OUR FAVORITE SPOTS TO SWIM, KAYAK, AND PADDLE BOARD IN SOUTHERN OREGON
Everyday we are grateful that we live in southern Oregon, and especially so in the summer when it gets hot. We don’t have to be trapped in the house because of the heat because we have so many lakes and rivers to enjoy so close, and without the crowds. Here are just a few of our favorites!
KLAMATH COUNTY
Lake of the Woods
No matter which area you go to you have beautiful views of the surrounding mountain with crystal clear water. Our favorite spot is Aspen Point but we always make sure to grab an ice cream at the lodge to finish off our day! If you need to rent water devices you can go to the lodge and rent paddle boards, pontoon boats, and kayaks, and if you want to stay they have cabins to rent as well as many campgrounds nearby.
EXTRA TIP: If you want to have a special treat their lodge makes delicious Bloody Mary’s and the food their is pretty good!
Rocky Point
Rocky Point is one of those hidden gems with space to paddle board, kayak, and boat, as well as being a great spot for fishing. There’s also a 9.5 mile canoe trail and if you need to rent a watercraft, they have kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats, and more at Rocky Point Resort.
Wood River
The Wood River is a beautiful and unique spot to go paddle boarding and kayaking because of the amazing teal blue water. We like to hang out at Jackson Kimball State Park but if you want to venture further there is a kayaking trail that takes you to the Wood River Day Use Area That portion is just four miles long, or you can make you trip longer and go all the way to Agency Lake. If you want to stay, there is primitive camping available at Jackson Kimball.
JACKSON COUNTY
Willow Lake
One of the more secluded spots, Willow Lake is fun for paddle boarding and kayaking for the kids, especially during the week because there are almost no boats. We like to bring a canopy, pack a lunch and spend the day letting the kids play! There are also cabins, yurts, and tent sites so you can stay overnight!
Applegate Lake
A southern Oregon staple, Applegate Lake has a great swimming area for the kids. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards and it if you'd like to spend the night at a campground!
Cantrall Buckley County Park
Cantrall Buckley County Park is a quiet little spot on the Applegate River where we love to take the kids to play with their paddle boards and kayaks. We find a spot on the river and then let them walk up river to float down. There's picnic tables, and shelters for larger parties as well as a campground nearby!
Crowfoot Falls
Crowfoot Falls is one of our favorite places of all times as long as it’s not too crowded. The kids love to paddle around and swim for hours while we relax and watch in the shade. Head there early to grab a spot!
Emigrant Lake
Sometimes Emigrant can get a little busy with boats but it’s a fun place to swim, paddle board, and kayak around. Most summers they have water slides but due to Covid and low water levels they aren’t running this year. If you want to camp they do have tent and RV spots!
EXTRA TIP: Emigrant is great spot for parties. They have shelters that you can reserve, some with sand volleyball courts, and a playground.
JOSEPHINE COUNTY
Illinois River
All along the Illinois River you can find spots to jump in, just be mindful that the current can be pretty strong in some spots. I know the Swinging Bridge is a favorite place to go, but weekends get absolutely crowded and people do not use common sense about parking. If a parking area is too full, move on please don't block roads or park illegally. Some other good spots include Illinois River Forks State Park and Six Mile Day Use . WARNING The road to Six Mile s narrow and can be scary at times, if you are nervous driving along drop offs this is not the spot for you.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
South Umpqua Falls
If you are in the Rogue Valley, South Umpqua Falls is quite a trip to get there, but if you plan for an early start it's totally worth it. Grab your floaties and spend the day swimming in the gorgeous South Umpqua and sliding down the natural waterslides. You can even camp at the South Umpqua Falls Campground if you want to stay nearby!
Of course there are so many other places to explore and we completely plan on hitting as many lakes, rivers, and beaches as we can this summer!
Please remember to clean up after yourself. Many of these places are getting polluted with trash left behind so do your part to leave no trace. Visit lnt.org to learn about the 7 principles to protect our public lands.
Do you have some favorite spots that we should add? Tell us in the comments below!
