Gresham Lakes

Lakes Near Gresham

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Gresham. As it turns out, when you come to Gresham you have some great spots for getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing wakeboarding, go swimming, or work on your tan, the lakes near Gresham offer you plentiful options for aquatic activities. Browse through the data directly beneath this paragraph and have a look your nearby locations from swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you and the family to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Gresham

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides a nearly boundless list of things to do for couples or families.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you make your way to a lake near Gresham:

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Gresham will offer tons of fun for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a beautiful public beach!

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Take the family out for some tubing or skiing as the lakes near Gresham provide you with all kinds of choices.

Grab a board. For those in search of some exercise, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake with a public launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take along many of the items below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Sneakers
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Towels
  • Portable stereo
  • UV protection
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunglasses
  • A cooler with water bottles

Additional lake gear

The list of items below can make your life easier for excursions to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Something to read
  • Life jackets
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Bait
  • Fishing gear
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Wine key
  • Tackle box and lures

Lake Safety

Of course your getaway on your favorite body of water should be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some important safety tips.

  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Gresham

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Gresham, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that will make your trip plan much 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 getaway when planning yours.

  1. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local will usually allow you to locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Maximize unique assets in the area. When you have time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay right on the water for a reasonable price.
  3. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Gresham might be packed with tourists. If you want more space to yourself, research multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!