Skip ahead to check conditions
Coffenbury Lake is a natural dune lake located within Fort Stevens State Park in Warrenton where you can spend a day or a week here. Just within the state park, you can paddle at the lake, hike or ride your bike to a beach with a shipwreck, visit a historic military fort and battery, and play on a 23-hole disc golf course with beautiful views of the Columbia River. It’s a unique combination for sure, but it checks all the boxes.
Beginners and first-timers should feel comfortable paddling on this narrow lake where the shoreline is never far away and there is a 10mph speed limit. You will see mostly other kayaks, SUPs, and canoes at this lake. Also, this shallow lake does warm up in the summer for swimming.
Coffenbury Lake has a North and South Day use area. Both have ample paved parking, boat ramp and dock and shoreline access to water. The South day use lot, however, has more picnic tables near the shore.
- Length: ~2 miles
- Paddle Time: <1 h*
- Parking fee: day use fee at kiosk or Oregon State Parks pass or camping reservation
- Launch: boat ramp, dock, shallow entry
- 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:
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance here, with peak activity around June-July.
- Open year-round
Directions:
Once you enter Fort Stevens State Park on Peter Iredale Road, pass the campgrounds, then turn left for Coffenbury Lake Day Use Area. Continue straight ahead for North Day Use Area or turn left to drive further down to South Day Use Area.
Additional things to do:
- Seaside is just a 20-minute drive south and you can walk along the promenade, watch the bubble guy do his thing, visit the aquarium, paddle on the river trails, and eat at some good restaurants.
- Reserve a site at Fort Stevens State Park campground for your next camping trip. As one of the nation’s largest campgrounds, there is enough to see and do for days. There are sites for RVs, tents, yurts, and even deluxe cabins.
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.
- Parking fee: if you are planning a visit to the park for just the day, consider purchasing the Oregon State Parks annual pass beforehand. You can use the pass for paddling at some excellent places such as Estacada Lake at Milo McIver SP, Cleawox Lake at Jessie M. Honeyman SP, and Lake Billy Chinook at Cove Palisades SP, just to name a few.
- Mosquitoes– this site gives the schedule for mosquito control at Fort Stevens State Park.
- 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.
Oregon Paddling 