Portland Lakes

Lakes Around Portland

When the weather is right you should pack up and find a spot near the water. A stay at a lake can be amazing for those that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

There are many brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Portland this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. The time is now! Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and snacks then make the trip your next day off to find your own number one location on the water!

Lakes Close to Portland

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip offers a nearly limitless list of things to do for families or couples.

Any stay on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Portland that has a boat launch and get out and soak up the scenery in all it’s glory.

Fishing. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Portland’s lakes gives you the chance to visit all sorts of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some foods, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. For your benefit, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the majority of the weekend, our list of provisions below should be an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Garbage bags
  • Backup clothes
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Sunblock
  • Snacks
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both

More lake items

Depending on what you’ll be doing when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to leaving.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Wine key
  • Swimming goggles
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Something to read
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Legal flotation devices

Staying Safe on a Lake

While a day at the lake can be tons of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always wear sunblock

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes near Portland, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your trip plan much more successful. As an example, each individual lake near Portland is going to have their own qualities which makes it important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Portland may be packed with beachgoers. If you want some more peace and quiet, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine will typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Maximize unique assets in the area. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.