beginners – Oregon Paddling

Cleawox Lake

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Cleawox Lake is an 87-acre coastal dune lake located just a few miles south of Florence. It is one of our family favorites because you can spend an entire day here paddling, swimming, playing on the beach and of course, charging up that giant sand dune. In addition, the shallow beach area in front of the sand dune is a great place for kids and beginners to play around. Another plus, no high speed motorboats or water-skiers to avoid at this lake.

Aside from a few surface streams, most of the water just seeps into Cleawox Lake. Thus, the water clarity is very good here and it is great fun to see the fish darting around below you. Water temperature in the summer reaches the 70’s, which is a little warmer than the other coastal lakes nearby.

Good to know:

In the summertime, check the forecast for windy conditions and especially watch out for afternoon winds.
This location is open year-round. On a sunny winter day when the valley is socked in with fog, it is good to know that paddling at Cleawox may still be a nice option.

Jessie Honeyman Memorial State Park

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

After you enter the state park there are two day use areas to choose from- Honeyman to the left and Cleawox to the right. Both areas require a day use fee or an Oregon State Parks day pass for parking (or campground reservation). There are also restroom facilities, picnic areas, and shallow beach areas for swimming or paddle launches at both day use areas. But you will be closer to the sand dune if you park at Honeyman and you will be closer to the boat rentals if you park on the Cleawox side. The boat ramp is located on the Cleawox Day Use side, almost immediately after turning right. There is also a small launch with steps at the far north end of Cleawox Day Use parking lot, as well as plenty of sandy beach for launching.

Driving Directions:

Additional things to do:

Hike the sand dunes. Oregonhikers.org describes the hiking trails in this area in detail and hiking around sand dunes can be tricky.
Visit Woahink Lake on the other side of Hwy 101 for more paddling.
Camp at Honeyman, the 2nd largest campground in Oregon and provides easy access to the lake. It has a lot of tent sites, RV sites, and yurts.
You can use your day use parking permit to park at the Heceta Head Lighthouse parking lot. It is a short hike from there to one of the most photographed lighthouses on the coast. For a longer hike, continue past the lighthouse to take the Hobbit Trail to visit Hobbit Beach.

Check before you go:

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

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

Park status: check the Jessie Honeyman State Park website for current park conditions or to book a spot at the campground.

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

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

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.

Coyote Creek Trail at Fern Ridge Lake

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

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

Good to Know:

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

Put-In Location

Coyote Creek Canoe Access

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

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

launch site coyote creek — put-in at sloped bank

Additional things to do:

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

Check before you go:

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

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

Toxic algae blooms: This temporary condition occurs at some of the area lakes in the summer and may affect your health if water or fish is consumed during these conditions. Get more info on how to tell if algae is harmful and watch for water advisories but also use common sense if you see water that doesn’t look right.

Water Level: check that that reservoir level is full

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

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

Dexter Lake

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

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

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

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

Good to Know:

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

Put-In Locations

Lowell State Recreation Site

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

Check Oregon State Parks park website for more info.

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

Dexter Lake at Lowell — Lowell day use area

Dexter State Recreation Site

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

Check Oregon State Parks park website for more info.

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

Dexter Lake at bridge — paddle to the bridge

Lowell Covered Bridge at Dexter Lake — paddle to the bridge

Additional things to do:

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

Check before you go:

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

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

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

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

Toxic algae blooms: This temporary condition occurs at some of the area lakes in the summer and may affect your health if water or fish is consumed during these conditions. Get more info on how to tell if algae is harmful and watch for water advisories but also use common sense if you see water that doesn’t look right.

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

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

Plat I Reservoir

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

Good to Know:

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

Put-In Location:

Plat I Reservoir Day Use Area:

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

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

Driving Directions:

Paddle Route:

loop entire lake ~2.2 mi (53 min)

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

Additional things to do:

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

Check before you go:

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

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

Toxic algae blooms: This temporary condition occurs at some of the area lakes in the summer and may affect your health if water or fish is consumed during these conditions. Get more info on how to tell if algae is harmful and watch for water advisories but also use common sense if you see water that doesn’t look right.

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

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

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.

Cooper Creek Reservoir

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

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

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

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

Good to Know:

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

Launch Sites:

Cooper Creek Reservoir- West Day Use Area

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

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

Cooper Creek Reservoir – East Day Use Area

view of East Day Use from upper level parking lot

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

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

Additional things to do:

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

Check before you go:

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

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

Weather: Check the weather forecast including the wind conditions.

Toxic algae blooms: This temporary condition occurs at some of the area lakes in the summer and may affect your health if water or fish is consumed during these conditions. Get more info on how to tell if algae is harmful and watch for water advisories but also use common sense if you see water that doesn’t look right.

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

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

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.