When asked to name one reason why Lane County’s parks and boat ramps are so popular with water-seeking visitors, Lane County Parks Director Todd Winter responded with three million.
That figure is the annual attendance at Lane County’s 36 boat ramps and 73 parks, one that underscores the popularity of water activities in the area. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Lane County has more recreational bodies of water than any other county in the state.
Needless to say, if you want to get out on the water this time of year, your options are wide open. Boaters can spend time at local lakes and rivers, or choose to book a trip with one of the 10 local companies that run guide services, usually up the rivers.
Besides the county and city parks, the University’s Outdoor Program, located in the bottom floor of the EMU, provides a bevy of cheap opportunities for both students and members of the greater University community alike.
All University students are automatically members of the program, as membership is covered by student incidental fees. However, any non-student wishing to join needs only to pay a $19 joining fee. As members, students are able to rent equipment and have access to hundreds of maps, among other benefits.
“The incentive to go on an OP program is that all the gear is free for initiators and 50 percent off for all the participants,” Outdoor Program Director Dave Villalobos said, who recently initiated a 10-mile kayaking float on the McKenzie River, taking 13 students, over half of whom had no experience kayaking.
“I’ve always wanted to try kayaking out and this program’s really cheap and affordable,” said Kailyn Knight, a University senior who took the trip.
Villalobos estimated that 200-300 students go on trips with the Outdoor Program each year. While the program covers all aspects of outdoor activities, water activities are most popular during the summer.
Upcoming OP clinics aim to benefit kayaking novices and experts. The first Saturday in August and September will feature a kayaking roll session at the Edgewood Community Pool in Eugene, teaching kayaking safety and how to successfully flip an overturned kayak upright.
“It’s pretty much an opportunity for kayakers to get together and increase awareness,” said Villalobos, himself a 10-year kayaking veteran.
Starting July 19, the OP will host a three-part introductory course to whitewater kayaking, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the OP gear barn on the corner of E. 18th Avenue and University Street. A roll session will be held that Saturday, finishing with a six-hour float down the Willamette River on Sunday. For more details, call the Outdoor Program at 346-4365, or visit it on the web at outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu.
With its close proximity to campus and low costs, floating the Willamette River is a very popular choice, as seen by the high amount of traffic the river experiences during the hot summer afternoons. And with relatively tame rapids, even the most inexperienced floaters can tackle the Eugene-Springfield section of the river.
While the McKenzie is known for a more challenging ride than the Willamette in most sections, Villalobos pointed out another surprise to many visitors.
“A lot of people underestimate the chill of the McKenzie, which is maybe close to 60 degrees right now,” said Villalobos. “People tend to get pretty surprised by that.”
For those not interested in the rivers, local lakes provide an excellent alternative.
Dorena Lake, five minutes east of Cottage Grove, and Fern Ridge Reservoir, 10 minutes west of Eugene, are prime destinations for those looking to get on the water. According to the park’s brochure, Fern Ridge was rated the third-best body of water to sail on west of the Mississippi River and Winter estimated that 80 percent of use at Richardson’s Park at Fern Ridge, the county’s most popular park, is there for the water. And the other 20 percent, said Winter, “are campers, and they usually bring a boat.”
Taking advantage of the water, however, comes with the responsibility of enjoying it safely. According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, there have been five drownings in Lane County since January 1, two of which occurred on July 7. This sobering statistic, however, is less than the nine drownings in 2006 and the 16 drownings in 2005.
Sgt. Byron Trapp, the supervisor of the Sheriff’s Office marine patrol, stressed the importance of wearing a life vest, noting that even the most basic safety guidelines can go a long way to ensure safety and even save lives.
“It seems like there’s a disconnect from people thinking PFDs [personal flotation devices] aren’t needed because, ‘I’m not in a boat,’” said Trapp.
For Winter, who understands both the dangers and enjoyment that come with spending time in Lane County’s nature, it all comes down to the fact that visitors must respect the water, regardless of how or where they do it.
“Although they [rivers and lakes] seem shallow, people underestimate the power of moving water and the force it has.”