SPOTS TO SWIM, PADDLE, AND CAST A LINE IN THE SALEM AREA

If you’re looking to cool down this summer with some water-centric fun, we’ve got you covered. Just take your pick from the region’s gushing rivers, refreshing lakes and calm reservoirs and your entire crew can make a splash. Jump in a cold lake and swim, paddle with your pup on a SUP (stand-up paddleboard), catch trout from your canoe or take a guided kayak or whitewater rafting tour. No matter which water adventure or local spot you choose, just dive in and have fun.

7/8/25

Detroit Lake | Caleb Wallace

EXPLORE THE MIGHTY WILLAMETTE RIVER
Flowing through Salem and connecting several cute small towns, the scenic 187-mile Willamette Water Trail is one of Oregon’s longest liquid highways and an awesome way to explore the area’s forests and parks from a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe.

Set out on an afternoon birdwatching paddle, or plan a multi-day adventure, stepping ashore along the way to camp, hike, picnic, cast a line, or lounge on a secluded beach.

Some of the most popular “put-in” points are Wallace Marine Park in Salem and Keizer Rapids Park in Keizer. For an exciting yet easy day trip, drop in at Buena Vista Park and paddle about 10 miles north to Independence’s Riverview Park. Start planning your own Willamette Water Trail adventure here.

TAKE A GUIDED KAYAK TOUR IN SALEM
Want to see the Willamette from a local’s point of view? Oregon Kayak Tours offers a lineup of guided kayak trips around Salem for first-timers and seasoned kayakers alike. Spot herons and otters while paddling around Minto-Brown Island Park on the two-hour scenic downtown Salem tour. Or book the sunset tour and take in views of the city during the golden hour.

PADDLE SOLO AROUND INDEPENDENCE
Located in Independence and along the Willamette, Independence Kayak Rentals will set your crew up with sit-on-top kayaks, sit-inside kayaks, tandems and youth kayaks so you can explore the river at your own pace. If you’d like an adventure, they’ll pick you up at Mark Lloyd Park (a 4-mile paddle) or Salem’s Wallace Marine Park (a 12-mile paddle). You can also bring your own kayak and drop in at the Independence boat ramp.

BOAT AND FISH IN SILVERTON’S CALM WATERS
About 20 miles east of Salem, the 65-acre Silverton Reservoir is seasonally stocked with good numbers of rainbow trout, including some big ones. Because gas motors aren’t allowed on the lake, this is an ideal spot to swim, kayak and enjoy the peace. There’s also a fishing pier if you want to cast from the shore while the kiddos splash around.

CLASS III RAPIDS AND FISHING ON THE NORTH SANTIAM RIVER
Adrenaline-seekers can book an expert-guided whitewater rafting adventure on the North Santiam River with eNRG Kayaking, only 30 miles from Salem. Pick the scenic half-day trip and spot eagles as you casually float with the kids down the river, or sign up for the half-day whitewater trip and conquer class III rapids. Experienced paddlers can also rent equipment here.

If you’re looking to fish, nearby North Santiam County Park is one of the top steelhead fishing spots on the North Santiam River. Cast from the forested riverfront area while your family picnics on the beach, or launch your kayak from the primitive dock.

JUMP IN DETROIT LAKE
A little deeper in the Santiam State Forest, the nine-mile-long Detroit Lake is a top summer destination for paddlers, swimmers, boaters and anglers. Rent your paddle craft of choice at Detroit Lake Marina and chill out in the no-wake area while soaking up views of Mt. Jefferson. Or launch your boat, SUP or kayak at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area and then enjoy a cool dip. The ramp at nearby Mongold Park is a great place to launch a family fishing expedition (the lake is stocked with rainbow trout), and it has a life-jacket loaner station.

KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Ensure everyone has a fun — and safe — adventure by putting safety first. Never paddle alone and always wear a properly fitting life jacket. Wear bright colors to ensure you’re seen by other boaters, be aware of other watercraft and share the waterways. If you’re bringing your own kayak, canoe or SUP and it’s 10 feet or longer, get your Waterway Access Permit here.

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