Photo courtesy of Halvor Tweto

Tahkenitch Lake is an enormous lake consisting of several arms where water has filled natural valleys and drainages. Located right off of Highway 101, Tahkenitch’s 1,674 acres call to many a coastal traveler driving between Reedsport and Florence. The lake is well known for good fishing, and the lake’s geography is sufficiently varied to support a diversity of species; perch are common, but you can also cast for coho, largemouth bass, and lake trout.

Tahkenitch Lake is also a great option for recreational boating and paddling. Two boat ramps are located on the northwest edge of the lake just off of Highway 101. The northernmost ramp is more robust and a better option for larger motorized boats, and just a quarter mile south you’ll find the smaller ramp in the day use area in Tahkenitch Landing Campground. The coastal winds that pound the beaches may be less of an obstacle here, and the arms of the lake provide plenty of natural shelter when the winds do show up. Weed and Jewitt Islands, to the north and south of the ramps, respectively, are good goals for beginning paddlers, and any of the arms are perfect for those with more time and experience.

Day use fees apply at both ramps, and Recreation Passes satisfy this requirement.