If you idea of summer fun is all about being on the the water, you'll find lots of options in Baker County.  From pristine alpine lakes to the raging rapids of the Snake River in Hells Canyon, there's plenty of water to play on.

A few of our favorite places to get on the water include:

Anthony Lake  High in the Elkhorn Mountains at 7000 feet, Anthony Lake is one of several alpine lakes perfect for fishing, paddle boarding, or kayaking during the summer months.  Anthony Lake is limited to non motorized use.

Phillips Reservoir   Located along the Elkhorn Scenic Byway between Baker City and Sumpter, This lake offers multiple boat launches, several campgrounds, and access to multiple trail systems for hiking, mountain biking, and ATV riding when your not playing on the water.  Phillips Lake is a local favorite for water skiing, jet skiing and kayaking.

Brownlee Reservoir  Stretching along the Snake River from Farewell Bend State Park and the town of Huntington, to the Brownlee Dam, Brownlee Reservoir is the eastern border of Baker County a premier boating and fishing destination with multiple campgrounds, and boat ramps for easy access including Baker County's Hewitt Holcomb Park in Richland and multiple Forest Service, BLM, and Idaho Power recreations sites along the Snake River Road between Richland and Huntington.

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area This stretch of the Snake River includes the reservoir from the Town of Oxbow to the Hells Canyon Dam, which is ideal for leisurely boating and water sports. For those looking for a little more adrenaline, the wild and scenic section of the Snake River begins below the Hells Canyon Dam and offers up world class white water rafting and jet boat fun.  If you don't have your own toys that fine, you book your white water rafting or jet boat adventure with several local guides including Canyon Outfitters, and Hells Canyon Adventures.

For more information about boating and water sports in Baker County including necessary permits and inspections visit the Oregon Marine Board website.

River Tours

There is no better way to experience the rugged grandeur of Hells Canyon than a jet boat or raft trip through the rapids of the wild and scenic Snake River with Hells Canyon Adventures, or Canyon Outfitters.

Surrounded by jagged peaks and rugged cliffs, you can see ancient Native American pictographs and abundant wildlife along the river bank and hear canyon lore about early homestead life to help you imagine how difficult early canyon living was.

Other Related Links

Hiking Trails in Hells Canyon (USFS)
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway