animation of a person kayaking

Water of Oregon

Come play on Oregon's clear, wild waterways.

Oregon is a true water-lovers’ paradise. Some of us like to swim, paddle or fish in Oregon’s lakes and rivers; some of us prefer to lounge in an Adirondack and gaze at the ocean for hours on end. (We don’t judge.) Our water is our life source. When it comes to rivers (more than 70 of which are designated as Wild and Scenic), these waterways offer more than just soul-soothing views and sought-after campsites. Flowing through cities, canyons and forests, Oregon’s rivers provide key habitats for salmon, steelhead, trout, bald eagles, osprey, beavers and many other fish and wildlife.

Yes, we have lakes too — more than 1,400 named lakes including our deepest and bluest, Crater Lake, which is also our favorite (and only) national park. When it comes to Clear Lakes, we have those in spades — at least 10 Oregon lakes share this name, so be sure to know which you’re headed to. And that big body of water bordering our 363-mile coastline? Thanks to Oregon’s Beach Bill, we all get to access the mighty Pacific and its shores. Year-round, surfers, boaters, fishers and some brave swimmers call the ocean their playground, and we all get to be awed by its ever-present force.

 

 

Salamander

Oregon’s Lakes and the Cool Creatures that Dwell Beneath

These waterways are home to fascinating wildlife, from fairytale shrimp to newts found nowhere else in the world.

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Oregon’s Top Coastal Overlooks

These capes let you experience the Coast from a whole new vantage point.

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Bowl of ramen from Afuri

Afuri Extends Portland’s Ramen Empire

Japan-based restaurant makes a splash at a Rose City location.

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Underwater photo of a tree log underneath Clear Lake

A Trip to Clear Lake

This pristine lake is home to a remarkably preserved ancient forest beneath its sparkling turquoise waters.

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A man rafting the rapids of the Rogue River

5 Fun Trips to the Rogue River

You can hike the trail, take a guided rafting trip, cast a line or hop on a jet boat tour.

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Woman paddle boarding in Hood River

SUP in the City

Looking for a calm waterway not far from the urban center? Oregon’s got you covered.

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A view of the ghost forest at Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site.

The Oregon Coast’s Most Surprising Places

Oregon Coast is a place filled with stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and landscapes that stretch the imagination. But there are some attractions that are in a quirky class by themselves.

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Canoeing the Willamette River outside Corvallis

Canoeing the Willamette River Water Trail

Extending almost 190 miles as it flows south to north along the length of Western Oregon’s Willamette River, the Water Trail is a network of paddler-centric parks, natural areas and campsites.

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