Detroit Lake

Detroit Lake is a mountain reservoir on the North Santiam River in Oregon's Cascade foothills, about 46 miles southeast of Salem along Highway 22. When it's full, the lake is about 9 miles long with roughly 32 miles of forested shoreline and views of Mount Jefferson. It's one of the most popular summer boating lakes in the Willamette Valley, and we bring boats, jet skis and water toys to Detroit Lake so you can spend the day on the water.

Detroit Lake Boat Rentals

With clear water and mountains all around, Detroit Lake is a great place for skiing, wakesurfing and tubing. Our Detroit Lake rentals include:

• MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats for family and friends
• Ski boats for water skiing, slalom and tubing
• Tubes, wakeboards and wakesurf boards for every age
• Paddle boards and water trampolines for a beach day

Rather have someone else drive? Book a private boat charter and our captain will handle the boat. Damage waiver coverage is available on every rental.

Detroit Lake Jet Ski Rentals

Jet skis are a fun way to explore the lake's arms, from the Breitenbush arm near town to the open water around Piety Island. Most of our jet ski rentals can pull a tube, depending on the model, and guided rides are available. See our jet ski models to pick your ride, whether you're coming from Salem, Albany or Portland.

Lake Levels and the Best Time to Go

Detroit Lake is filled each spring and lowered again in the fall and winter, and in dry years the water can drop quickly during the summer. When the lake is low, some boat ramps and marina slips close, so the best boating is usually from Memorial Day into midsummer. Check current lake levels before you go, and ask us when you book. We'll let you know how the lake looks for your dates.

Marinas, Parks and Boat Ramps

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area, on the north shore just west of town, has a large campground, day-use areas and boat ramps, and the Mongold day-use area nearby has another ramp and a swimming area. There are also marinas near the town of Detroit. Piety Island, in the middle of the lake, is a popular spot to beach a boat. We'll confirm your meeting spot when you book.

Getting to Detroit Lake

From Salem, take Highway 22 east through Stayton and Mill City to Detroit, about an hour's drive. It's about an hour and 15 minutes from Albany and about 2 hours from Portland. See all of our Oregon boat rentals.

Tips for a Great Day on Detroit Lake

• Come early in the season: June and early July usually offer the fullest lake and the most open ramps.
• Get there early on weekends: ramp parking fills up fast on warm summer days.
• Bring layers: mornings in the canyon can be cool even when afternoons are hot.
• Watch for stumps: as the water drops, stumps and shallows appear near shore and in the upper arms.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Oregon boating rules: anyone driving a boat or jet ski with more than 10 horsepower needs an Oregon Boater Education Card, but renters can instead complete a watercraft rental safety checklist before heading out. Jet ski drivers must be at least 16, no one under 18 can rent a jet ski, and our rental drivers must be 18 or older. Ask us before you book and we'll walk you through what you need.
• Bringing your own paddle board or kayak? Oregon requires a Waterway Access Permit for non-motorized boats 10 feet or longer.
• Life jackets: everyone on a jet ski must wear a life jacket, and so should anyone being towed and kids on a moving boat.
• Book early: summer weekends and holidays fill up fast.

Lakes Near Detroit Lake

Over the Santiam Pass in central Oregon, we serve Lake Billy Chinook, Prineville Reservoir and Wickiup Reservoir. In the Cascades to the south, there's Odell Lake, and near Portland you can ride the Columbia River.

Detroit Lake Map