If you’re wanting to explore the waters of the West Coast by paddleboard, then you’ll certainly want to venture out to and around Oregon. In addition to being celebrated for its landscapes, especially its mountain ranges, Oregon is also home to a diverse and stunning array of waterscapes, with beautiful shores, lakes, and rivers drawing watersports enthusiasts all year round.
Sparks Lake
Named after the pioneer Lige Sparks, this lake is part of a vast environment of wetland and marsh, all of which is set against distant snowy peaks. Its tranquility and expanse make it the ideal location for paddleboarders, allowing groups to explore for as long or as little as they’d like. Aside from other paddleboarders and kayakers, those who venture out to explore the lake are likely only to have a handful of fishers for company.
Salmon River Estuary
A stone’s throw north of Lincoln City, the Salmon River Estuary is an exciting location for paddleboarders. The estuary itself has a number of interlinking routes to explore, all of which move through gorgeous scenery before converging on the open waters of the Pacific.
It’s a popular excursion to paddle from in-land to the mouth of the estuary and then to explore the beach. Just be sure to think ahead and consider the tides since a low tide can limit one’s options on the water and make it difficult to get your board back onto stable ground again.
Applegate Lake
One of the most renowned watersport spots in the state is Applegate Lake. Secluded in the south of Oregon, the crystal clear water is nestled among the trees, making it an ideal spot for those wanting to venture out whatever the weather.
The peaceful waters are suitable for both beginner paddleboarders and families too, being a celebrated spot for those who want to venture out and explore the water with children. Those under the age of 13 won’t require a license to paddle either!
Lake Selmac
Free from boat traffic, Lake Selmac is assured to be consistently calm on the water, which is why it is celebrated among the paddleboarding community. In addition to the perfect water, the location also has a number of hiking trails too, making it the ideal environment for those who want to experience a long weekend of adventure, trekking through the woodland, fishing, paddling, and then camping out beneath the stars.
Deschutes River
Those with a little more experience on the water are more likely to want a challenge, leaving behind the tranquil lakes and heading out, instead, on the more trepidatious rivers of Oregon. Such adventurers should consider the Deschutes River, which offers a number of exciting locations to explore.
Some parts of the river are unavailable to those on paddleboards, all of which are signposted along the water. Promising you remain aware as you paddle along, however, you will have an amazing variety of waterways to safely explore, with the possibility of doing so alongside amazing wildlife, including eagles that are often seen flying above.
