Corvallis Lakes

Lakes Near Corvallis

Every once in a while you just need to pack up and find a spot by the water. Lucky for you, when you come to Corvallis you have quite a few great spots when it comes to spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, get active with watersports, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Corvallis provide you with numerous opportunities for aquatic fun. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then set out this weekend to find your own favorite location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Corvallis

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a more lengthy getaway gives you a nearly limitless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you visit a lake near Corvallis:

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Corvallis provide tons of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Partake in some delicious delights outside. The lakes near Corvallis offer many top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, this plan is hard to beat.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake near Corvallis with a public boat launch you can use and get out and enjoy the scenery in all it’s glory.

Lake Getaway Prep

Your plan for a lake getaway can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve put together a list of our favorite lake and beach-related necessities that you can use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

General items

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for most of the vacation, our list of provisions below is a good place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Tennis shoes
  • Bug spray
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Sunglasses
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Snacks
  • Dry shirt

Specialty lake stuff

The gear in the list below might prove useful for trips to the lake considering your itinerary. You may want to double check some of these so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Games for the beach
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Wine key
  • Kindle
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Worms or other bait
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Tackle box
  • Diapers and baby gear

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course a day on your favorite body of water can be ample amounts of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Corvallis

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Corvallis, there are a few things that will make your itinerary substantially more rewarding. For example, every individual lake has unique features which makes it important to take into account what you need to make a memorable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  2. Maximize the best local resources. If you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  3. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.