photogenic – Oregon Paddling

Munsel Lake

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Munsel Lake is a beautiful spot to paddle when you are visiting Florence on the Oregon coast. Consider paddling around its 3+ mile shoreline with its many alcoves when some of the larger lakes in the area get too windy. This 110-acre coastal dune lake is known for good fishing and although motorized boats are allowed here, there is a 10mph speed limit outside of summertime.

Good to Know:

Watch for sharp debris and plenty of fallen trees underwater that can potentially snag you.
The cellular signal is poor here.
Waterway restrictions: 10mph, except June 1- Sept. 30 10am-5pm

Put-In Location:

Munsel Landing County Park

Parking fee: day use fee or Lane County Parks pass
Launch type: boat ramp and dock
Restrooms: port-a-potty
Open: year-round

Driving Directions:

Munsel Lake parking — pay with Passport Parking app

More Things to Do:

Make the most of your Lane County parks day use fee or pass: it can be used at nearby Mercer Lake, Siltcoos Lake, or at Bender Landing (caution North Fork Siuslaw River is tidally influenced) for more paddling.
Hike the sand dunes at Sutton Creek: a National Forest Recreation pass or day use fee is required but this is a fun hike. Does Sutton Creek look like a possible paddle?
Visit the historic riverfront area in Florence.

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.

Parking: Purchase your day use pass before you go at the Lane County parks website or get the Passport Parking app and pay when you get there. Just be aware that the cellular signal is not great at this location. For an annual pass, you can purchase one at the local REI, Cabela’s, or Bi-Mart.

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.

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.

Woahink Lake

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Woahink Lake (pronounced hō’ hingk) is a 784-acre coastal dune lake located just a few miles south of Florence. This is a large and very deep lake with excellent water clarity, plenty of free parking and clean facilities. See if you can find the cobra lily (Darlingtonia californica), an endangered carnivorous pitcher plant that grows here naturally amongst the sedges and water lilies in the bogs.

Woahink Lake can get choppy from wind and quite busy with powerboats and personal watercraft zipping around but it has several long shallow arms and some coves to paddle into.

Although private residences line most of the shoreline, the northwest border of the lake is actually a part of the Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. This is the area where you can access the boat ramp, beaches, picnic tables, and walking trails.

Good to Know:

This place is open year-round
There are no waterway restrictions for this lake.
The winds in the summertime can really be amplified at this large lake. For first-timers, families with young children, and other paddlers seeking calmer waters, it may require some planning and some luck to get the right conditions.
The cellular reception is average here.

Launch sites:

Woahink Lake East Day Use Area

Parking fee: none
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, beach
Restrooms: flush
Open: year-round, 8:30am- 7:00pm

Woahink Lake West

Parking fee: none
Launch type: see image below
Restrooms: none
Open: year-round

From Hwy 101, go east on Canary Road. Park along shoulder of Canary Road immediately after first bridge.

Driving Directions:

From Florence, continue south on Hwy 101, turn left at Canary Drive. After passing the first bridge, you will see parking along the right side shoulder of the road for West Boat Ramp. You will then pass the Meeting Hall on the right. After that, turn right into the Woahink Lake East Day Use Area.

For the East Woahink Day Use Area, either park in the left lot to be closer to the boat ramp and swimming area or go right to park closer to the restrooms, picnic area, and beach.

More things to do:

Participate in the annual Oregon Dunes Triathlon at Woahink Lake and usually occurs early June.
Visit nearby Cleawox Lake. It is a smaller lake and may be a worthy option if it is too windy or choppy at Woahink Lake.
Visit historic Old Town Florence

Visit the nearby Darlingtonia State Natural Site and walk through a natural bog filled with thousands of this carnivorous plant.

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 Honeyman State Park website for current park conditions or to book a spot at the nearby 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.

Cooper Creek Reservoir

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

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

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

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

Good to Know:

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

Launch Sites:

Cooper Creek Reservoir- West Day Use Area

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

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

Cooper Creek Reservoir – East Day Use Area

view of East Day Use from upper level parking lot

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

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

Additional things to do:

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

Check before you go:

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

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

Weather: Check the weather forecast including the wind conditions.

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

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

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

Estacada Lake

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Estacada Lake, located about 40 minutes drive southeast of Portland, is a favorite for many paddlers. It is a “run-of-the-river” reservoir of the Clackamas River managed by PGE for hydroelectric power. The paddle feels very special as you paddle through tall forested canyons, visit gushing waterfalls, and listen for the sound of dripping water. Of note, larger powerboats and PWCs mostly avoid this lake due to the narrow waterway and thus it is very popular for SUPs, kayaks, and smaller boats.

This is considered a beginner-friendly paddle under typical conditions. First-time visitors to Estacada Lake, however, may be surprised by how cold the water is. It reaches only into the 60s during the summer months. You can check on the latest water temperature below.

There are 2 main launch sites at Estacada Lake, Milo McIver State Park and Timber Park. Both are located next to the dam but on opposite sides of the lake. The Milo McIver day-use area is open year-round and requires a state parks pass or day-use fee, while the main launch at Timber Park is open seasonally and requires (in 2024) a PGE Parks pass or day-use fee.

Paddle in the southeast direction away from the River Mill Dam (From Timber Park, go LEFT; from Milo McIver, go RIGHT). It soon narrows to about 300 ft. or less in some sections. Watch or listen for waterfalls and find some coves to play in.

If you paddle beyond the bridge, the crowds thin out and there is a larger waterfall on the left you don’t want to miss. There are also more coves to observe in this section. As you get closer to the turnaround point, the current picks up and you will pass some large rock islands.

