on-site rentals – 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.

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.

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.

Clear Lake (Linn County)

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Clear Lake (Linn County) in the Willamette National Forest is a favorite for many Oregonians. Of the many lakes in Oregon given the name of Clear Lake, this one stands out for its truly mesmerizing clear blue turquoise waters. Historically, Clear Lake was formed by a lava event 3000 years ago which blocked the flow of the McKenzie River and inundated the existing forest. Today, this lake has an average depth of 80 ft. and is so clear and devoid of any additional plant life or nutrients that it is deemed “ultraoligotrophic” (Atlas of Oregon Lakes, 1985).

You will see many kayaks, SUPs, rowboats, and canoes on the water. With a visibility level down to 50 ft. deep, standup paddleboarding in particular provides an exciting (and maybe even a little unnerving) viewpoint deep into the underwater forest and the fish swimming around below.

Overall, Clear Lake is an easy paddle but it would not be ideal for first-timers or someone who is likely to fall into the very cold water.

Good to Know:

The water is very cold here (35-42F), as it is fed directly from snowmelt. It is not suitable for swimming.
Best months to visit are June-October.
Arrive early on summer weekends to get parking in the day use lot. Otherwise, be prepared for a longer walk from the overflow parking along the road shoulder.
No motorized boats are allowed on the lake.
Cellular reception is poor here.

Put-In Locations:

Clear Lake Day Use Area

Parking fee: none
Launch type: shore
Restrooms: flush
Open: access to cars opens up when the snow melts, sometime in May
The McKenzie Ranger district of the Willamette National Forest division manages the Clear Lake Day Use area. There is shoreline access from the trails leading from the free day use area next to the resort. When the small parking lot fills up, cars will park along the side of the main road leading away from the Day Use area.

Clear Lake Resort

Parking fee: none (launch fee, see below)
Launch type: dock, boat ramp
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round
It is managed by Linn County Parks and located on the north end. They charge a launch fee of $5 per watercraft to launch from the docks or boat ramp. You can also rent one of their rowboats or kayaks. The Clear Lake Resort is open year-round (even the rowboat rentals) but 4WD is recommended for access during the snowy winter season.

Coldwater Cove Campground Day Use

Parking fee: $8 day use fee or NW Forest Pass or equivalent
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Check here for the seasonal dates.
There is a day use lot and boat ramp located at the far end of Coldwater Cove Campground. The paved parking area can hold about 20 cars. The day use area does not have a lot of space for groups on land.

Driving Directions:

Additional things to do:

Hike the 5-mile trail around the entire lake to really take in the diversity of the landscape and visit the Great Springs pool.

You can drive/hike to the Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls, the outflow of Clear Lake, which were also formed by the same lava flow.

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.

Willamette Falls

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The Willamette Falls in Oregon City is actually the largest waterfall by volume in the Northwest and second only to the Niagara Falls in the United States. It has played an important role in the early development of Oregon, from providing the local tribes with fish and lamprey to harnessing its power for hydroelectricity and the operation of paper mills. Today, when you paddle along this section of the Willamette River you can get an idea of these myriad historic activities- with the canal and locks, the paper mills, and the power stations- juxtaposed with the natural beauty of this horshoe-shaped waterfall.

Good to Know:

Best time to visit is June-Oct. Watch for higher water flows outside of these months.
The cellular reception here is good or excellent

Launch Sites:

Sportcraft Landing/ eNRG Kayaking

Parking fee: none
Launch type: 2-lane boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: on-site
Open: year-round
On-site rentals at eNRG Kayaking are available, if needed

Sportcraft Boat Ramp and ENRG Kayaking Parking Lot

Driving Directions:

credit: Bob Heims, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual Library, Public Domain

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 before you go.

[ventus width=”100%” height=”300px” radius=”10px” lat=”45.305″ lon=”-122.610″ zoom=”11″ layer=”wind” scale=”F” units=”mph” marker=”true” forecast=”true” time=”now].

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

Water levels:

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.

North Fork Reservoir

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North Fork Reservoir in Estacada is lined by narrow steep canyons in the foothills of the Cascade mountains. It is one of several reservoirs along the Clackamas River, such as Estacada Lake, which were built to provide hydroelectric power. The water runs clear and cold here. At less than an hours’ drive from Portland, it is a popular place for paddling, as well as boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Paddlers who want to avoid boat wake can go up the inlet that is south of Promontory Park or paddle around by the culvert.

Good to know:

There is no/ very poor cell signal at this location. (Found cellular signal on the main road before turning into Promontory Park)
Waterway Restrictions: 10mph limit south of Promontory Park, slow-no wake in north arm (culvert area)
The water temperature runs cold here.

Put-In Locations:

Promontory Park Marina

Parking fee: none
Launch Type: kayak dock, boat ramp
Restrooms: flush

There is a large paved parking lot with a lot of parking spaces for trailers. A convenience store with boat rentals is also located here.

Directions:

From Estacada OR-224E, after passing E. Faraday Road, turn right at the Promontory Park sign. Then follow the road to the right for the marina.

The Culvert

Parking fee: none
Launch Type: shore
Restrooms: none

The parking lot has space for about 25 cars and faces the shoreline. This area is in a slow-no wake zone.

