Oregon: Boat Motor Rules by Lake
3 electric-only · 4 no-motor · 1 all-lake no-wake lakes in our database
Quick answer
Oregon sets motor rules lake by lake, not statewide. Recreational boating on Oregon lakes is regulated by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) under ORS chapter 830, with waterbody-specific local rules adopted county-by-county in OAR chapter 250, division 20. In addition, the Legislature itself banned motors outright on a list of named lakes (ORS 830.180), set 10 mph speed caps on others (ORS 830.185), and made Waldo Lake effectively electric-only (ORS 830.187). Where no lake-specific statute or OAR rule exists, motorized boating is allowed subject only to statewide defaults, chiefly slow-no-wake speed within 200 feet of boat ramps, marinas, and moorages with capacity for six or more vessels, plus general safe-operation rules. Every lake below links to the official rule it summarizes, with a verification date.
Who regulates Oregon lakes
- Oregon State Marine Board
- Oregon Secretary of State - Administrative Rules (OAR ch. 250, div. 20, OSMB Local and Special Rules)
Oregon uses three layers: (1) ORS 830.180 lists lakes where "a person may not use a motor for propelling a boat or for any purpose" (no motors at all, including electric, unless OSMB adopts a rule specifically authorizing electric motors at slow-no-wake under ORS 830.180(3)); (2) ORS 830.185 imposes 10 mph limits on named lakes, some at all times and some only during hours/days when fishing is lawful; (3) OAR 250-020 county rules add lake-specific bans on internal combustion engines (electric-only lakes), slow-no-wake lakes, and zoned restrictions. Oregon generally does not use horsepower caps on lakes; restrictions are motor-type or speed based. Personal watercraft are separately regulated in OAR 250 division 21. Statewide default includes slow-no-wake within 200 feet of any boat ramp, marina, or moorage with capacity for six or more vessels.
Motor restrictions on Oregon lakes
Click a column header to sort. Every row links to a full rules page with the official source.
| Lake | Motor rule | HP limit | County | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake | No Motors Allowed | — | Linn | |
| Green Point Reservoir | Slow-No-Wake Entire Lake | — | Hood River | |
| Hosmer Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | Deschutes | |
| Laurance Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | Hood River | |
| Lost Lake | No Motors Allowed | — | Hood River | |
| South Twin Lake | No Motors Allowed | — | Deschutes | |
| Trillium Lake | No Motors Allowed | — | Clackamas | |
| Waldo Lake | Electric Motors Only | — | Lane |
Browse by restriction type
Frequently asked questions
Who sets lake motor rules in Oregon?
Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Secretary of State - Administrative Rules (OAR ch. 250, div. 20, OSMB Local and Special Rules) set and publish boating restrictions for Oregon waters, and counties or cities can layer local ordinances on top. In short: Recreational boating on Oregon lakes is regulated by the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) under ORS chapter 830, with waterbody-specific local rules adopted county-by-county in OAR chapter 250, division 20. In addition, the Legislature itself banned motors outright on a list of named lakes (ORS 830.180), set 10 mph speed caps on others (ORS 830.185), and made Waldo Lake effectively electric-only (ORS 830.187). Where no lake-specific statute or OAR rule exists, motorized boating is allowed subject only to statewide defaults, chiefly slow-no-wake speed within 200 feet of boat ramps, marinas, and moorages with capacity for six or more vessels, plus general safe-operation rules.
Are lakes electric-only by default in Oregon?
Not statewide, but many managed lakes are. Our Oregon database currently lists 3 electric-only lakes. Agency-owned fishing lakes are the most common electric-only waters; large reservoirs usually allow gas motors. Each lake page cites the exact rule.
How do I find rules for a lake not listed here?
Go straight to the agency: Oregon State Marine Board (https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/statewide-and-local-regulations.aspx); Oregon Secretary of State - Administrative Rules (OAR ch. 250, div. 20, OSMB Local and Special Rules) (https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayDivisionRules.action?selectedDivision=763). Search the lake name plus "boating regulations", or call the district office for the county. Our guide on who regulates your lake explains which agency to try first.
About this data
Each lake page cites the official regulation it summarizes (agency link and document type) and shows its own verification date. Data vintage: oldest verification .