From high-desert canyons to alpine lakes and coastal rivers, boating in Oregon offers year-round variety. Wind-powered thrills in the Columbia River Gorge, glassy mornings on mountain lakes, and family-friendly reservoirs near towns make boating in Oregon a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
How to Get a Boat License in Oregon
Oregon refers to its boating license as the Oregon Boating Safety Education Card. You’ll need it if you operate a motorboat over 10 hp (including PWCs). Ages 12-15 may operate certain boats with supervision; boat operators aged 16 and above must carry the card when operating a boat with an engine of 10 hp or more.
Registering a Boat in Oregon
All motorized boats, no matter the length, must be titled and registered with the Oregon State Marine Board. Sailboats 12 feet and longer must also be titled and registered. Registrations run on a two-year calendar cycle and expire on December 31 of the second year. You can register online and print a temporary permit to get on the water right away.
For non-motorized boats 10 feet and longer, and sailboats 10 to 11.9 feet, Oregon requires a Waterway Access Permit (one permit per boat; children 13 and under are exempt). Registered motorboats and registered sailboats 12’+ don’t need this separate permit.
Additionally, if your boat and trailer together weigh over 1,800 pounds, the trailer must be titled and registered with the DMV.
Popular Boating Activities in Oregon
Cruising and picnicking on broad reservoirs, wake sports and tubing on warm summer afternoons, world-class sailing and wind sports in the Gorge, paddle boarding miles of calm river water, and year-round fishing at lakes across the state.
Top Boating Destinations in Oregon
Oregon packs in more great water than one itinerary can cover; to make planning easier, start with these top Oregon boating destinations:
1. Columbia River Gorge (Hood River to The Dalles)
Consistent winds make the Gorge one of the country’s top windsurfing, sailing, and wing-foiling playgrounds. Marinas and ramps dot the corridor, with Hood River’s facilities offering easy access. Expect strong afternoon winds in summer and a lively waterfront scene.
2. Lake Billy Chinook (Cove Palisades State Park, Central Oregon)
This is a canyon reservoir with 70+ miles of shoreline, houseboat rentals, and room for everything from cruising to wakeboarding. On-site marinas offer rentals, fuel, and supplies, making it a smooth base for multiday trips.
3. Willamette River (Portland Area & Beyond)
Easy ramps, urban skyline views, and plentiful day-use docks make this a great spot for picnics and paddling. The Lower Willamette has special speed and distance rules; therefore, review local restrictions before towing riders or operating near docks and bridges.
4. Detroit Lake (Santiam Canyon, Cascades)
Nine miles of water ringed by forests and views of Mt. Jefferson. Families love the swim areas, rentals, and marina services; anglers come for trout and kokanee. It’s a go-to warm-weather destination with straightforward access and plenty of campsites.
5. Tenmile Lakes (South Coast)
The linked North and South lakes offer long, protected reaches with classic Oregon coast scenery. Popular for bass fishing and leisurely cruising, with coves that stay calm even when the wind picks up on the coast. (Check local ramps and depth notes seasonally.)
6. Waldo Lake (High Cascades, near Oakridge)
One of the clearest lakes in the U.S., it’s known for quiet paddling and sailing in a pristine alpine setting. Only electric motors are allowed, and they must operate at speeds of 10 mph or less. No gas motors or floatplane operations are permitted.
7. Wallowa Lake (Northeast Oregon)
A classic mountain-lake day with rentals, moorage, and calm morning water perfect for skiing or a family cruise. The state park marina on the south end is seasonal and offers a lineup of small boats and pontoon rentals.
Know Before You Go: Crater Lake
Private boats aren’t allowed on Crater Lake, but park-operated boat tours run seasonally when offered. The Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only legal lake access, will undergo a major rehabilitation, with summer closures from 2026 through 2028. Boat tours are expected to resume in 2029, following the completion of construction. Check the current operating status before planning a visit.
Boating in Oregon
Once your boat license in Oregon and permits are handled, the fun part begins: picking your stretch of water. With this mix of destinations, boating in Oregon can be as mellow or action-packed as you like.
Explore our other state boating guides for clear, expert-backed advice wherever you launch.
