camping – 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.

Cougar Reservoir

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Cougar Reservoir is located just a little over an hour’s drive from Eugene along the McKenzie Highway. The reservoir impounds the south fork of the McKenzie River and provides flood control, hydroelectricity, and water recreation. The Terwilliger Hot Springs is also a popular place to visit if you are in the area.

This is a long thin reservoir with 18 miles of shoreline, and generally steep rocky terrain.

Good to Know:

Check the water level (see below). Once the water level drops below the boat ramp, there is exposed steep terrain which makes launching difficult here.

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

Put-In Locations:

Echo Boat Ramp

Parking fee: $5 day use fee or NW Forest Pass or equivalent
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

The parking area is paved.

Driving Directions:

Slide Creek Campground Day Use

Parking fee: $8 day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp, swimming beach
Restrooms: vault
Open: seasonal

Driving Directions:

Check before you go:

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

map download

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

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

USGS Water-data graph for site 14159200 — S Fork McKenzie River above Cougar Reservoir stream monitor

Check the water level: This reservoir is allowed to start filling 2/1 and begins active draining 9/1 each year. Water levels will also drop during the dry summer months.

USGS Water-data graph for site 14159400 — Boat ramp levels Slide Creek 1635 ft., Echo boat ramp 1635ft

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

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

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

Hills Creek Reservoir

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Hills Creek Reservoir is located near Oakridge, within an hours’ drive from Eugene. It is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and provides flood control, temperature regulation downstream, as well as water recreation. Hills Creek Reservoir is located along the Middle Fork Willamette River, just upstream from Dexter and Lookout Point Reservoirs.

Good to know:

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

Launch Sites:

Larison Cove

Parking fee: day use fee or NW Forest Pass or equivalent
Launch type: dock
Restrooms: vault
Open:

This area has a waterway restriction of slow no-wake only in Larison Cove or Creek west of NF-21.

Paddle around Larison Cove on a 2-mile family-friendly loop, just check first that the reservoir has enough water.

Driving Directions:

Packard Creek Boat Ramp

Parking fee: day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

This ramp is located at the low-water level and is open year-round.

There is also a campground here and a designated swimming area

Driving Directions:

CT Beach

Parking fee: NW Forest Pass (or equivalent) or day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

The parking lot is paved and has spaces for trailers. There are also picnic tables at this site.

Check the water level (see below) to see if it reaches this ramp. This a popular place for paddlers to put in and paddle into the arm.

Driving Directions:

Bingham Boat Ramp

Parking fee: NW Forest Pass (or equivalent) or day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open:

Check the water level (see below) to make sure it reaches this ramp.

Driving Directions:

Check before you go:

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

Park questions: contact the Middle Fork Ranger District at 541-782-2283

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

Water Level: This reservoir is allowed to fill starting 2/1 and is lowered starting 9/1 each year.

USGS Water-data graph for site 14145100 — Boat ramp levels: Bingham 1520 ft, CT Beach 1507 ft, Packard 1441 ft; winter level= 1450 ft.

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

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

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

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.

*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.

Tahkenitch Lake

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Tahkenitch Lake, located between Florence and Reedsport, is one of the larger coastal dune lakes. The many arms of the lake provide about 27 miles of shoreline with coves, marshes, and wetlands, making it a paradise for paddlers and fishermen alike.

Tahkenitch Lake is a beginner-friendly lake under good weather conditions. The main limitation for paddlers would be the strong winds that can start as early as noon.

Good to Know:

Cellular reception is fair here.
This location is good for year-round paddling.
A good map (printed or offline) is recommended here due to the similar shoreline patterns.

Put-In Locations:

Tahkenitch Lake Boat Ramp

Parking fee: USFS day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

Driving Directions:

The Tahkenitch Lake Boat Ramp is north of the Tahkenitch Landing Boat Ramp.

Tahkenitch Landing

Parking fee: USFS day use fee
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round, 6am- 10pm

Driving Directions:

The Tahkenitch Landing Boat Ramp is 1/4 mile south of the Tahkenitch Lake Boat Ramp and is located at the Tahkenitch Landing Campground. (Don’t confuse this with the Tahkenitch Campground located on the west side of Hwy 101.)

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.

Siltcoos Lake

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Siltcoos Lake, located between Florence and Reedsport, wins the prize for being the largest Oregon coast lake at 3,164 acres. Its 28 miles of shoreline presents a mix of private marinas and resorts, county parks, private lakefront homes, as well as undeveloped forest. Siltcoos Lake is shallow with an average depth of 11 ft and it is well-known for fishing warm-water species.

