Lakeside Getaways: Quick Trips for the Last Days of Summer
One of the best parts of living in the Pacific Northwest is undoubtedly the proximity to nature's finest offerings – from pristine waters to breathtaking scenery and the invigorating embrace of fresh air. As the warm and sun-soaked days of summer gradually give way to the crispness of autumn, there's a sense of urgency in the air to savor every last moment of this delightful season. While vacations might be winding down and school preparations picking up, there's still time to create cherished memories with your family. And what better way to do so than by venturing out to explore the picturesque lakes that lie just within an hour's drive from your doorstep? These idyllic bodies of water offer the perfect setting for boating, swimming, and embarking on unforgettable family adventures. In this blog post, we'll take you on a virtual tour of some of the most captivating lakes, where you can bask in the natural beauty, soak up the sun, and make the most of the last days of summer with your loved ones. So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and let's dive into the enchanting world of nearby lakeside getaways.
Looking for a day trip within an hour of home? Look no further than these amazing lakes!
Lacamas Lake and Round Lake, Camas, Washington
A twofer! These two lakes are next door to each other and Lacamas Park borders them both! With over 300 acres of trails, woods, and lakefront, you can do all the classic lake activities here! Just 45 minutes from West Linn, this is a new lake to explore and discover without having to travel too far!
Lake Merwin, Washington
Just north of Vancouver, this long lake has lots of room for boating - there is a marina and dock for boat access, and there are some great places to swim around the Saddle Dam area. Speelyai Bay Park has roped off swim areas to help keep everyone safe! From West Linn, you can expect this drive to be 1 hour 20 minutes - it’s so good, though, that I had to include it anyway!
Benson State Recreation Area
Not only does Benson State Recreation Area have a great lake for fishing and swimming, it also has picnic areas and a disc golf course! This relaxed lake even has views of waterfalls! This space is great for families. This are is 40 minutes from West Linn in the Columbia Gorge.
Blue Lake, Oregon
I can’t say that this one is little-known… Blue Lake has a very popular park. But it is popular for a reason! It has fishing, boating (with boat rentals available), a disc golf course, a spray area for younger kids (and the young at heart!), and a playground! There is something here for everyone. This park is in NE Portland near Troutdale, and is about a 35 minute drive from home.
Silverton Reservoir, Oregon
Right at the edge of the (self-imposed) one-hour travel time is the Silverton Reservoir! This reservoir is great for paddling, fishing, or swiming. There’s also great hiking, although it is also only 15 minutes from one of the best hikes in the state at Silver Falls State Park. This location also offers free life jacket rentals to help keep your whole family safe!
