Fern Ridge Lake
11 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Fern Ridge Lake, a popular recreation area for sailing, power boating and water skiing, is just 12 miles from downtown Eugene.
Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Eugene
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Eugene for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
17places to boat and paddle
11 mito the closest
12within 30 miles
May–Septemberbest months
Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.
Closest picks
Dexter Lake
16 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
22 miles southeast of Eugene, Dexter Lake is a popular recreation area offering year-round fishing, seasonal water skiing, sailing, swimming, picnicking and hunting.
Fall Creek Lake
18 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
This scenic 1,852 acre lake is surrounded by 22 miles of forested shoreline, providing many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as boating, water skiing, hiking and wildlife viewing.
Map of all 17 places
Map of 17 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (12)
Fern Ridge Lake
Fern Ridge Lake, a popular recreation area for sailing, power boating and water skiing, is just 12 miles from downtown Eugene.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Dexter Lake
22 miles southeast of Eugene, Dexter Lake is a popular recreation area offering year-round fishing, seasonal water skiing, sailing, swimming, picnicking and hunting.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Fall Creek Lake
This scenic 1,852 acre lake is surrounded by 22 miles of forested shoreline, providing many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as boating, water skiing, hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Lookout Point Lake
22 miles southeast of Eugene, Lookout Point Lake is a popular recreation area offering year-round fishing, seasonal water skiing, sailing, swimming, picnicking and hunting.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Row River Trail
This 14-mile, paved, multi-use National Recreation Trail follows the route of the now-abandoned Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line, along the scenic shores of the Row (rhymes with "cow") River and Dorena Reservoir.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Photography
Schwarz Park
Schwarz Campground is located below Dorena Lake in Oregon's Southern Willamette Valley. The campground is approximately five miles from the city of Cottage Grove.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- History
- Water sports
Dorena Lake
The lake is located in rolling, partially wooded hill country. Its three parks offer boating, swimming, sailing, fishing and water skiing. Schwarz park located downstream of the dam, offers overnight camping for families and groups.
- Biking
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Cottage Grove Lake
The lake and its shoreline set in the gently rolling hills of the Willamette Valley, is used for boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, picnicking and camping.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Hult Dam & Reservoir
This site, sometimes referred to as Horton Lake, Hult Marsh, Hult Reservoir, or Mill Pond, was developed in the early 1900s for logging operations.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
Pine Meadows Campground
Pine Meadows Campground is located on Cottage Grove Lake in Oregon's southern Willamette Valley.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Swimming
Lower Lake Creek Falls
The natural bedrock slide at Lake Creek Falls is very popular and ideal for a hot summer day! A series of low cascades carved in the bedrock within a narrow gorge create this geological wonder that spills into Triangle Lake.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
Black Canyon Campground (Willamette National Forest, OR)
Black Canyon Campground in Oregon rests next to the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. This scenic campground is heavily shaded by towering hemlock, cedar and Douglas fir. Fishing and kayaking are a popular pastimes.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Kayaking
30 to 75 miles (5)
Foster Lake
Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley on the South Santiam River, Foster Lake provides boating, swimming and picnicking opportunities. The Foster Dam and Lake regulates the flow from the nearby Green Peter dam.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
McKenzie River Corridor
The river visitor is apt to be rewarded in delightful ways while recreating in the cool, lush corridor, home to an array of fish and wildlife, and inspiring scenic beauty.
- Fly Fishing
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Picnicking
Blue River Lake
This scenic 1,240 acre lake with its many miles of forested shoreline provides multiple outdoor recreational opportunities. Overnight camping is available at Mona campground, boat launching at Saddle Dam and Lookout Creek ramps.
- Boating
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Green Peter Lake
Located in the beautiful Willamette Valley on the Middle Santiam River, Green Peter Lake provides boating, swimming and picnicking opportunities.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
Fawn Creek Campground
Fawn Creek Campground is a primitive two site campground along the river with a small boat ramp providing access to the confluence of Fawn Creek and Smith River.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Eugene. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Eugene
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
6 things you have to do when you visit Eugene, Oregon!
An activity Short shared by Traveling Spud.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Things to do in Eugene Oregon.
An activity Short shared by The Boutique Adventurer.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Eugene
More outdoors near Eugene
Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Eugene?
Fern Ridge Lake (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 11 miles northwest of Eugene as the crow flies. Next are Dexter Lake (16 mi) and Fall Creek Lake (18 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Eugene?
Based on Eugene’s average highs, May–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.