If you live in Medford or the Rogue Valley and you paddle, you’re way ahead of the game. We have some of the best flatwater paddling in the Pacific Northwest. Each spot has it’s own unique vibe, scenery, and charm. Most of these spots are good for a range of people, from complete newbies to more experienced paddlers.
Before we go any further, let me say: this list is for the paddler based out of the Rogue Valley. If you’re in the Klamath Basin, I have an entirely different list of favorites for you (more on that later!)
All of these lakes are within an hour of Medford and were my go-to spots when I lived in Medford. If you’re in Southern Oregon, let me know if I’ve missed one of your favorite lakes.
1. Applegate Lake — Best for Solitude and Flat Water
If you want to feel like you’ve gotten away from everything, Applegate Lake is your spot. It sits up in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, about 25 miles southwest of Jacksonville, and the drive there is beautiful. Ruch and the Applegate Valley are densely forested and feel completely different than some of the drier and browner areas of the valley.
The lake is a reservoir, so before heading out to the lake, always ALWAYS check the water levels. Early in a high water year, it’s super easy to launch from multiple points. Later in a dry summer, the water can drop so low that just getting to the water can be a challenge. Like Emigrant and other reservoirs, I’d recommend hitting this lake earlier in the season rather than later.
One of the best things about Applegate lake for paddleboarding is the 10 MPH speed limit on the lake. This means the lake stays pretty quiet, and you won’t be struggling to stay on your board after a waterskier comes zipping by. Hart-Tish Park on the northern end of the lake has kayak and paddleboard rentals if you don’t have your own gear, plus tent and RV sites if you want to make it an overnight.
What to know: Go earlier in the season rather than later. Morning paddles before any wind picks up are the best. The mountain above Jacksonville setting means temperatures can be cooler than you’d expect, even in July. Expect that you will not have cell service at the lake or in the surrounding areas.
Skill level: Intermediate. Not because the paddling is difficult, but because the variable water levels and remote feel mean you should be comfortable on the water before coming out here solo.
2. Lake of the Woods — Best for Scenery
Lake of the Woods has been one of my go-to paddling spots in years past. I’d argue that it is the most picturesque lake on this list. It sits off of Highway 140, a 45 minute drive from White City, Ashland, or Klamath Falls. It’s surrounded by forest, and on a calm morning you can see a mirror reflection of Mt McLoughlin on the water. It’s stunning.
The lake does allow motorized boats, but they aren’t typically an issue. Again, I’d strongly suggest that you get out there early in the morning, before the wind picks up and before the crowds increase. And that right there is the biggest drawback of Lake of the Woods. There will be crowds. On busy summer weekends, the resort actually reaches capacity and will start turning people away. The other drawback is the steep $10 parking fee that will be increasing to $15 on Saturdays in the summer of 2026.
There is an on-site marina that rents paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. The restaurant is, dare I say, fairly reasonably priced and tasty. There are some cabins and lots of camping spots, although they fill up fast. But if you can snag a spot, Lake of the Woods is an amazing weekend getaway wehre you can paddle all morning and hike all afternoon.
Skill level: All levels. Beginner-friendly, as long as you arrive early and leave before it gets choppy.
3. Emigrant Lake — Best for Convenience
I will be the first to admit that Emigrant Lake is one of my least favorite lakes in Southern Oregon. Don’t come at me. But it’s still an easy “yes” for this list. It’s literally 15 minutes from downtown Ashland. Close enough that you can decide to go paddleboarding at 9am and be on the water by 10. One of my best friends keeps an Oru folding kayak in his car and pops over whenever he has a slow day at work. That’s how convenient it is.
The 1,467-acre lake has 12 miles of frontage. The water is usually calm in the morning, but the wind can pick up in the afternoon. If you’re a beginner, you want to be out there in the morning, before it gets choppy. Board rentals are available right at the park (and also at Get N Gear in Ashland).
You’ll find the best facilities if you spend the $6.00 to park at the County Park, but there are other access points around the lake, like Songer Wayside.
Having said that, the reason this isn’t my favorite lake is that it’s just kind of…ugly. We have so many gorgeous paddling spots around Southern Oregon, and Emigrant Lake is not one of them, imo. But if your primary concern is the ease at which you can get out on the water, Emigrant Lake is going to be your best bet.
