Updated August 2026
Best Kayaking Lakes in Oregon
Top 9 kayaking lakes in Oregon, ranked by Secchi clarity (clearer water makes for better paddling — you can see fish, plants, and the bottom).
- Grade A–B water quality
- No known access restrictions
- 50–2,000 acres
Kayaking-friendly rankings prefer lakes with low motor-boat congestion, interesting shoreline, decent water clarity, and public access. Wallowa Lake (A) tops the Oregon list.
Kayaking favors lakes with shoreline interest — bays, islands, undeveloped stretches — which tends to correlate with the larger, more remote Oregon lakes rather than the small, residential ones.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Clarity | Area | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wallowa Lake | Wallowa | OR | A | - | 1,530 acres | ~96 ft est. |
| 2 | Timothy Lake | Clackamas | OR | A | - | 1,430 acres | ~76 ft est. |
| 3 | Cougar Lake | Lane | OR | A | - | 1,280 acres | ~64 ft est. |
| 4 | Henry Hagg Lake | Washington | OR | A | - | 1,157 acres | - |
| 5 | Applegate Lake | Jackson | OR | A | - | 1,041 acres | ~50 ft est. |
| 6 | Fourmile Lake | Klamath | OR | A | - | 962 acres | ~47 ft est. |
| 7 | Galesville Reservoir | Douglas | OR | A | - | 640 acres | ~88 ft est. |
| 8 | Lake of the Woods | Klamath | OR | A | - | - | ~88 ft est. |
| 9 | Blue River Lake | Lane | OR | B | - | 975 acres | ~98 ft est. |
Get updates when Oregon kayaking lakes change
New clarity and algae readings can move a lake on this list. Unsubscribe anytime.
Where to stay near Oregon kayaking lakes
Find cabins, campgrounds, and rentals near Oregon's clearest paddling water — live availability and prices for your kayak trip.
Top-rated places to stay near Oregon paddling lakes
Prices for Sep 11–13, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Oregon paddling lakes?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Oregon paddling lakes — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.