Lewis Creek Park — Attraction in Oregon

Love this spot, only bummers are having to pay $7 for parking (which I believe stays in effect from Memorial Day thru Labor Day) and no pets allowed on the beach or in the water. But pets are allowed in the large grass area where the picnic tables, BBQ grills, and public restrooms are located. There are plenty of shady areas for your pets if you do bring them. It's a pretty small spot for how popular it is during the warm summer days, but it creates an atmosphere that is perfect for making new friends around you! I've never had a negative experience with the other people who hang out there.. except with the park ranger lady who told me my dogs weren't allowed on the beach area lol. This spot is where my dad taught me how to swim when I was 6 years old. It's definitely a happy place! Bring your floaties, sunscreen, and some beers and...

It now costs $9 to park your car. It's a nice park but definitely overcrowded most days in the summer, and park rangers have to turn cars away once the lot is full. It used to be that people could park outside the park on the road and walk in, but most of the surrounding area has been changed to "no parking." If you choose to park there, you will get a ticket, so be warned. Also, they recently remodeled the bathrooms, but as always there is no hand soap, even though other county parks with flush toilets do have soap. Every year, the Army Core of Engineers lowers the water level of the reservoir, so the park is effectively closed all winter...

Get there early, because parking is AWFUL!! There is no reason they could not expand their parking without losing usable space for recreation. The atmosphere of the park is wonderful. We were amazed by how much work people go through to make great family events. Pop-up canopies, Blackstone griddles, kiddie pools… it looked wonderful, and the smells of all the ethnic foods is HEAVENLY! Unfortunately, this made it hard to fully enjoy our PB&Js. Just kidding. PB&Js are BEST at the lake!

They really need to rebuild picnic tables, too.

And did I mention that parking is...