Where to go

This 113 acre reservoir is located about four miles north of Toledo. Olalla Road heads north to the lake from Highway 20. Often 5-15 degrees warmer than Newport and a wonderful place for a kayak adventure. No gas motors are allowed so it’s a very tranquil and beautiful place. There is a large lot with free parking and ample picnicking space and with some barbecues and picnic tables. There are bathrooms as well as a boat ramp. It’s very family friendly and is perfect for beginners or the most experienced angler. Ollala has good fishing for stocked rainbow and cutthroat trout and also has good populations of largemouth bass, brown bullheads and bluegills. Yellow perch are also present in the reservoir and there are some good-sized ones. The area above the culvert on the east arm is good for early season bass fishing.

PREFERABLE SEASON(S)

Spring, Summer, Fall

CONGESTION Low

PARKING PASS

Not Required

PROS

Wildlife viewing. Calm water. Easy access. Family friendly.

CONS

Can be windy on return paddle.

FEATURES

Fishing, Picnic tables, Bird watching, Wildlife, Restrooms

Beaver Creek State Natural Area is an area rich in wildlife just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, and paddling Beaver Creek is one of the best ways to see what the area has to offer. From the Ona Beach boat launch on the east side of Highway 101, the creek meanders through wide and flat bends. Heron, osprey, river otter, and beaver sightings are numerous for the quiet paddler. Smaller side channels show the tracks of birds and small animals. Red-winged blackbirds and finches fill the air with song. Cutthroat trout as well as an occasional salmon can be seen or even caught here with a valid fishing license.

As you paddle upstream, the creek narrows and the brush closes in, and if you paddle far enough, you may have to duck under a barbed wire fence to continue upstream.

Due to the slow current, this creek can be paddled in either direction without need of a shuttle. Continuing downstream will lead to the Pacific Ocean, while heading upstream will lead to a wildlife-filled riparian habitat. The flat water makes for a family-friendly adventure, allowing kids to view wildlife close-up. Be forewarned that winds can pick up in the afternoon, making the return trip downstream a bit more challenging.

So let OCKC introduce you to this magical and tranquil paradise. “Where the creek meets the sea!”

​Not many vacationers take Highway 34, the wickedly contorted route from Philomath to Waldport. When traveling to that section of the coast, it usually saves time to detour through Newport or Florence. Those who choose one of the quicker routes might miss one of Waldport’s best-kept secrets, though: peaceful, accessible Eckman Lake.
This lovely little lake actually started out as a slough of Alsea Bay; its connection to bigger water was mostly blocked by the construction of the highway dike. Its water is fresh, fed by Eckman Creek at its south end. The lake is easy to find without braving Highway 34; it’s only a couple of miles inland from Highway 101. Turn east at Waldport’s only stop light. As you leave town, you’ll pass over Lint Slough, a very tidal finger of Alsea Bay that is popular with birds and paddlers. Follow 34 along the bay to a small park on the right; here you will find picnic tables, a vault toilet, and a fishing dock. The dock itself is accessed by a ramp and is barrier-free, but a short stretch of lumpy lawn must be crossed to reach it. 

Estimates of the lake’s size vary from 45 to 59 acres. This puzzling fact may be partly due to variable water levels, and it may also depend on what one considers to be part of the lake. While the northern end along the highway is as deep as nine or ten feet, the rest of the lake is quite shallow, and the entire southern end is a non-navigable wetland.

In any case, this unassuming lake has much to offer vacationers who need a quiet spot to stop and relax. Fishing is popular here, from the dock, the roadside, and small boats. ODFW stocks it with rainbow trout, and the occasional cutthroat makes an appearance, as well. There are also rumors of coho salmon and good-sized bass being caught in these shallow waters.

Elk City Park is nestled in the coast range mountains at the intersection of the Big Elk River and the Yaquina River. The park is located 22.5 river miles upstream from the mouth of the Yaquina, and is within tidal boundaries. This is an excellent place to fish for Cutthroat Trout and sometimes even salmon!! Located in the quaint town of Elk City, it is a quiet low-traffic park with 12 camping sites on two acres. The restrooms are wheelchair accessible and have flush toilets. Make a weekend out of it, grab a campsite and let OCKC bring you and your group kayaks. We do all the work, you just show up and have FUN!! 

Schedule & Fees

There are No Day Use Fees for the boat ramp and Day Use Area.

Camping Rates

·       $25 per Campsite (Limit of 2 RV per site)

·       $7 per Extra Vehicle (Limit of 2 Extra Vehicles)

·       Lincoln County Residents over the age of 65, Overnight Rate is $17.50