The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region offers many lakes and rivers, even the Pacific Ocean. Explore these beautiful waterways by paddling your kayak or stand up board around these top spots. Before heading out, make sure you have the right permits, check the water levels and confirm that the marina or boat ramp is operational. Always paddle with a buddy and follow safety precautions.

The Siltcoos River is a peaceful water trail that flows through coastal grasslands out to sandy beaches.
Siltcoos River Trail
The Siltcoos River Trail leads from Siltcoos Lake to the Pacific Ocean. This six-mile (9.65-km) round-trip paddle allows you to travel out to the Pacific Ocean and back to Siltcoos Lake. Check the tide tables first — if you time it properly, you can go downstream with the falling tide and then come back upstream on the rising tide — making for an easier paddle. The water trail passes through sand dunes and forested areas. There’s a lot of wildlife viewing along this trip – you may even see river otters!
Please note that during the late spring/early summer Snowy Plover nesting season, sections of the beach at the river's mouth may be restricted and you are encouraged to stay in your kayak. During nesting season, wet sand near the ocean's edge is okay to walk on, but dry sand higher up the beach should be avoided because that's where Snowy Plovers build their nests.
Silcoos Lake is located just six miles (9.65 km) south of Florence.

Paddling the Siuslaw River near the docks in Old Town Florence.
Siuslaw Estuary Water Trail
This water trail has over 30 miles (48.28 km) of paddling opportunities from Mapleton to the Pacific Ocean. The Siuslaw Estuary Water Trail system is excellent for wildlife watching and birding. Set your adventure dial to match your mood, from the 17.4 mile (28 km) North Bank trail to the 3.06 (4.92 km) Old Town Sunset Loop, there's a trail for everyone. Check the tide tables so that you plan to paddle with the tides, making for a more enjoyable paddling experience. This river can have heavy boat traffic, including fishing boats with wake near the port in Historic Old Town Florence.
Fern Ridge Reservoir
Located along Hwy 126 near Veneta, Fern Ridge Reservoir offers calm waters and scenic views along an incredible wildlife area. This popular birding spot has almost 250 recorded bird species. Paddle from the day-use Perkins Peninsula Park or launch your craft onto the still waters along the Coyote Creek Nature Trail if the water levels are high enough. Fern Ridge Reservoir is open to motorized boats and is a very popular sailing lake.

Kayaking on Dexter Reservoir by the historic Lowell Covered Bridge, now an interpretative center.
Dexter Reservoir
Dexter Reservoir is located in the Jasper/Lowell area. There are two access points to the lake – the Lowell State Recreation Site on the north side and the Dexter State Recreation Site on the southwest side. Dexter Reservoir offers crystal-clear water. This is the perfect kayaking spot for a relaxing and scenic paddle. Motorized boats are permitted.
Waldo Lake
Waldo Lake is located just past Oakridge in the Cascade Mountains. It’s one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon and one of the purest in the world. Its crystal-clear waters provide an amazing paddling experience. Only electric boats traveling under 10 mph are allowed here, so it’s very peaceful. There are three designated campgrounds surrounding Waldo Lake – make reservations in advance. Please note: Lake access may be temporarily restricted due to ongoing recovery from 2022 wildfires.
Scott Lake
Scott Lake offers stunning views of the Three Sisters Mountains. This lake is located along the McKenzie Highway (Hwy 242). Start on the first lake and paddle through a small channel into an even larger second lake and then across and through to a smaller third lake.

The Willamette River Trail is an urban paddle through Springfield and Eugene.
Willamette River
Flowing through the heart of Eugene, the Willamette River Water Trail is one of the most extensive water trails in the state. This broad river affords paddlers with many options, including multiple launch sites along more than 187 miles (300 km) of river. View a mile-by-mile map of the water trail.

McKenzie River is a fun paddle for experienced kayakers.
McKenzie River
The McKenzie River travels from Clear Lake in the Cascade Mountains to the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers just north of Eugene in Coburg (almost 90 miles / 144.84 km). There are many access points and boat ramps, but a good section is to put in at Hayden Bridge Boat Ramp in Springfield and take out at Armitage Park.
River levels can change throughout the seasons and due to weather conditions. The McKenzie River can be swift with minor rapids, even in these lower sections. Check river conditions before kayaking and be sure to follow these kayaking safety guidelines. The upper portions of the McKenzie River are only appropriate for experienced paddlers with prior whitewater skills.
Gear Up for Your Paddle
Need to purchase or rent a kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board? Check out Eugene Gear Traders or Oregon Watershed LLC in Eugene - Springfield for gear and equipment. You'll also need to get a Waterway Access permit, so plan ahead!
Take a tour of the region's lakes or rivers with a guide service by kayak, paddle board, raft or drift boat
What is Algae Bloom?
Warm weather and low water levels can sometimes lead to natural algae blooms in still lakes, ponds, or reservoirs. While they may look colorful, some blooms can be harmful to people and pets. When you spot one, it’s best to skip swimming, fishing, or paddling in that area and choose another beautiful spot nearby.
While this condition can impact any body of water, our most vulnerable and popular water destinations to watch include Fern Ridge Reservoir, Dexter Reservoir, Dorena Reservoir, Fall Creek Reservoir, Hills Creek Reservoir, Cougar Reservoir, Cottage Grove Reservoir, Siltcoos Lake, Golden Garden Ponds, Walterville Pond and Odell Lake. Check with the Oregon Health Authority for current advisories.
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