Discover the best lakes, rivers, and beaches for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more, just a short drive from your local community.
Looking to explore the beauty of the PNW with some fun water activities? Whether it’s hot out, and you need a day trip to a refreshing lake or river or looking for a peaceful autumn outing, all of our Holt Homes communities are just a short drive from some of the most beautiful and popular waters Oregon and Washington have to offer. Surrounded by truly magical views, come enjoy our favorite spots for a day of paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and more!
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Portland Metro Communities
Fishing at Hagg Lake
Distance:
- ~18 miles from Middlebrook
- ~20 miles from Laurel Woods
- ~22 miles from Pleasant Valley Villages
- ~27 miles from Faraday Hills
Travel Time: ~30 minutes from each location
Ready for an amazing day on the water with some truly big catches? If so, you’ll want to spend the day at Hagg Lake. As you row along the serene waters, you’ll notice just how wide open the water feels, with a surface area of 1,113 acres! Known for its rainbow trout, with even some trophy brood trout that can reach up to 10 or even 20 pounds, Hagg is stocked with tens of thousands of fish a year! You’ll also have excellent luck with largemouth and smallmouth bass, bullhead catfish, bluegill, and more. With many spots to picnic, swim, and enjoy the day, this family-friendly daycation will leave you refreshed and likely with a delicious fish dinner to look forward to!
Canoeing on the Tualatin River
Distance:
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~16 miles from Reed’s Crossing
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~23 miles from Scouters Mountain
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~25 miles from The Hearth at Millican Creek
Travel Time: ~25 minutes from Reed’s Crossing, ~35 minutes from Scouters Mountain, ~35 minutes from The Hearth at Millican Creek
When the weather heats up, there’s really nothing quite like a lazy river day. With its slow-winding river waters and gorgeous views, the Tualatin River offers a peaceful canoeing experience close to Sherwood. With 40 miles to explore, you can dream up a shorter adventure or make a day of it and pack a cooler of cold drinks and a delicious lunch. Expect to enjoy the quiet sounds of nature, with the songs of birds in the air, as you take in the fresh air.
Paddleboarding at Sauvies Island
Distance:
- ~20 miles from Middlebrook
- ~22 miles from Reed’s Crossing
- ~25 miles from Laurel Woods
Travel Time: ~30 minutes from Middlebrook, ~30 minutes from Reed’s Crossing, ~35 minutes from Laurel Woods
Ahhh, Sauvies Island, the irresistible beach trip that locals look forward to on the sunniest days. Sauvies Island is located on the Columbia River, and it is a popular place for paddleboarding, with a sandy beach to lounge on. The island has several calm water areas where you can paddle almost effortlessly while taking in the greenery that surrounds you. It’s hard to believe Sauvies is only 25 miles away when it feels like such a getaway. You may encounter herons soaring in the blue skies above you as you glide along the cool water. On your way home, you can stop by one of Sauvies Islands dozens of farms for some you-pick fresh produce or flowers, or visit one of the charming stores for locally made goodies!
Mid-Willamette Valley
Fishing at Dexter Lake
Distance:
- ~20 miles from East Mountain
- ~30 miles from Rolling Meadows
- ~40 miles from Ponderosa Ridge
Travel Time: ~30 minutes from East Mountain, ~40 minutes from Rolling Meadows, ~50 minutes from Ponderosa Ridge
Dexter Lake is a favorite of local anglers for a reason! The lake is known for its plentiful Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, bass, and more. The water coming down from Lookout Point reservoir, just above Dexter, has a small current that has been described by seasoned angler Eric Apalategui as a “magnet” for trout. Looking off to the rolling green hills and mountain tops in the distance, fishing Dexter Lake is a very peaceful experience. Conveniently located, Dexter Lake is just a short drive east of Eugene on Highway 58, making it an easy day trip worth making!
Kayaking on the McKenzie River
Distance:
- ~20 miles from East Mountain
- ~25 miles from Rolling Meadows
- ~35 miles from Ponderosa Ridge
- ~45 miles from Marion Pointe
Travel Time: ~30 minutes from East Mountain, ~40 minutes from Rolling Meadows, ~50 minutes from Ponderosa Ridge, ~50 minutes from Marion Pointe
For a refreshing and gentle kayaking day, treat yourself to a luxurious time at the Mckenzie River! The waters are fairly calm, with very easy access and numerous boat launches to begin your adventure. The river is surrounded by wildlife, and you’ll get to float along with furry little sea otters and families of ducks also beating the heat in the clear water! While the Mckenzie River is popular, most stretches are quiet aside from the sounds of rushing water and chirping birds. As you view the old-growth forest on either side of you, remember to keep on the lookout above as well, because you may just see a bald eagle soaring in the sky!
Swimming at Fern Ridge Reservoir
Distance:
- ~20 miles from East Mountain
- ~22 miles from Rolling Meadows
- ~25 miles from Ponderosa Ridge
Travel Time: ~30 minutes from East Mountain, ~35 minutes from Rolling Meadows, ~40 minutes from Ponderosa Ridge
If you are craving a day of swimming and lying on the beach, Fern Ridge Reservoir is the place to go. The reservoir has many waterfronts with picnic tables and lovely spots to lounge for the day. Fern Ridge is 9,000 acres, so you’ll enjoy plenty of space swimming and laying on floaties without bumping into other paddle boards! Another special part of the reservoir is that it is in lush wetlands, so you will likely encounter all sorts of beautiful birds, such as blue herons, swans, and black terns. And you may even spot the rare tufted duck! Pack some icy drinks and yummy snacks, and enjoy your day at Fern Ridge Reservoir.