Skill level: All levels. Beginner-friendly, as long as you arrive early and leave before it gets choppy.
4. Willow Lake — Best Alternative Near Medford
Sometimes I forget about Willow Lake, and it’s often overlooked in lists of paddleboarding spots, which might be a good thing. It’s smaller than the other lakes on this list, but still a great option. The drive time to the lake from Southeast Medford is almost exactly. one hour, whether you go through Butte Falls or down Hwy 140 (I prefer the Butte Falls route). There are killer view of Mt. McLoughlin from the lake, and there is a designated no wake area near the campground, so you can still find a quiet spot. Late spring and early summer are the sweet spot — the lake is full, the mountains are still showing some snow, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. I’ve paddleboarded Willow Lake as early as the beginning of April (granted, it rained, but it was still a good day of paddling!)
There are no on-site rentals at Willow Lake, so you need to bring your own board. The parking area has a day-use fee, and on summer weekends you’ll want to arrive early to get a spot. If you paddle toward the south end of the lake, away from the main launch and picnic area, you get into genuinely quiet water with the mountain looming above you. On the right morning, it’s one of the better experiences you can have on a paddleboard in this region.
What to know: Parking permits are required — $6 for a day pass or you can get a Jackson County Annnual Park Pass for $45. No rentals on-site.
Skill level: All levels, though it’s best appreciated by paddlers who already have their own gear and want to explore.
5. Upper Klamath Canoe Trail — Best for Wildlife
I’m including this one because it is technically on a lake, even though you aren’t paddling the entire lake. It’s genuinely unlike anything else on this list, and it just might become your new favorite paddling spot.
The Upper Klamath Canoe Trail is a 9.5-mile marked paddle route through marshland, riparian forest, and open water on the northwestern edge of Upper Klamath Lake, about 25 miles west of Klamath Falls. Although it’s marked, I’d strongly recommend recording your path because if you venture off into a marshy offshoot, it’s surprisingly easy to get turned around. And yes, they call it a “canoe trail,” but SUPs and kayaks are more than welcome. Rocky Point Resort rents paddleboards right at the put-in point.
One thing that makes this spot truly remarkable is the wildlife. You are actually paddling through part of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. You have a good chance of seeing bald eagles, osprey, white pelicans, and over 350 other bird species. The other thing is the solitude and peacefulness. There are no motorized boats allowed in the canoe trails, and you might only see a handful of other paddlers. Paddling through the marsh on a calm morning is one of the most serene paddleboarding experiences I’ve had.
Keep in mind that if you go out onto the open lake, the conditions change drastically Where you are somewhat protected through the canoe trails, you are entirely exposed on the lake, and the lake can get very choppy. Perhaps the choppiest water I’ve encountered on a paddleboard was when I went out into the lake from the canoe trail and I was genuinely concerned about getting back safely. I’d recommend staying in the canoe trails if you are not an experienced paddle boarder.
The most popular access point is at the Rocky Point Day Use Area right by the resort. However, you can also put in at the Malone Springs Day Use Area, which I prefer. Just keep in mind that Malone Springs feels quite remote and you will likely not have a cell signal there.
Skill level: Intermediate to experienced for the full trail. Beginners can enjoy the creek sections near Rocky Point with a shorter out-and-back paddle.
Practical Notes for All Five Lakes
Oregon Waterway Access Permit: Required for paddleboards 10 feet or longer. Get yours at the Oregon State Marine Board before you go. It’s only $20 for one year and — one and two-year permits are available and funds help to maintain public waterways.
PFD requirement: A life jacket must be readily available for every person on a paddleboard, regardless of age. For paddlers under 12, it must be worn at all times.
Morning is almost always better: Wind is the variable that changes conditions on every lake on this list. Most mornings are calm; afternoons are less predictable. If you’re planning your first trip to a new spot, go early.
Wildfire smoke: If you’re visiting in summer or fall, check the AQI before heading out. Smoke in Southern Oregon can move in fast and make a beautiful morning miserable, or worse, geniunely unsafe. I wrote a full guide on paddleboarding during smoke season if you want the details on what levels to watch for. Check out that post here.
Have a favorite Southern Oregon paddleboarding spot that didn’t make this list? I’d love to hear about it! I’m always updating the directory.