Many paddlers gravitate to the Siltcoos River paddle trail and avoid the choppy conditions that this massive lake is prone to. But on calmer and quieter days, such as early mornings or in the winter or spring, there are plenty of other paddling options to consider. Premium members may access the library of suggested paddle routes and maps.

Cellular reception is fair here.
Watch for choppy conditions, avoid large crossings.
No boating restrictions here. Watch for speeding boats and watercraft.
A good map (printed or offline) is recommended due to the size of the lake.

Launch Sites:

Westlake boat ramp

Parking fee: day use fee $5 or Lane County Parks pass
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, grassy shoreline
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

Driving Directions: From Florence, OR drive south on Hwy 101 for 7 miles. Turn left onto Pacific Avenue. Proceed straight for 0.4 miles and you will see Westlake County Park straight ahead of you.

From Reedsport, OR drive north on Hwy 101 for 15 miles. Turn right onto Pacific Avenue. Proceed straight for 0.4 miles and you will see Westlake County Park straight ahead of you.

Darling’s RV Resort & Marina

Launch fee: $5
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round
Amenities: On-site kayak rentals, RV camping, restaurant

Nightingale’s Fishing Camp

Launch fee: $5
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round
Amenities: Tent and RV camping
Contact: (541) 997-2892

ADA Fishing Resort

Launch fee: $7
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round
Amenities: RV and tent camping, general store
Contact: (541) 997-2342

Driving Directions: From Florence Highway 101 go south about 2 miles. Turn left onto Canary Road. At the T, turn right onto S Canary Road. Then turn right on Ada/ S Canary Road. The road narrows to a one-lane paved road along the water’s edge for the last few miles. An alternate route is after the T, turn right on Siltcoos Station Road, and follow the road to ADA Resort. The last few miles are gravel road.

ADA Park

Launch fee: $5 day use fee or Lane County Parks pass
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: portable
Open: year-round

According to the Lane County Parks website, there are 14 parking spaces here. There is also an area for picnicking.

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.

Siltcoos River

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The Siltcoos River Water Trail takes you from the largest lake on Oregon’s coast, through towering sand dunes and forests and brings you to a special stretch of ocean where snowy plovers nest on protected beaches. Along the way, there are tricky logjams that challenge your skills of Twister and a dam portage with a kayak slide (you know, for grownups). Sound interesting enough?

There is very little elevation change along the length of the Siltcoos River, so the current is usually mild enough that it can be paddled in either direction even for beginners. The wind can be a factor though, especially in the afternoons near the ocean and at Siltcoos Lake.

This is a popular river trail so you will likely encounter other kayakers and paddleboarders on the water (and also river otters).

Good to Know:

Beware that if the dam is open, such as during the rainy season October -May, the faster river flows can make the log strainers quite dangerous and should be avoided.
Preferably, time your paddle so that you reach the beach at or near high tide to avoid bottoming out for that last mile.
Standup paddleboarders, consider using shorter river fins to paddle the lower section from the dam to the ocean.
During the protected snowy plover season (March 15- Sep 15), beach access is limited to just the wet sand and dogs are not allowed to get out on the beach at all.
Cellular reception is poor here. Consider downloading a map prior to going out.

Highlights from Lake to Ocean:

Additional things to do:

Camping- Get an early start on the Siltcoos River. Tyee Campground and Waxmyrtle Campground have access to the Siltcoos River.
Fishing and more paddling at Siltcoos Lake
Hiking- get nice views of the Siltcoos River and access the beach on the Waxmyrtle trail

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 consider the wind conditions.

Tides-Tidal reports should be consulted to make sure there is enough water depth to navigate the lower portion. Premium members on the SWT Planner App can get timing recommendations. Also, watch for very high tides that may affect your passage through the logjams.

Parking fees– For Westlake, you can purchase the Lane County parks day pass online or at a local vendor, or use the self-pay envelopes at the park. For Lodgepole and Waxmyrtle, purchase a NW Forest day pass online or buy at a local vendor.

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.

Carter Lake

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Carter Lake is a small coastal dune lake located just 11 miles south of Florence. There is a 10mph speed restriction for the entire lake which makes this a great beginners or family-friendly lake. You can paddle around 2 miles of shoreline. The major factor to watch for is that it can get very windy here when the wind picks up and it usually blows in from the north in summer. The water appears quite clear and is nice for swimming, too.

