I love paddle boarding, and Eugene, Oregon is a great place to enjoy this fun water sport. The area has many beautiful lakes and rivers that are perfect for a relaxing day on the water.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy.
In this article, I’ll share my top 5 favorite places to paddle board near Eugene. These spots offer stunning scenery, calm waters, and easy access for a great paddle boarding experience. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the area, and I’m excited to share my findings with you. Get ready to discover some amazing places to hit the water!
1. Oregon Paddle Sports
I recently visited Oregon Paddle Sports in Eugene and was impressed by their extensive selection of paddling gear. The store is a paddler’s paradise, stocking everything from kayaks and canoes to stand-up paddleboards and rafts.
The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. They helped me pick out the perfect paddle board for my skill level and gave me great tips on local spots to try it out. I appreciated their passion for water sports and willingness to share their expertise.
Oregon Paddle Sports also offers rentals, which is perfect for trying out different equipment before buying. I rented a kayak for a day trip and had a blast. The rental process was smooth, and the gear was in excellent condition.
What I love most about this place is how they support the local paddling community. They organize group paddles and classes for all skill levels. It’s a great way to meet other enthusiasts and improve your skills on the water.
Rating: 4.9 (98 reviews)
Location: 520 Commercial St, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 505-9020
Website: Visit Website
2. Orchard Point Marina and Boat Ramp
I love paddle boarding at Orchard Point Marina and Boat Ramp. It’s a great spot on Fern Ridge Lake, just a short drive from Eugene. The water is calm and perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxing paddle.
The marina has good facilities for launching your board. There’s plenty of parking and a nice ramp that makes it easy to get in the water. I always feel safe here, as the area is well-maintained.
On my last visit, I saw lots of birds and even a few deer near the shoreline. The scenery is beautiful, with trees lining the lake and mountains in the distance. It’s a peaceful place to spend a few hours on the water.
If you want to make a day of it, there are picnic areas and restrooms on-site. You can also rent boats if you want to try something different. Just remember to bring sunscreen and water, as it can get hot out on the lake.
Rating: 4.4 (702 reviews)
Location: 27060 Clear Lake Rd, Eugene, OR 97402
Website: Visit Website
3. UO Outdoor Program – Rental Barn
I love visiting the UO Outdoor Program’s Rental Barn when I want to go paddle boarding near Eugene. It’s a great spot to grab all the gear I need for a fun day on the water.
The staff are super friendly and helpful. They’ve given me great tips on the best local spots to paddle. Plus, they make sure I have the right size board and all the safety equipment.
The rental prices are really reasonable, especially for students. I can usually get a board, paddle, and life jacket for a full day without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for those spontaneous weekend trips.
The Rental Barn has a wide selection of paddle boards to choose from. Whether I want a stable board for a leisurely float or something more streamlined for speed, they’ve got me covered.
Rating: 4.5 (34 reviews)
Location: 1225 E 18th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403
Contact: (541) 346-4371
Website: Visit Website
4. Pump It Up Paddle
I had an awesome time renting paddleboards from Pump It Up Paddle in Eugene. They offer top-notch inflatable boards with all the gear you need for a fun day on the water. The boards are easy to transport and set up, perfect for exploring nearby lakes and rivers.
The owner is super friendly and helpful. They gave me great tips on local paddling spots and made sure I had everything I needed. I loved that they included extras like dry bags and waterway permits with the rental.
For a full-service experience, I tried their delivery option. It was so convenient – they brought the inflated boards right to the water’s edge and picked them up when I was done. It made for a stress-free adventure.
If you’re new to paddleboarding or want to discover hidden gems, check out their guided tours. I joined one and got to see beautiful scenery while learning more about the area. It was well worth it for a memorable day out on the water.
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)
Contact: (541) 337-9653
Website: Visit Website
5. Alton Baker Park
I love paddling at Alton Baker Park! It’s Eugene’s largest park and offers a great spot for stand-up paddleboarding. The park sits right along the Willamette River, giving easy access to calm waters perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxing ride.
When I visited, I was impressed by the park’s size and natural beauty. It spans over 400 acres, with plenty of green space and trees lining the riverbanks. The water is generally calm here, making it ideal for paddlers of all skill levels.
I found the park well-maintained and clean. There are paved paths leading down to the water, so it’s easy to carry your paddleboard. The park also has restrooms and picnic areas, which is handy for a full day out on the water.
One of my favorite things about paddling here is the wildlife. I’ve seen herons, ducks, and even the occasional river otter while out on my board. It’s a peaceful escape right in the heart of Eugene.
Rating: 4.6 (3800 reviews)
Location: 200 Day Island Rd, Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: (541) 682-4800
Website: Visit Website
Seasonal Considerations for Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding near Eugene, Oregon changes with the seasons. The weather and water conditions affect when and where you can go. I’ll share the best times to paddle board and what to expect throughout the year.
Best Seasons to Paddle Board
Summer is the peak time for paddle boarding in Eugene. From June to August, I love the warm days and calm waters. The Willamette River is perfect then.
Spring and fall can be nice too. In May and September, I often find mild weather and fewer crowds. But I always check the forecast first.
Winter paddle boarding is possible, but challenging. From November to March, I only go out on rare sunny days. I always wear a wetsuit and life jacket for safety.
Weather and Water Conditions
Eugene’s weather impacts paddle boarding a lot. In summer, I enjoy sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s. The water is usually calm and warm enough for swimming.
Spring and fall bring more rain and wind. I watch for storm systems and avoid windy days. Water levels can rise quickly after heavy rain.
Winter means cold water and air temps. I’m extra careful about hypothermia risk. Ice can form on some lakes, making them unsafe.
Year-round, I always check:
- Air and water temperature
- Wind speed and direction
- Chance of rain or storms
- Water flow rates for rivers
These factors help me decide if it’s safe to paddle board that day.
Necessary Gear and Safety Tips
Paddle boarding is fun, but safety comes first. I’ll share the must-have gear and key safety tips to keep you safe on the water.
Essential Paddle Boarding Equipment
I always bring a few key items when I go paddle boarding. A good paddle board is the most important. I pick one that fits my size and skill level.
Next, I grab a paddle. It should be about 6-8 inches taller than me. A life jacket is a must – it’s the law in Oregon. I make sure it fits well and is easy to move in.
I also pack:
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Waterproof phone case
- Leash to attach myself to the board
- Whistle for emergencies
In cooler weather, I wear a wetsuit to stay warm. A dry bag keeps my stuff safe from water.
Safety Guidelines and Best Practices
Before I hit the water, I check the weather. I avoid strong winds and storms.
I always tell someone where I’m going and when I’ll be back.
I start in calm, shallow water. This helps me get used to the board.
I stay away from boats and busy areas. Oregon law says I need to carry a life jacket, so I always wear mine.
I follow these rules:
- Stay seated when launching
- Stand up slowly in the middle of the board
- Keep my feet shoulder-width apart
- Look at the horizon, not my feet
If I fall, I stay calm and swim back to my board.
I always paddle with a buddy when I can. It’s safer and more fun!
