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Water Sports & Fishing

Yes, we do get rain here — which along with snow melt feeds a tremendous number of lakes, rivers and creeks as the water rushes to the Pacific Ocean. The result is some pretty spectacular water sports!

Where To Paddle, Fish And Swim

  • Shoot the rapids or cast out a line on the world-famous McKenzie River
  • Float gently down the Willamette River right through Eugene-Springfield
  • Sail across Fern Ridge Reservoir
  • Pull up a crab net from the docks in Florence
  • Water ski at Dorena Reservoir in Cottage Grove
  • Row across Dexter Reservoir during a championship regatta
  • Paddle the Siltcoos River water trail through coastal wetlands and sand dunes
  • Tube the wave pool in Springfield
  • Swim in Waldo Lake, one of the clearest lakes in the world
Best Places to Kayak
  • 5 minute read

    • Best Places to Kayak

    The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region offers many lakes and rivers, even the Pacific Ocean. Explore… Read More

    Popular Water Skiing Lakes
    : Melanie Ryan Griffin
  • 3 minute read

    • Popular Water Skiing Lakes

    Do you feel the need for speed? We've compiled a list of some of the best places for powerboats… Read More

    Splash Around Safely - Tips for Water Fun
  • 5 minute read

    • Splash Around Safely - Tips for Water Fun

    Playing in the water can be the best part of summer — and Oregon's got plenty of the wet… Read More

    McKenzie River Foodshed Tour
  • 4 minute read

    • McKenzie River Foodshed Tour

    Follow the McKenzie River from the Willamette Valley into the Cascade Mountains and discover a bountiful… Read More

    Life Jacket Lending Program

    Life jackets are required by law for all occupants in a boat, raft or kayak. Children under the age of 12 must wear them. The McKenzie Fire and Rescue and the McKenzie River Guides Association's seasonal Life Jacket Lending Program loan life jackets from nine locations along the McKenzie River. So there is no excuse for unsafe boating!

    What is Algae Bloom?

    When water levels are low and weather is warm, some still lakes, ponds and waterways can develop toxic algae. This green or colorful scum is harmful to pets and people — please don't swim, fish or recreate in water impacted with bloom.

    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 Cover Reservoir, Siltcoos Lake, Golden Garden Ponds, Walterville Pond and Odell Lake. Check with the Oregon Health Authority for current advisories.