Portland Lakes

Lakes Near Portland

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next big getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Portland. A lake getaway can be wonderful for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

It doesn’t matter if you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, get active with wakeboarding, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Portland provide you with plentiful opportunities for outdoor fun. Browse through the data directly beneath this paragraph to have a look your options from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.

Lakes Close to Portland

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

When you visit a lake near Portland you’ll find all kinds of things to do for families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a 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 Portland:

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake showing off your water sports skills? Take the family out for some wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes offer you all kinds of options.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Portland offer tons of laughs and games for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t hold a candle to a glorious public beach!

Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Portland that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, what the weather is going to be, or if there are any activities planned. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Portland so everything goes smoothly!

The basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the day, the list below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Dry shirt
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Swimsuits
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Bug spray
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • UV protection
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Beach blanket

More lake gear

Consider what you’ll be doing for the day and what your party looks like, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth packing before hitting the road.

  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Bait
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Life jackets
  • Corkscrew
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing gear

Lake Safety Checklist

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Here are some general tips that can ensure that your whole group stays safe while around the lake.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More Ideas for Lake Fun

When you make a trip to the one of a kind lakes near Portland, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your weekend gameplan substantially more successful. As an example, every individual lake has unique qualities and surroundings so it’s important to consider what will make for an unforgettable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Rent a boat. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will typically help you locate options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Portland may be very busy. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of the best assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.