There is a day use area with a small sandy beach tucked away in the Carter Lake campground. It has a few parking spots but requires the NW Forest Pass or equivalent. The nearest restrooms and water are located within the campground itself. The boat ramp for Carter Lake is located on the opposite side of the lake and can be reached off of the Highway 101, south of the Carter Lake campground.

Good to know:

By late summer in dry years, the water level may get too low to paddle the entire length.
The campground and day use area is open 5/1-9/30.
The boat ramp off Hwy 101 is open year-round.
Carter Lake is managed by the Siuslaw National Forest division.
The cellular reception here is poor.

Directions:

The Carter Lake day use area is located within the Carter Lake campground. Drive to the end of the loop to the small day use parking lot.

The Carter Lake boat ramp is located directly off Hwy 101, south of the campground entrance.

Additional things to do:

Stay at the Carter Lake campground where you may get a spot that backs up to sand dunes or, if you can manage the steep access, you can get a spot overlooking the water.

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. A lot of summer afternoons typically have northern winds which can whip through this lake.

Park status: Check on the Carter campground area status.

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.

Lake Marie

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Lake Marie is a sweet little coastal lake located near Winchester Bay. With only a 1-mile long shoreline and the absence of motorized boats, Lake Marie is suitable for early beginners and paddling with children. There is also a small beach area near the parking lot, a 1 mile tree-covered hiking trail around the lake, and the nearby lighthouse to keep everyone in the group busy.

The water is clear and warms up enough for swimming in the summertime. This lake might also be an option if the conditions are not optimal for paddling at one of the larger nearby lakes or river.

Good to know:

Watch for woody debris and snags, especially near the shore line.
The cellular reception is good or very good here.
Similar to other small lakes in the area, expect water temperatures in the low 50s during the winter and low to mid 70s in the summer.

Directions:

Navigate to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park from Hwy 101. Continue to parking near Lake Marie Trailhead.

Additional things to do:

Stay at the Umpqua Lighthouse SP campground which not only has tent and RV sites, but also cabins and deluxe yurts. There are some trails leading from the campground to the lake.
Hike around Lake Marie which is only 1 mile, plenty of shade for sunny hot days, and plenty of views of the lake.
Tour the Umpqua River Lighthouse which is managed by the Umpqua Valley Museums.

Check before you go:

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

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.

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.

Eel Lake

Skip ahead to check conditions

Eel Lake is a 347-acre coastal lake near Reedsport that is made up of two long and deep arms outlined by the forested slopes of the Coast Range. There is no need to dodge speeding boats or consult tide tables for this one. It is actually the largest coastal lake in Oregon where there is a 10mph speed restriction for the entire lake. And there are about 11 miles of undeveloped forested shoreline to explore on these clear waters.

This is a beginner-friendly lake under most conditions. The main limitation for paddlers would be the strong winds that can start as early as noon. You may be able to use it to your advantage, however, to assist on your return (for winds coming from the north in the summertime). There are also plenty of coves to duck into to avoid the stronger gusts and provide some interesting exploration.

This is also a family-friendly location due to all of the amenities at the Tugman State Park Day Use Area. There are restrooms, a swimming beach, large grassy area for picnics and games, and a playground.

Length: ~3 mi RT left arm, ~5 mi RT rt arm
Paddle Time: ~1h 12min left arm, ~ 2H + rt arm*

Parking fee: free
Launch: boat ramp, ADA accessible kayak launch, shore

Restroom: flush
Cell signal: fair

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

Good to know:

You won’t find any eels at Eel Lake. Apparently, eels are not found in Oregon but there are lamprey. You can learn more about the lamprey migration for spawning at the Eel Lake Trap structure at the day use area.
Winds pick up after noon, especially from the north in summertime.
There is a 10mph speed restriction at this lake

Paddle Route:

From the boat launch, head left to go up the shorter arm where you will see some old pilings remnants at the end. Or head right to go up the longer arm on the right. You will pass the small swimming and sandy beach area , then turn left(north) to continue up the arm.

Directions:

GPS coordinates for Eel Lake at Tugman State Park Day Use Area: 43.60398, -124.17691

Additional things to do:

Check out the fish ladder and special lamprey ramp at the Eel Lake Dam.

Hike or bike on the 3-mile length dirt trail- find the trailhead to the right (east) of the Eel Lake Trap structure.
Camp at Tugman State Park campground– there are sites for tents, RVs, and yurts; access the lake via a short walk or drive from the campground to the adjacent day use 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.

map download

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

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

Prepare accordingly for the water temperature. According to the Oregon State Parks information, the water is typically 50F-55F in winter and 67-71F in summer.

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.