Surreal Caribbean-Blue Waters Flow Near Crater Lake At This Southern Oregon Creek Popular With Paddlers

You don't have to go to the Caribbean to see crystal clear water. There are many bright blue creeks and lakes on the West Coast for nature enthusiasts. While California and Washington tend to steal the spotlight, Oregon is the unsung sibling, despite having one of the world's clearest lakes hidden in the mountains. Locals love Spring Creek, an under-the-radar waterway in the southern end of the state. Its glistening water is a brilliant shade of turquoise, showing the fish and Mare's eggs (blue-green freshwater algae) below. The best way to experience it is by renting a kayak or joining a guided paddling tour, which takes anywhere from two to three hours to complete. Then, you can spend the rest of your day at the nearby Crater Lake National Park, home to the deepest lake in the U.S.

As visitors, it's important to respect this landscape and leave no trace behind. The Klamath Tribes, a Native American community based in Oregon's Klamath Basin, consider this waterway and its fish to be sacred. The Klamath Tribes have been the guardians of the land for over 15,000 years. This stunning creek and its surroundings offer endless opportunities for exploration, so get ready for an adventure.

There are a few different ways to explore beautiful Spring Creek. A favorite is by taking a half-day guided tour in a glass-bottom kayak, so you can admire the turquoise water. There are also LED kayaks that light up during the guided moonlight paddle. Kayak rentals and tours are offered by Crater Lake Zipline, located in Fremont-Winema National Forest. During the tour, you'll discover Spring Creek's surreal "dancing sand," a phenomenon that causes the sand to look like it's swaying when the water bubbles up from the creekbed. Don't forget to look for wildlife like bald eagles, great blue herons, and spotted sandpipers. Your guide will lead the way and bring all the equipment you need, including lifejackets, paddles, and kayaks. The guided experience takes roughly four hours total, including driving time to the boat launch and safety demonstration to prepare you for paddling. 

Rather go at your own pace? You can rent a canoe, clear-bottom kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures — just make sure to pack sunscreen and a dry bag to keep your valuables safe. From the Spring Creek Day Use Area in Collier Memorial State Park, paddle upstream for a mile and witness the water color transform from turquoise to emerald. The headwaters mark the end of the route. You can cool off with a swim in Spring Creek, but brace yourself, the temperature is a bone-chilling 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In Oregon, a permit is required to use a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard that is 10 feet or longer.

Though Collier Memorial State Park is open year-round, summer is the warmest season for paddling at Spring Creek. To stock up on supplies and snacks for a day on the water, stop in the nearby town of Chiloquin, 5 miles south of the Spring Creek Day Use Area. This is also where the Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures office is located. Since this region is rather remote, the best way to get to Spring Creek is by car or flying into the local airport. The nearest airport is Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport (MFR), 85 miles west of Spring Creek. However,  you may choose to land at the larger Portland International Airport (PDX), located 260 miles north, and explore the city first. 

While you're in the area, you won't want to miss another major attraction: Crater Lake National Park, 25 minutes north of Spring Creek. Getting there can be tricky because the national park doesn't have an actual address, and cell coverage is limited in the area. Enter "Rim Village Visitor Center" into your GPS to get to the parking lot closest to the lake, which is roughly 50 minutes away from the Spring Creek Day Use Area. The park's namesake lake is actually a volcanic crater filled with cobalt blue water, featuring a little island in the center that seems to disappear in the fog. The view is best enjoyed from above, which is ideal as the lodge, hiking trails, and sightseeing spots all line the rim of the caldera. To refuel after a day of sightseeing, consider dining at the restaurant in Crater Lake Lodge, renowned for its stunning views, but be sure to make a reservation beforehand.