Water Activities

A variety of lakes, creeks, and rivers are available for dipping, swimming, kayaking, or boating on the Siuslaw National Forest. 

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.

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 (8)

Boating - Non-Motorized (23)

Waterskiing (2)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 26 results

Blackberry Boat Ramp & Day Use

Site Open

Blackberry Boat Ramp & Day Use is in the Blackberry Campground. Blackberry is set among Douglas-fir, spruce, and hemlock next to Highway 34 along the Alsea River.  The river flows beside the…

Blackberry Campground

Site Open

Blackberry Campground is perched on a heavily wooded bluff among tall cedars and Douglas fir overlooking the Alsea River. Some of the 32 sites overlook the river and others are situated beside a…

Carter Lake Boat Ramp

Site Open

Carter Lake Boat Ramp

Carter Lake Campground

Site Open

Carter Lake Campground is a family favorite in the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area. Part of the campground is located on the dunes where children love to play in the sand, and the other half is located…

Ermie Walters Boat Launch

Site Open

This is a small site with picnic tables and a boat ramp that is accessible during high water periods. The site is maintained by volunteers.

Hebo Lake Campground

Site Closed

Located on Mt. Hebo, this small, family campground has 12 campsites. At an elevation of 1,650 feet, the surrounding forest of western hemlock, Douglas fir and red alder make the area quite enjoyable…

Hebo Lake Day Use

Site Open

Enjoy a day at Hebo Lake, a popular trout fishing lake with an historic picnic shelter built by the Civil Conservation Corps in 1937, that was restored in 2016 and can be reserved for…

Mercer Lake Boat Ramp

Site Open

Provides boating access to Mercer Lake. This is a Lane County facility. More information is available from Lane County Parks. 

Mike Bauer Wayside

Site Open

Mike Bauer Wayside is an accessible fishing site on the Alsea River. This is a local favorite for fishermen looking to catch steelhead and chinook.

Noel Ranch Boat Launch

Site Open

Noel Ranch Boat Launch is located on the Smith River and provides anglers with excellent opportunity to fish in a quiet forested setting.