Directions:

From Estacada OR-224E, soon after passing East Faraday Road (North Shore ramp), look for the turnout on the left. Turn left and proceed to small paved parking lot by the culvert.

North Shore Ramp

Parking fee: none
Launch Type: boat ramp
Restrooms: flush

This parking lot is large and has room for trailers. It is the closest boat ramp coming from Estacada, but it is located on the busy main portion of the lake where there is no speed restriction.

Directions:

From Estacada OR-224E, turn right on E. Faraday Road. Proceed to parking lot on the left.

Additional things to do:

Camp at the PGE Promontory Park Campground which has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and yomes (yurt + dome = yome).

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.

Willamette River Narrows

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The Willamette River “Narrows” in West Linn is a popular paddling destination. It is defined by a cluster of basalt islands that are located just a few miles upstream from the dramatic basalt cliffs at the well-known Willamette Falls. In late summer and early fall, when the water level and flow are just right, paddlers can enjoy an easy out-and-back paddle to the Narrows.

Good to Know:

Cellular reception is good or excellent here.
The best time to visit is late summer or early fall.
Watch for stronger current and turbulence at winter and spring flows.
Watch out for powerboat traffic on the river and stay to the side.

Launch sites:

Willamette Park (West Linn)

Parking fee: free
Launch type: beach
Restrooms: flush toilets near playground
Open: year-round

There is a grassy parking lot located behind Willamette Park in West Linn at 12th St. and Volpp St. It is about 100 ft carry distance from the parking lot to the beach launch. The access to the beach is via a sloped narrow dirt path, suitable for hand-carrying your gear.

There is also parking along the west end of Volpp St. which leads to a wider, more gradual path about 160 ft to the beach.

Driving Directions:

Bernert Landing

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

This launch site is located directly on the Willamette River. Parking is primarily for trailers here.

Driving Directions:

Additional things to do:

To paddle up to the Willamette Falls, the 2nd largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest, you would need to launch from a different point further downstream. There are several launches to choose from that are just a 5-mile drive away. See the post on Willamette Falls for more details.

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 that it is not too windy

[ventus width=”100%” height=”300px” radius=”10px” lat=”45.339″ lon=”-122.650″ zoom=”9″ layer=”wind” scale=”F” units=”mph” marker=”true” forecast=”true” time=”now].

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

Check the water level: When it rises above 56 ft. the flow is usually more turbulent, especially in the rocky areas. At lower water levels, some places may not be passable.

Park questions: contact West Linn Parks at 503-557-4700

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.

Alton Baker Canoe Canal

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The Alton Baker canoe canal is a side channel of the Willamette River in Eugene, OR which allows for a fun out-and-back paddle without the rapids. Situated just across from the Autzen stadium where the Oregon Ducks play, this place is a popular in-town option for those seeking a quick paddle and connection with nature. And it is a suitable paddling spot for first-timers and families with children.

Good to Know:

It can get busy in the summertime with -SUP’ers, kayakers, and anglers- but it is just large enough to find your space here (and parking).
Although it is open year-round, the best times to paddle here are usually May-October.
Cellular reception is good.

Canoe Launch

Parking fee: none
Launch type: primitive bank
Restrooms: none
Open: year-round

This parking lot can hold ~35-40 cars. Locate the canoe launch sign and a short gravel and dirt path leading to the canoe canal access.

Driving Directions:

Navigate to Leo Harris Parkway and locate the small gravel lot located directly across the street from the Autzen Stadium “O.”

parking lot entrance — entrance to parking lot

Canoe canal parking lot — entrance to parking lot

Alton Baker Park Duck Ponds

Parking fee: none
Restrooms: flush toilets on west side of Day Island Road (across the street)
Open: year-round

duck pond at Alton Baker park — alternate launch from duck ponds at Alton Baker park

Driving Directions:

Park near the disc golf course at Alton Baker Park off Day Island Road and start at the duck ponds. This is a larger parking lot and it is near restrooms but there is about a 100-yard walk from the parking lot to the pond and the paddle from here involves 2 portages.

Alton Baker canoe canal — opening up to the pond

Additional things to do:

There are plenty of other things to do at Alton Baker park if you want to make an entire day of it. One really cool and unique feature is the solar system placed to scale along a multi-use path. You would start at the large model of a Sun at the park and then continue along the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System (South Bank path) until you get to Pluto about 3.5 miles away.

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.

Water flow: The nearby Willamette River generally flows at below 4000 cfs during the summer months which allows for an easy paddle at the canal. At much higher flows, such as when it is >12,000 cfs, the current can be quite swift.

check water flow

Questions: contact Willamalane Park District at 503-434-7463

Game Days: Note that the canoe launch parking lot is located right across the street from Autzen stadium, which makes it inaccessible during Oregon Ducks games and Emeralds events. You may consider the alternate launch from the Alton Baker Park duck pond when this parking is inaccessible. Check the Ducks game schedule and the Emeralds schedule (season is April to Sept).

Concerts at Cuthbert: Parking can also be difficult when there are events at Cuthbert Amphitheater. Here is the schedule of events.

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.