We went kayaking in early May at Prineville Reservoir after an unexpected change of plans. The high elevation lake we had planned to visit was not yet open.
The 15-mile long Prineville Reservoir covers 3,030 acres. It’s located south of Prineville, near the geographic center of Oregon.
I had never kayaked here before and wasn’t sure what to expect. The geology surrounding the lake was a pleasant surprise.
This formation was smooth and vegetated on one side and bursting with colorful rocks on the other.
These layers of color looked like a slice of spumoni ice cream.
When I paddled a little closer, the layers rippled with texture.
I paddled on to a formation that, from a distance, reminded me of Smith Rock.
When I got closer, it looked sort of like a slumbering stegosaurus.
I paddled south across the reservoir, towards more luscious layers of rock. A bald eagle drifted back and forth over the ridgetop.
I rounded a point of land and paddled toward a dark landform on the mountain ahead.
Dark, convoluted cliffs emerged from the smooth slopes.
After that, I paddled west, back towards the boat ramp. I was treated to a close up view of another layered formation. This one reminded me of a lemon and peach parfait.
I enjoyed kayaking at Prineville Reservoir and plan to return to explore more of this large reservoir.
We launched from the County Boat Ramp, an unimproved ramp on the north side of the reservoir. You can also launch from Jasper Point, Prineville Reservoir State Park, Powderhouse Cove, Roberts Bay East, or Prineville Reservoir Resort (the only privately-owned site).
During the peak season, motorboats are common on the reservoir. In early May, we only saw a few other boats. People enjoy fishing at Prineville Reservoir for smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bullhead catfish, and rainbow trout.
In low water years, the boat ramps may not reach the water level in the reservoir. Check this site that shows current water levels at a few of the ramps. Some close down when water levels are too low.
We packed food in with us and had lunch at nearby Prineville Reservoir State Park. This looks like a nice place to camp. It has RV and tent sites, as well as five cabins to rent. There’s a boat ramp and 32 boat moorages available in the summer months.
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Wonderful spot! Love those reflected clouds, too.
Thanks, Sandy! We were lucky to be there on a calm day.
Truly on the water in a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing your challenge response.
Thank YOU to you, John, for hosting the challenge!
Those rock formations are great, both the colours and the shapes. I totally see the stegosaurus!
Thanks, Sarah! Glad you too could see the dinosaur resting in the rocks. 😁
Loved your descriptions on this one Siobhan. It looks like a really beautiful day on the water
Yes, it was a beautiful day!
I've never tried kayaking, although I'd love to. This looks like a delightful place to kayak.
janet
Great pictures for the challenge! It looks like a lovely way to spend the day.
Thanks, Sue! Yes, it was a nice day on the water.
These pictures are beautiful! I wish we had terrain in Illinois by me where I kayak... still... the streams next to the fields are nice. You've inspired me - I think I'll get out tomorrow!
Thank you! Kayaking by fields is nice too. Hope you have a nice time on the water! 🚣♂️
Absolutely! Hopefully get into a few smallmouth bass as well... have a great weekend! (I'm early but still, have a nice weekend.)