[Route66]

In July my wife and I are riding to the Oregon Country Fair outside of Eugene and then head east to Idaho and back up to Washington state. Does anyone know of some warm, or should I say "less-cold" swimable lakes adjacent to a shady campground or quaint motel in these areas. We like to set up a base camp so we can take a few days to explore the local twisties.
We enjoy ending each day with a swim then lying on a beach in Margaritaville. We've enjoyed Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho and Swan Lake just south of Republic in Washington. This year we traveling a more southern route and hope that some of you have found similar summer lakeside venues in your travels. Thanks so much.
Terry and Char
2000 LT and Unigo

 

[STARFIGHTER]

Terry
We're thinkin' on it..............
Most Lane County (Eugene) parks are closed because we voted down a County income tax and that's how we're being punished this summer.........................
Fern Ridge, which is closest to Veneta is unsafe for swimming..as in dirty.........
Elijah Bristow state park for camping, is close to Dexter lake which has a swimming hole, but it's not close to the Country fair..............(about an hour)............................
I can point ya' to some great roads but I'm drawing a blank for swimming and camping........................
I'll keep thinking...................................................................................

 

[Route66]

Hi Allen,
Thanks for the thoughts. I would like to add that we are looking for swimmable lakes and twisty roads anywhere in Oregon, Idaho or Washington. Just wanted to broaden your "mind's eye" search engine. There's nothing that can compare to local knowledge. Thanks again.
Terry

 

[STARFIGHTER]

one of the most beautiful rides I know and a waterfall in the river to get wet at.......Smith River RD..... Starts just North of the bridge at Reedsport thence a connection to wolf creek Rd or out at Hwy between Drain and I-5...................
much of it one lane paved.
Check also www.oregonmotorcyclist.com/ and in the upper left, the area you want. You'll find maps, directions, GPS routes for some great rides................

 

[STARFIGHTER]

In Idaho, I took 21 north out of Boise, to 75 North to 93 North at Lolo take 12 West down over Lolo pass....................................................................
Beauty from start to finish..............
Be sure to check out Idaho City.........
karen and I are heading up that way and then to the Canadian Rockies as soon as we get back from a week kayaking down the John Day river end of June......

 

[ErnieA]

I've always thought this lake was interesting, if for nothing else for its name I've never gone swimming in it, and I wonder what one might look like after taking the plunge.

 

[meese]

I've always thought this lake was interesting, if for nothing else for its name I've never gone swimming in it, and I wonder what one might look like after taking the plunge.

Funny, I first read that as "Corpse Lake" and had a similar reaction . . .

 

[Route66]

Hi Alan,
Thanks very much for the link to oregonmotorcyclist and for pointing us to the area around Reedsport. My wife and I met in Coos Bay 35 years ago and used to explore the coast in the few months we lived there. I'm sure development has changed the area alot, but we're still looking forward to visiting some of the old haunts and now we can make new memories.
Terry