swimming – Oregon Paddling

Hills Creek Reservoir

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

Good to know:

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

Launch Sites:

Larison Cove

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

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

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

Driving Directions:

Packard Creek Boat Ramp

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

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

There is also a campground here and a designated swimming area

Driving Directions:

CT Beach

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

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

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

Driving Directions:

Bingham Boat Ramp

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

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

Driving Directions:

Check before you go:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Blue River Reservoir

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Blue River Reservoir is about an hour east of Eugene in the Cascade foothills. The reservoir provides flood control and irrigation for the McKenzie River downstream and is also popular for boating, paddling, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. The water warms up to a comfortable 70F in the summer months, unlike the nearby McKenzie River.

Blue River, which is deserving of its name, flows into the reservoir next to Lookout Campground. The reservoir fills in a narrow steep canyon which then winds its way to Saddle Dam at almost the midpoint and finally to Blue River Dam at the opposite end.

There are 16 miles of forested shoreline that you could potentially explore on this elongated reservoir. But the strong winds, which usually come up by early afternoon, hinder longer explorations for most paddlers.

Good to Know:

Cellular reception is poor.
Watch for strong winds, typically starting in the early afternoon and especially when paddling in the direction towards Blue River Dam or towards the Lookout boat launch.
It is a good idea to bring a map for this one as the landmarks may be difficult to differentiate when you are out there.

Put-In Locations:

Saddle Dam

Parking fee: $6 day use fee or NW Forest Pass (or equivalent)
Launch type: concrete boat ramp
Restrooms: vault
Open: mid-March to mid-Oct depending on water levels (> 1295 ft), verify park status

Saddle Dam boat launch has about 15-20 parking spaces on a gravel lot, with room for trailers.

Driving Directions:

From Eugene/ Springfield: take OR-126E about 37 miles, pass the sign for Blue River Reservoir, then make left onto Old Scout Road (Forest Road 15). Continue on this paved road for 1.1 miles until you reach the boat launch on your left.

blue river reservoir sign — Sign for turnoff on OR-126E, photo courtesy SUP2UOregon

Lookout Boat Launch

Parking fee: $7 day use fee , no passes honored
Launch type: boat ramp, dock
Restrooms: vault
Open: year-round, check park status

This boat launch is located on the upper end of the reservoir and the boat ramp may be out of the water before the Saddle Dam boat ramp.

Driving Directions:

From Eugene/ Springfield: take OR-126E about 37 miles, pass the sign for Blue River Reservoir, then make a left onto Old Scout Road (Forest Road 15). Continue on this paved road for about 3.6 miles until you reach Lookout Boat Launch and Campground on your left.

*Time is roughly based on a leisurely paddle pace in typical conditions and includes breaks for longer distances. Wind, current, equipment, and the paddler’s fitness and motivation can greatly affect this estimate.

Additional things to do:

Camp at Mona campground or Lookout Campground, both USFS-managed campgrounds on the far northeast end of the lake. You should know that when the water level is low, it may not reach this end of the lake.

Check before you go:

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

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

Parking fee: You can purchase the Northwest Forest Pass or day use fee before you go and save a little money. Either purchase this online or get it at a local vendor.

Water level: This reservoir fills starting 2/1 and starts emptying 9/1 each year (water level may also drop due to evaporation over the summer).

USGS Water-data graph for site 14162100 — Saddle Dam boat ramp 1295 ft, Lookout boat ramp 1330 ft.

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

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

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

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.

Fern Ridge Reservoir

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Fern Ridge Lake is a massive 9,360-acre reservoir in the Long Tom River watershed near Eugene. The lake is known for its windy conditions and is used by the yacht club, the UO Sailing team, as well as windsurfers, boaters, and water-skiers.

Paddlers launching from Orchard Point Park or Shore Lane Park may enjoy exploring Gibson Island and the Amazon wetlands. Or start at the Perkins Peninsula Park at the south end of Fern Ridge Lake and explore the no-wake zone near the Coyote Creek inlet. A pod of pelicans and a great blue heron may be easily spotted during your visit, and there are many more bird species to be spotted as well.

Richardson Park, Orchard Point Park, and Perkins Pensinula Park all provide ample space and amenities for large groups.

Good to Know:

The cellular signal reception is generally good or excellent here.

Due to the flat shape of the basin, a significant reduction of shoreline occurs with just the 20 ft drawdown that occurs each year. All of the launch sites are seasonal as the area becomes mudflats when the water level is lowered.
If the main part of the lake appears too windy, consider paddling at the Coyote Creek channel instead.
The water is usually muddy, attributed in part to the high clay content in the soil.

Launch Sites:

Additional things to do:

Camp at Richardson Park on the northern end of Fern Ridge Lake
Visit the Coyote Creek Nature Trail managed by the ODFW in the Fern Ridge Wildlife 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.

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

Park Status: call Lane County Parks at 541-682-2000 or visit the website.

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.

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

Water level: The reservoir is allowed to fill starting 2/1. Over the summer, the water levels can drop several feet once the rains end. The reservoir is actively drained starting midSeptember. The Perkins Peninsula Park ramp lies at 368ft., Orchard Point 364 ft., Richardson Park 365 ft.

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.

Cottage Grove Reservoir

Skip ahead to check conditions

Cottage Grove Reservoir, set in the rolling hills at the south end of Willamette Valley, is a close drive from Eugene and only 1 hour from Roseburg. As with the other Willamette Valley dam projects operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, it is a popular place for boating and other water sports in the summertime. The water temperature warms up early in the season and reaches a comfortable upper 70s by summertime.

When it comes to launching your paddlecraft, Cottage Grove Reservoir provides several options. Lakeside Park features a low-water boat ramp and spacious beach day use area but tends to be the busiest. On the opposite side of the reservoir, you’ll discover Shortridge Park, a smaller day-use area that grants shoreline access. It’s particularly popular among families who enjoy leisurely floating in the protected cove. Lastly, Wilson Creek Park awaits at the far southern end of the lake. While it may receive fewer visitors due to its location, it boasts a cozy day-use area with a swim beach and sits adjacent to the tranquil no-wake inlet area.

Paddling from Wilson Creek Park to the inlet where the Coast Fork Willamette River flows is typically a peaceful hour-long roundtrip, turning soon after passing under a road bridge. When the winds pick up though, especially in the afternoons, it can make the return more challenging. A paddle around the entire teardrop-shaped reservoir would take approximately 2 hours (5+ miles).

Good to Know:

Cellular signal is generally poor or fair here.
It can get choppy here when the winds pick up or with boating activity.
The water temperature warms up earlier here and can reach a comfortable upper 70s F in the summer.
Waterway restrictions: the inlet south of Wilson Creek Park is a slow no-wake zone.

Launch Sites:

shortrige park view — facing Short Ridge Park

Additional Things To Do:

You can visit the nearby Row River trail, a rails-to-trails conversion that passes next to Dorena Reservoir in Cottage Grove.

Camp at Pine Meadows Campground at Cottage Grove Lake.

Check before you go:

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

map download

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

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.

Water Temperature: The water temperature warms up in May and reaches a comfortable upper 70s in the summer. Read the cold water safety page if you need more background info.

USGS Water-data graph for site 14152500 — Coast Fork Willamette River at London, OR stream monitor at inlet

Water Level:

USGS Water-data graph for site 14153000 — Lakeside boat ramp 745 ft. , Wilson Creek Park boat ramp 779 ft.

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.