family friendly – 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Crane Prairie Reservoir

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Crane Prairie Reservoir is located just above Wickiup Reservoir along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and less than an hour’s drive from Bend. The name aptly describes its former existence of flat prairie land that attracted a large population of cranes each year when the Deschutes River flooded the area. This shallow reservoir contributes water for irrigation and when it is full has an average depth of only 11 ft.

There are 23 miles of shoreline including several deep feeder creeks to explore. Views of wildlife are abundant here- osprey, bald eagles, pelicans, and herons, to name a few- as are the views of Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top in the background. This is also a very popular location for fishing.

Beginners can paddle here but should be mindful of the prevailing wind conditions and watch out for the plentiful underwater tree snags.

Good to know:

The entire lake is restricted to 10 mph.
Open after the lake thaws out and road access is cleared, usually May to October.
The water level is kept high in order to protect the Oregon spotted frog habitat.
Mosquitoes and other insects can be a problem, esp. June-early August
Check for toxic algae blooms as this reservoir has been known to get them.
The cellular signal is fair.

Directions:

There are four US Forest Service campgrounds with boat access and an additional boating access point as well as a private resort. The links on this map can provide more details.

Check before you go:

Weather: Check the weather forecast for the area and check the wind conditions.

Check: for water advisories.

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.

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

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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.