfall.

As a reregulating dam for Green Peter Reservoir, the water level at Foster is kept at a steady level during the summer and is not drawn down for winter until late September.

you may continue for about another mile before you get to some riffles and shallow water. Turnaround and enjoy a little assist on the way back.

Turnaround point South Santiam River inlet

Check before you go:

Park status: Calkins day use area is managed by Linn County Parks.

park status

Water temps: Here is a graph of the water temperature trend during an entire year, just to give you an idea of what to expect in case you take a splash.

Note that the water can reach about 70F in September even though the water monitor shows much cooler waters.

current water temp

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 advisories

Alton Baker Canoe Canal

The Alton Baker canoe canal in Eugene is a calmer side channel of the Willamette River which allows for a fun out-and-back experience. Only have an hour or two? This place is a popular in-town option for a quick paddle and connecting with nature session.

Route length– 2.3 mile out and back (~1 hour paddling time)
Fee – none
Restrooms– at nearby Alton Baker park
Cellular signal– excellent
Best times to go – May-Oct

Directions: Navigate to Leo Harris Parkway in Eugene. Park in the small unmarked gravel lot across the street from the Autzen stadium “O”.

Gravel parking lot across from Autzen stadium

This is a primitive launch site, so there is no dock or ramp here. Just find the opening at the end of the gravel path, ease your watercraft in and go!

Start out by paddling left against the mild current. You will traverse a narrow passageway lined with trees and then go under a wooden footbridge. It just might bring back fond memories of the Jungle Cruise ride for some of us.

It then opens up to a pond where you can stop for a bit, explore, or practice paddling techniques.

This area can get busy in the summertime with -SUP’ers, kayakers, anglers, maybe a SUP yoga class, and some friendly mallard ducks and testy Canada geese- but it is just large enough for you to find your space here.

I’ve spotted 3 tree stumps in this pond. Can you find them too?

Continuing beyond the pond, you will pass by private residences and resident ducks lining the canal. The water is clear and you can easily see fish swimming around. Also, watch for underwater snags here (I’m looking at you, trees).

And finally, you’ll see the I-5 freeway bridge. Slip under the low footbridge here and practice with a bit of whitewater if you wish, or turnaround and enjoy the current assist on your paddle back.

Want more paddling?

There is a slough on river right where the private residences are that can be paddled for a short distance. You can also continue downstream from the launch site. If you go far enough in that direction, you will eventually encounter a total of two takeout spots and end up at an open pond. Just save some energy for the paddle back.

Check before you go:

Game Days: Considering that the parking lot is right across the street from Autzen stadium, it may be inaccessible during the Oregon Ducks games. You can check here for upcoming games.

Oregon Ducks schedule

Water temps: Here is a graph of the water temperature trend during an entire year, just to give you an idea of what to expect in case you take a splash.

Current water temp

Download a map and track your paddle with GPS:

This is a geospatial-enabled PDF map of the paddle. You can use these special PDFs with the mobile app Avenza to follow the route or track your own paddle distances and times. Please note that the routes are just general guides. The best path may vary based on water level or new obstructions in the water.

Alton Baker Download

Additional things to do:

There are plenty of other things to do at Alton Baker park while you are there. One really cool and unique feature is the solar system placed to scale along the multi-use path. (Getting to Pluto is about 3.5 miles away though).

Alton Baker Park

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