McMinnville Lakes

Lakes Close to McMinnville

Every once in a while you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A stay at a lake is wonderful for people that enjoy wildlife too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re looking to go kayaking, partake in some watersports, go for a swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near McMinnville provide you with lots of opportunities for aquatic adventures. Take a look at the data directly beneath this paragraph and see your options from swimming lakes to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Near McMinnville

Lake Activities

On a day trip to a lake near McMinnville there are many activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. You could go for an exciting day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel or AirBnB to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a lake near McMinnville:

Go 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 fishing from shore.

Picnic time. The lakes near McMinnville offer all sorts of excellent picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Partake in some water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake showing off your water sports expertise? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the lakes near McMinnville provide you with several options.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map depending on which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, 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 that you can use as a checklist for your getaway.

The basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below should be a good place to start for essentials that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Proper footwear
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Portable phone charger
  • A picnic basket
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Swimsuits
  • Sunscreen
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Portable stereo

Additional lake stuff

Depending on your planned activities for the day and your guests, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Games for the beach
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Wine key
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Fishing poles
  • Worms or other bait

Lake Safety Checklist

While a day at a lake in McMinnville can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some important safety tips.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in McMinnville

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes around McMinnville, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan far more rewarding. Case in point, every individual lake near McMinnville has their own qualities and surroundings which makes it important to take into account what you need to make an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Make the most of unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the ability to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near McMinnville can get exceptionally crowded. To find some space to yourself, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!