Good to Know:

Arrive early, as parking may be difficult to find in the summertime, especially on weekends.
There are no special waterway speed restrictions for Estacada Lake.
The cellular reception is good here.

Launch sites:

Milo McIver boat ramp

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

Driving Directions:

After you enter the park, follow the road to the right, pass the horse arena, then pass a campground, then turn right on S River Lake Road, and go to the end of the road.

Timber Park

Parking fee: Beginning in 2024, a $5 parking pass will be required at Timber Park from May 1 to October 15. A season pass will be available for $40. Contact PGE Parks for details.
Launch type: boat ramp, dock, primitive bank
Restrooms: near the ball field
Open: seasonal, 5/1- 10/15

Alternative launch sites

At Timber Park, there are a couple of smaller hand launch sites as noted on the map provided by PGE (see map download). There is one behind the ball field and also one on Tulip Road.

timber-park-map Download

Driving Directions:

For Timber Park, drive past the disc golf course and find the parking lot to the left.

Additional things to do:

Camp at the Milo McIver State Park campground.
Hike on miles of hiking trails at the Milo McIver state park. Also, the nation’s 2nd largest yew tree is located here.
Play disc golf? There are disc golf courses at Milo Mc Iver SP and Timber Park, both highly rated in Oregon.

Check before you go:

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

Park Updates: For Milo McIver State Park, check the Oregon State Parks website for more info and for Timber Park call the PGE Parks Information Line at 503-464-8515.

Check the weather forecast for the area.

Check the water level and flow: closures may occur when it reaches flood stage

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

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

Mercer Lake

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Mercer Lake fills in the valleys of an ancient streambed blocked by sand dunes just a few miles north of Florence. Its 9 miles of shoreline is adorned with residential properties and a private resort. During the summer months, a bustling lakeside vacation atmosphere emerges, filled with power boats, waterskiers, and various water-based activities. However, for those seeking a serene paddle without the crowds, the off-peak season offers an ideal opportunity to appreciate the tranquil beauty of this lake.

Good to Know:

This place is open year-round
There are no waterway restrictions for this lake.
Watch for motorboat activity and watersports, especially in the summertime.
Watch for strong winds, especially in the summer afternoons.

Launch sites:

Mercer Lake County Park

Parking fee: Lane County parks day use fee or pass
Launch type: boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round

Driving Directions:

From Florence US-101, drive north 4.5 miles and then turn right onto Mercer Lake Road. After 3.3 miles, look for the paved boat ramp on your left. The parking lot for Mercer Landing County Park is located about 500 ft further up the road on the right.

More things to do:

Consider paddling at nearby Munsel Lake if it is too choppy or busy at Mercer Lake.
Visit historic Old Town Florence

Visit the nearby Darlingtonia State Natural Site and walk through a natural bog filled with thousands of this carnivorous plant.

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.

Lane County parks fee: check here for more information on getting a pass or paying for the day use fee.

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.

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.

Hosmer Lake

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Hosmer Lake at 4997 ft elevation is one of the natural alpine lakes located along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, just 36 miles west of Bend. The small gravel parking lot serving this incredibly popular paddling and fly-fishing only lake fills up early and there is often a bottleneck at the launch site. Once you get onto the water though, there is more space to spread out, the views are spectacular, and everyone has a good time.

At Hosmer Lake, you can take in the views of Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top above and follow the fish (Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and rainbow trout) swimming in the clear water below you. The journey is just as rewarding as the views as you paddle from one part of the lake, then through a winding channel that opens into a hidden second part of the lake and finally into the shallow creek that flows into the lake.

This is a beginner-friendly paddle as long as it is not too windy. The average depth of this lake is only 3 ft (maximum of 12 ft) but be aware that the lake floor is muddy and peaty.

Good to know:

Electric motors are allowed on this lake, restricted to 10 mph.
Best times to visit are June to October
Mosquitoes can be a problem, esp. July-early August
Get there early as parking can fill up
Watch out for strong winds, especially in the afternoons
The cellular signal is fair.

In order of appearance: Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and South Sister

Directions:

From Bend, take Century Drive (FS Road 46) which becomes the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. After passing Mt. Bachelor, go to about MP 35 and turn left at sign for Hosmer(4625).

South Campground has a day use area gravel parking lot and boat ramp. There is a US Forest day use fee for this location, but no vending kiosk on site.

Additional things to do:

Reserve your spot at Hosmer Lake at South Campground or Mallard Marsh campground. South Campground has the boat launch/day use area and Mallard Marsh has a trail access to the lake.

Check before you go:

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

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.

Foster Reservoir

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Foster Reservoir, situated in the scenic Cascade foothills, can be reached within an hour’s drive east of both Eugene and Salem. It comes as no surprise that during the summer season, the reservoir thrives with activity, attracting anglers and water enthusiasts of all kinds. The reservoir boasts two arms, designated no-wake zones, a big attraction for paddlers.

There is a campground located at Sunnyside Park and at Edgewater RV Resort. And if you need rentals during the summer season, visit Lewis Creek County Park.

Good to Know:

The cellular reception is poor or fair here.
Waterway restrictions: slow no-wake 5mph South Santiam arm upstream from bridge, slow no-wake 5mph Middle Santiam arm upstream from bridge
The water temperature usually warms up to a comfortable 70s by late summer.

no-wake arm Foster Lake — turnaround point

More things to do:

Visit Green Peter Lake for more paddling.
Hike and see waterfalls at nearby McDowell Creek County Park (15 min. drive).
Take a quick driving tour of nearby covered bridges.

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: find more info and park updates from Linn County Parks.

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.