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Boating

Welcome to the Mighty Columbia River! Enjoy the 51 miles of unspoiled beauty on the Rufus Woods Lake. Upstream from the Chief Joseph Dam on the south shore about two miles from the dam is a boat launch. No fee to launch! Take your boat or personal water craft and view the fabulous sites. Jet skies are welcome! There is a boat-accessible campsite with picnic tables, fire pits, and compost toilets at Rocky Flats, which is 12 miles above Chief Joseph Dam on Rufus Woods Lake. At Brandts Landing on the Douglas County side about 6 miles up lake, there is a day-use area which also has picnic tables, fire pits, and compost toilets.

On the North shore at Bridgeport State Park is another launch point, with a small fee to launch. Camp at the Park and take a day trip up lake.

Downstream from the Dam is the Marina Park with two boat launches, both free. Camp at the Marina and enjoy the broad lake below the Dam known as Lake Pateros. Run the River and play! The water is clean and a blast to water ski. Bring the kids to tube and jet ski and have some uninhibited fun.

Contact City Hall for Marina Park Reservations.

For information on Marine Safety see Douglas County Sheriff.