Kayak Laurance Lake

This lake is found about 25 miles south of Hood River, Or. $5 for day use and now other passes are accepted, just keep that in mind. There are camping sites all over the lake as well, so if you are thinking of making a weekend out of it. 

It wasn't very crowded on a weekend during the summer so you may be able to just show up and find a spot to camp. There is quite a bit of parking for day use as well. 

Fishing, paddle sports, and swimming are some great activities to do at the lake. Crystal clear and refreshing. We brought a cooler of beer and the lake provided the food. This was my first experience catching crawdads.  Since cell phone service is nonexistent; crawdad hunting ate up some time before sunset. Bring some butter and garlic and fry them up. 

During a new moon this place gives perfect darkness for Milky Way, and at night it cools down enough to have a roaring fire.

Really this place doesn't need an instruction list to enjoy. Just show up and disconnect from the world.