Float Your Boat This Summer

July 9, 2014 (Updated October 30, 2014)

With more than 200 miles of ocean coastline, 2,000 boat-friendly lakes, and thousands of miles of rivers to explore, Oregon is a boater’s paradise. And you don’t have to be an expert to get out and enjoy the state’s waters.

“There are so many ways to experience Oregon boating — from non-motorized activities such as kayaking, standup paddle boarding and pontoon boats to guided whitewater rafting trips,” says Ashley Massey, public information officer at the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB), which offers boating education, enforcement, access and environmental stewardship.

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Massey says summertime boating is an approachable activity for all skill levels. “Whether you’re after a secluded wilderness experience or high-speed action, there’s a bounty of opportunities in Oregon,” Massey says. For the former, Massey suggests renting a canoe, kayak or outboard motor boat. For an adrenaline rush, she points to personal watercrafts (a.k.a jet skis), which offer a fast, high horsepower thrill of a ride on lakes and reservoirs.

Boating is great for all ages, and is an easy way to introduce little kids to the great outdoors. “Most people who become boaters started out being exposed to the outdoors in a boat as kids,” Massey says. “There’s no better way to interact with nature — whether it be hunting, fishing or observing wildlife — than from a boat!”

You can rent watercraft at marinas on reservoirs, lakes and at the ocean around the state. As with any new sport, safety comes first. To rent motorized boats, people must complete a watercraft safety checklist. For paddle craft rentals, many facilities will require a quick orientation. The state has regulations for lifejackets or personal floatation devices (PFDs) that are specific to each craft category. Visit the OSMB’s website to download guides, find maps and get information about boating in Oregon. They also have an interactive map for up-to-date information on which lakes have rental fleets, boat launches, marinas, stores and other services.

Here are Massey’s suggestions for beginning boaters. Each of these lakes have marinas where you can rent boats — motorized and non-motorized.

Central Oregon

“Central Oregon is blessed with a dozen beautiful bodies of water for people to experience. Prineville Reservoir, Lava Lake, Cultus Lake and Paulina Lake are all within an hour from Bend. These waters offer great family boating fun, with hiking, camping and other outdoor activities to take advantage of when you’re not on the water.”

Prineville Reservoir’s family-friendly resort is great for overnight stays. Choose from 70 RV spots, including 36 right on the water, or a small motel. Get fishing tackle, permits and rods at the lakeside shop and cast for trout, bass, catfish and crappie.

Lava Lake, just 39 miles west of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, is great for fishing, boating, hiking and camping under the soaring pine trees. The private resort caters to RVs and there’s US Forest Service Campground here too.

Cultus Lake Resort feels like the idyllic summertime lake spot. Stay in one of 23 cabins, enjoy a home-cooked meal at the restaurant and head out on the water for kayaking canoeing and jet skiing.

Paulina Lake Lodge is a point of departure for hiking, boating and fishing. Cast for Kokanee, trout and chub. Spend the night in one of the rustic cabins, built in the 1920s, and enjoy a meal at the lodge restaurant.

Eastern Oregon

“Wallowa Lake rests in the shadow of the majestic Wallowa Mountains, just north of the town of Joseph. Wallowa Lake’s beauty and recreational opportunities have been recognized for generations. This lake is filled with fish and offers paddleboat and other boat rentals. There’s a full-service marina on the lake as well as camping and lodging. It’s a wonderful escape for the entire family.”

Spend the night in the rustic Wallowa Lake Lodge or one of its eight cabins, all built in the 1920s. Hike into the nearby Eagle Cap Wilderness, rent a boat and gear up for fishing at the nearby Wallowa Lake Marina.

About The
Author

Eileen Garvin
Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.