Eugene Lakes

Lakes Near Eugene

It’s summertime so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Eugene. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Eugene there are quite a few options for spending time on the lake.

It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, partake in some wakeboarding, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Eugene offer you plentiful opportunities for outdoor fun. Has there ever been a better time? Load up the car with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then set out your next day off to find a brand new favorite location on the water!

Lakes Close to Eugene

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip offers an almost endless list of things to do for families, couples, or even those looking for some quiet time.

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

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake that has a public launch and get out and soak up the scenery on the waterfront.

Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Hit the water and go wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes offer you all kinds of choices.

Lake Getaway Prep

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your lake getaway so everything goes smoothly!

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below should be an excellent place to start for essentials you are likely to need.

  • Snacks
  • Reserve clothing
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • Sunblock
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Bathing suits
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Radio or speaker

More lake items

The following items can make your life easier for excursions to the lake considering your itinerary. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Bait
  • Fishing poles
  • Your tackle box
  • Life jackets
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Toys for the beach
  • Wine key
  • Your favorite magazine or book

Staying Safe on a Lake

While spending a weekend to the lake can be tons of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Eugene, there are a few things that might make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. Case in point, every individual lake near Eugene is going to have their own qualities so it is important to think about what you need to make a memorable adventure as you plan yours.

  1. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get exceptionally crowded. If you want more space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular beach!
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can usually allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a longer trip, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.