Loon Lake: Hwy 38

Loon Lake sits off of Highway 38, between Reedsport and Elkton. For many years as a young child, I traveled that road with my family while my Dad fished out of Winchester Bay. And for all those years, the turn off to Loon Lake has intrigued me. Several years ago, my partner and I pulled …

Garden Lake Park

I know you've seen Garden Lake Park, but have you been there? Located along the freeway between the Creswell overpass and Hobby Field (the Creswell Airport), Garden Lake Park is easily visible while driving north on I-5. I had been there once, many years ago, when we first bought our canoe. On that trip, we …

From Lake to Ocean: Siltcoos Canoe Trail

We explored the Siltcoos Canoe Trail for the first time two years ago. It was such a memorable trip that I've been trying to get back there ever since. Twice we made plans for the trip, and twice they were cancelled at the last minute. Earlier this month, everything finally came together. The Siltcoos River is …

Canoeing Fern Ridge: Shore Lane Park

With the bits of sunshine we've been having lately, thoughts of canoeing have been dancing in my head. It'll be a couple months until we haul our canoe out again, but that doesn't matter, there's a great canoe spot up at Fern Ridge Reservoir I haven't told you about yet. Shore Lane Park, off of Clear …

Paddling Dorena

I love getting out in our canoe. The world looks and sounds different when you're out in the middle of a lake or gliding along a shore line. This summer, we have been fortunate to paddle in some amazing places. Sometimes, though, it is nice to stay closer to home: to get out, paddle, and get home in …

Hosmer Lake: Deschutes County

I can not tell you how beautiful Hosmer Lake is because I don't have the words, and it is possible that you may not even believe me. Hosmer Lake is one of those places that I sometimes hesitate to write about; I want to keep it a secret so it stays as beautiful as possible for as long as …

Sparks Lake: Deschutes County

Sparks Lake sits high in the Cascade Mountains at 5400' elevation. It is well known for its photographic opportunities, especially in the early morning when the South Sister, Broken Top, and Bachlor Butte reflect in the calm water. The views of the mountains from Sparks Lake are beautiful. We barely had our canoe in the water …

Siltcoos Canoe Trail: Florence

I have been intrigued by the Siltcoos Canoe Trail ever since I first heard about it. There is something about canoeing all the way to the ocean that fascinates me -- I'm not exactly sure why -- and experiencing the Canoe Trail has been on my mind for a couple of years. Of course, I …