Water Activities

A variety of lakes, creeks, and hot springs are available for dipping, soaking and swimming on the Willamette National Forest. 

During warmer weather, some bodies of water can get Cyanobacteria/Harmful Algae Blooms. Cyanobacteria can cause illness if ingested by humans and especially pets. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! 

Learn more about Harmful Algae Blooms on the Oregon Health Authority website.

Boating - Motorized

Boating regulations are available on the Oregon State Marine Board website.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Floating, canoeing and kayaking on a forest lake or river are all great ways to spend a warm summer day. If you are new to the sport, there are licensed outfitters and guides prepared to show you how! Learn more about boating regulations on the Oregon State Marine Board website.

Swimming

Swimming opportunities are typically found in natural settings which have no lifeguard supervision or roped-off pools. Cold, free-flowing currents of rivers and streams command respect and judgment when deciding where and when to swim. Swimmers in lakes and reservoirs need to keep a watchful eye out for boaters.

Developed settings, such as the Upper Arm Day Use Area at Detroit Reservoir and Packard Creek Swim Area at Hills Creek Reservoir near Oakridge offer parking, picnic tables, restrooms and accessible swim beaches protected from boating activities. Some day use areas require a fee.

Water safety:

• Always wear a life jacket and make sure it fits properly
• Go with a buddy, even if you are an experienced swimmer
• Keep a close eye on children in the water at all times
• Know the risks of natural bodies of water
• Swim and boat sober

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (45)

Boating - Non-Motorized (60)

Swimming (77)

Waterskiing (26)

Showing: 21 - 30 of 91 results

Cold Water Cove Campground

Site Open

Stunning views of the turquoise-colored Clear Lake and 3000-year-old lava fields make this campground an ideal location. The campground sits on the south end of Clear Lake in a mix of maple, alder…

Cougar Crossing Campground

Site Open

Located on the confluence of the South Fork of the McKenzie River and the south end of Cougar Reservoir, Cougar Crossing is open year round and offers 11 sites that can accommodate either RV or tent…

Cougar Crossing Day Use Area

Site Open

Cougar Crossing Day Use Area is located on the north side of Forest Road 19 in the Cougar Crossing Campground.The day use site is adjacent to Cougar Reservoir where the South Fork of the McKenzie…

Cougar Reservoir Area

Site Open

In the summer months, Cougar Reservoir is a popular place for boating, swimming and fishing. Cougar Reservoir is located outside of Blue River along Aufderheide Drive, part of the West Cascades…

Cove Creek Campground

Site Closed

With 63 sites and a 70 person group campground, Cove Creek Campground is the largest National Forest campground on Detroit Lake. Cove Creek Campground rests on the shores of Detroit Lake at an…

Cove Creek Group Campsite

Site Closed

Located within Cove Creek Campground, this group campground holds up to 70 people and 20 vehicles.

Detroit Flats Day Use Area

Site Open

Visit the Detroit Flats Day Use Area for picnicking and other day use activities such as picnicking, kayaking, swimming, boating, and water skiing in Detroit Lake (dependent on water levels).

Detroit Lake

In the summer months, this 3,500-acre, 9-mile long lake in the Cascades below Mt. Jefferson is a popular recreation area for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. The…

Dolly Varden Campground

Site Closed

This first camp along the Fall Creek drainage on Forest Service Road 18 provides convenient access to the beginning of the 13.7-mile Fall Creek National Recreation Trail. The campground offers 5…

Echo Day Use and Boat Launch

Echo Day Use Area is a cool retreat on a hot summer day. The picnic sites are shaded by a grove of young Douglas fir and few of the picnic sites overlook Cougar Reservoir. The boat launch provides…