Crane Prairie Reservoir Circumnavigation
June 19th, 2025
This trip is for the Cascade Lakes Event 2025. Registration will be available to Cascade Lake Event registered members only, on the night before the trip. Signup will be at the event headquarters campsite.
Crane Prairie Reservoir is a man-made lake that was named for the cranes that thrive in its habitat and for the upper Deschutes River prairie that once covered the area before the dam on the Deschutes was constructed in 1922. Eighteen years later, in 1940, the dam was rebuilt by the Bureau of Reclamation. The reservoir now serves as one of Oregon largest rainbow trout fisheries and is a popular fly fishing lake.
This paddle will be a circumnavigation of Crane Prairie Reservoir. There is plenty of wildlife (otters, beaver, eagles, osprey, pelicans, deer, frogs, etc.) to see and many small inlets to explore along the shoreline. The plan is to circumnavigate the reservoir making this about a 14 statute (12 nautical) mile paddle. There are many submerged logs and rocks to watch out for and the wind can be a big factor, especially in the afternoon. The average depth of the lake is only 11 feet and the maximum depth of the lake is around 20 feet, keeping the water temperature fairly warm. If the water is algae free you can see down to the bottom in most of the lake.
The launch site requires a $5.00 day pass or Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Annual Pass, a Golden Age Pass. You should be able to buy a pass at the self serve site at the launch but it may not be automated so bring cash. It’s probably the old school type that requires you to put your money in the envelope and place it in the drop box, but I’m not certain. But I am certain that a parking pass is required so come prepared!
Meeting Time @campsite: 7:35 AM
Location @campsite: QFC5+2XJ [LaPine middle loop, near site 076]
Departure @campsite: 7:45 AM (sharp)
Meeting Time @put-in: 8:30am
Launch Time: 9:15am
Type of activity: Paddle
Put in location: Crane Prairie Boating Site
Gales Landing Road
43.797873960421036, -121.76064803704158
Google Map Code: 84MWQ6XQ+3P
Take out location: Crane Prairie Boating Site
Route Alternative for bad weather: None
Required equipment: M&M’s for the TOs, Spray skirt, Immersion protection, Drinking water (2 or more liters), Sun protection (Sunscreen, Sun Hat, Clothing suitable for sun exposure, Sunglasses), Snacks and lunch; consider bringing spare clothing in case you go for a swim. This is a level 2 trip, spray skirt is required. (OOPS Rules) Have with you minimum partial neoprene wetsuit. It may be cold and cold water, especially in the morning. Have a long sleeve rash-guard shirt. For both insulating layer and sun protection. It may be a warm day. Be prepared for temperature extremes and sun exposure.
Primary Organizer: Joseph Skudlarek
Co-Organizer(s): Teresa George
Has organizer paddled here before? No, but co-organizer has paddled here before
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No, but co-organizer has led a paddle here before
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: Joseph Skudlarek/Teresa George
Maximum number of paddlers: 8
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 50 in the AM, 90 in the afternoon
Estimated Water Temperature: 60-65
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 6 - 7 hours
Tide times & heights: N/A
Current information: N/A
Hazards: Wind, potential submerged tree stumps
Wind strength: Level 2, could be 2-10 mph
Swell/Surf size: Level 2, waves up to 2’
Sea state: Level 2
Landing types: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks
Currents: none
Total distance: 13 to 15 miles (statute)
Open crossing:N/A
Paddling Environment: Lake
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: This paddle is listed as level 2 because of the distance and the possibility of wind and waves
Location (Optional): Crane Prairie Boating Site (Google Map Code: 84MWQ6XQ+3P)
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not be vaccinated for covid 19
Tide Station: N/A