Southern Oregon
Paddleboarding at Lost Creek Lake
Distance:
- ~20 miles from Eagle Point
- ~20 miles from Quail Run
Travel Time: ~30 minutes from both Eagle Point and Quail Run
Paddleboard at Lost Creek Lake for calm waters and truly jaw-dropping views, like nowhere else. Surrounded by thick forest with relaxing sandy beaches to enjoy, this place has the perfect mix of tranquil space and fun water activities taking place. There are 30 miles of nature trails all around, if you are in the mood for adventure and to do some birding! Lost Creek Lake is the perfect spot for a summer day full of water activities and opportunities to explore nature.
Floating on the Rogue River
Distance:
- ~15 miles from Eagle Point
- ~15 miles from Quail Run
Travel Time: ~25 minutes from both Eagle Point and Quail Run
For those seeking a slightly more wild water activity, floating down the Rogue River on a rafting adventure is for you! This river is nothing short of gorgeous, with sparkling waterfalls, tall trees, and mountains surrounding it. There are endless nature trails to stop off on during your journey and places to camp, so you can choose to have a day trip or even a few days of adventure. Just a quick search on Google will bring up numerous great rafting guides if you’d like to explore the river with a seasoned pro. This thrilling summertime experience is not to be missed!
Kayaking at Applegate Lake
Distance:
- ~30 miles from Eagle Point
- ~30 miles from Quail Run
Travel Time: ~45 minutes from both Eagle Point and Quail Run
In the heart of southern Oregon, you’ll find Applegate Lake, with water that is a dream for those of you who love to kayak, sail, and paddle. Enjoy moving along the gentle, rippling waters while looking off into the southern Oregon mountain sides. There are lots of good swimming areas if you want to take a dip, and spots to picnic with wild flowers and plants growing all around. There is a trail that loops around the lake that is popular for riding horses and for hikers, if you want to do some exploring between your water adventures! Feel the fresh breeze as you row your kayak on the open water at Applegate Lake for a fun day in the sun.
Southwest Washington
Swimming at Lewisville Park
Distance:
● ~12 miles from The Glades at Green Mountain
● ~15 miles from Paradise Pointe
● ~20 miles from Alder & Ash
Travel Time: ~20 minutes from The Glades at Green Mountain, ~25 minutes from Paradise Pointe, ~30 minutes from Alder & Ash
Lewis Park offers a refreshing escape with its stunning forests, meadows, and inviting river for a cool swim on a hot day. For a family-friendly spot to cool off and to have a delightful dip in the clear water, the sand and pebble beach in the Larch area is perfect for a wading pool and swimming. The water doesn't get too deep, so it's ideal for smaller children to splash around. Another nice swimming hole is along the East Fork at the north edge of the park. As always, be mindful of currents, as different areas of the river have faster waters! With lots to explore, you’ll want to come back to visit different sections of the Lewis River to experience its majestic waterfalls and discover new spots!
Fishing at Klineline Pond
Distance:
● ~15 miles from Stone's Throw
● ~20 miles from Ramble Creek
● ~20 miles from Greely Farms
Travel Time: ~20 minutes from Stone’s Throw, ~25 minutes from Ramble Creek and Greely Farms
For a day of bank fishing and a refreshing swim, Klineline Pond, located in Salmon Creek Regional Park, is a good spot to fish and cool off during the summer months. There are no boats allowed, but there is excellent fishing access along the south and west banks, with a really impressive amount of fish in this 12-acre pond! There are thousands of pan-sized trout and even some 10-pounders. During the warmer months, bass, blue gill, and panfish bite the best. There are designated parts of the pond for swimming, as well as a nearby splash pad for kids. Klineline Pond is a great place for a little fishing and cooling off close to home.
Paddleboarding at Lacamas Lake
Distance:
● ~10 miles from The Glades at Green Mountain
● ~15 miles from Paradise Pointe
● ~20 miles from Greely Farms
Travel Time: ~15 minutes from The Glades at Green Mountain, ~20 minutes from Paradise Pointe, ~30 minutes from Greely Farms
Enjoy paddleboarding on the gentle waters of Lacamas Lake in Camas, Washington! You’ll have the best time in this sunkissed water, which has a spectacular temperature for paddling and swimming on hot days. The lake is also popular for water skiing, kayaking, and fishing, making it a perfect place to come visit for all sorts of fun. What's also really nice about this lake is how parts are shrouded in trees, giving plenty of shade on a hot day for shoreline picnics and water gazing. Nearby, there are short trails of roughly 2-4 miles to choose from where you can walk by serene creeks and visit stunning waterfalls such as Pothole Falls. Lacamas Lake is a total treasure that you have to experience for yourself!
About Holt Homes
For more than four decades, Holt Homes has built new construction homes for families in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The quality and experience of our people, the ease and efficiency of our approach, and the livability of our communities works hand-in-hand to make Holt Homes the largest locally-grown home builder in the region. For more information, live chat or call us at (971) 231-5560.
*All selections subject to change depending on availability
Posted: Aug 28. 2024