Many Oregonians wait all year for summer, when there are so few clouds in the sapphire-blue sky that we forget they were ever overcast. But on the dog days when the heat becomes too much to bear, we head for the lakes to chill in still waters. From a painterly alpine option in the Wallowas to a quiet spot on the Coast, here are lake retreats all across Oregon where you can paddle, motorboat, hike or cast a line.
Whether you’re swimming, boating or merely lounging by a lake, keep water safety in mind with these simple instructions from the Oregon State Marine Board:
- Never swim alone, know your limits and don’t mix alcohol with recreation.
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket — it’s required for ages 12 and under on boats and highly recommended for others regardless of age, especially in cold water temperatures. Many lake areas have free life jacket loaner kiosks if you don’t have your own.
- When you’re paddling, beware of changing winds or other boats creating large waves or wakes. Know how to maneuver into waves to avoid being swamped.
- Ask an expert about the right type of leash to purchase for your paddleboard, since the wrong type can be fatal if you fall and get tangled. Quick-release leashes attach to your life jacket and board, and are highly recommended when paddling on any moving water.
- Stay close to shore and avoid fast-moving waters if you’re newer to water sports.
- Paddlers are required to purchase and have on hand a Waterway Access Permit, which can be purchased online.
Load up your family along with your sense of adventure and enjoy those lake vibes.
Elk Lake
Central Oregon
Any Oregon summer would be incomplete without an easy road trip to a campsite offering mountain views and lake access. And you’ll find all of that and more along Central Oregon’s Cascade Lakes. Accessible starting in May via the breathtaking 66-mile historic Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, nearly 15 alpine lakes offer something for all summertime jaunts.
But nowhere can you enjoy it all like at Elk Lake — where the Elk Lake Resort rents stand-up paddleboards, canoes and kayaks to active visitors; shaded cabanas and lakeside day docks for when you’d like to kick back; and pontoons, in case your whole crew wants to get on the water. However you do it, you’ll get to savor views of South Sister, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor rising above the surrounding tree line. Extend your stay with a night or two in the resort’s vintage cabins, lodge rooms, glamping tents, and tent or RV sites.
Wallowa Lake
Eastern Oregon
A pristine ribbon lake with crystal-clear waters surrounded by the snowcapped Wallowa Mountains, Wallowa Lake State Park is a must-visit for all Oregonians and any visitors who can make the trip for the sheer beauty alone. Bring a boat for paddling, or rent your own from Wallowa Lake Marina, and don’t forget your swimsuit for a mid-paddle dip. You can hike through miles of nearby trails that finish with views of the towering, snowy peaks in the distance. Any visitors who need a hook-up site or yurt will want to make reservations, because spaces are limited. Campers, too, will want to reserve in advance — up to six months out for summer weekends — to snag one of the highly coveted sites.
Timothy Lake
Mt. Hood
While away a warm summer afternoon on the banks of one of the largest lakes in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Surrounded by a dense conifer forest, the 1,400-acre Timothy Lake is a paddler’s paradise, with wide-open water for cruising and cozy coves for exploring and taking refuge from the hot afternoon sun. More than 11 miles of surrounding trails circumnavigate the lake and branch off to the nearby Little Crater Lake, an emerald-hued spring. Overnight campers must reserve a site in advance. Campgrounds near the lake include Gone Creek, Hoodview, Meditation Point, North Arm, Oak Fork and Pine Point.
Siltcoos Lake
Oregon Coast
Skip the crowds and the chilly Pacific Ocean water in favor of the freshwater Siltcoos Lake (at Dunes City), the largest on the Oregon Coast. Another popular fishing spot — its expansive waters are home to salmon, steelhead, bass and more — the multifingered lake is perfect for all-day exploration and easy days on the shore. Post up at a nearby campsite with a drink, rent an upscale yurt steps off the water or hike the nearby Siltcoos Lake Trail. And if the salty air is too enticing, the beach is only a short drive away.
Sturgeon Lake
Portland Region
Grab your kayak, paddleboard or canoe and make a quick getaway to the largest lake on the largest fluvial island in the country. Located 20 miles north of downtown Portland, the 3,000-acre Sturgeon Lake offers hundreds of secluded inlets and coves to explore by boat, often with few motorized-boat sightings. On clear days, paddlers will enjoy expansive views of Mt. Hood and other Cascade peaks, along with more than 200 species of birds, including bald eagles and great blue herons. There’s limited shoreline to get out of the water for lunch or a stretch, so you’ll want to bring snacks, sunscreen and drinks in the boat with you for a true on-the-water dining experience.
Fish and Summit Lakes
Southern Oregon
Fish and float amidst old-growth forest at the base of Mt. McLoughlin at Fish Lake. Motorboats are limited to a 10-mph speed limit, making this lake a tranquil refuge in the Southern Cascades and a must-visit for avid lake fishers. Filled with rainbow, eastern brook and tiger trout, and chinook salmon, Fish Lake offers some of the best fishing in the area. You’ll find camping and glamping at Fish Lake Campground, as well as cabins and RV hook-up sites, year-round activities, and extensive hiking trails at Fish Lake Resort. Those seeking a more solitary retreat should visit the harder-to-reach Summit Lake, which offers primitive campgrounds and crystal-clear waters.
Fern Ridge Lake
Willamette Valley
Just west of Eugene, Fern Ridge Lake occupies 9,000 acres and offers plentiful opportunities for kayaking, paddling, swimming and other water-based fun. Anglers enjoy fishing for crappie, brown trout, cutthroat trout and other native species — while bird-watchers keep their eyes peeled on the meadows and wetlands surrounding Fern Ridge for ducks, woodpeckers, wrens and other species. Access the 5-mile-long reservoir from a handful of parks, including Orchard Point County Park, Zumwalt Park, Perkins Peninsula Park and Richardson Park.
