Regulations

The State Marine Board is authorized to carry out the provisions of the Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (PL 90-542) and the State Scenic Waterways Act (ORS 390.805 to 390.925) under ORS 830.175 by regulating boat use through a permit system initiated by the Board. Authority to limit or prohibit motorboat use is also granted by this statute. The specific regulations which follow are adopted in accordance with these statutory provisions:

(1) In order to meet the goals and objectives of management and recreation plans for the subsequently named rivers, the State Marine Board will regulate commercial and noncommercial boat use, both for non-powered boats and for motorboats, by means of a permit system. On occasion the Board may find it necessary to establish interim boat use levels in order to protect the riverine environment and assure to the users a quality recreation experience. Such limits may be prescribed in those instances where, in the absence of river management or recreation plans, it finds it necessary to act to assure compliance with the objectives of appropriate federal and state laws.

(2) It is the policy of the State Marine Board to provide for equitable use of certain designated rivers by commercial and noncommercial boaters. A system of permits for all boaters, whether they plan to run a river as private individuals or as patrons of a commercial entrepreneur, may be initiated on controlled rivers when use approaches or exceeds approved levels or capacity.

(3) No person, other than a member of the Department of State Police, county sheriff, and governmental agencies of this state and the federal government having jurisdiction over the following described waters, shall use a motor for propelling a boat for any purpose on the following described waters, with the exceptions stated:

(a) Deschutes River:

(A) That portion bordering the Warm Springs Reservation, no motors year round. (ORS 830.180)

(B) Between the northern boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation and the mouth of Buckhollow Creek (downstream from Sherars Falls), no person shall operate a motorboat with the exception of ingress/egress by landowners under permit issued by the Board.

(C) Between the mouth of Buckhollow Creek and Macks Canyon Campground, no motors from June 15 to September 30, with the exception of ingress/egress by landowners under permit by the Board.

(D) Between Macks Canyon Campground and the Heritage Landing boat ramp, motors will be prohibited during alternating Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday periods commencing with the first Thursday to Sunday period that falls on or after June 15, continuing until September 30. No daily restrictions on motorized use from October 1 to June 14.

(E) Between Heritage Landing boat ramp and the confluence with the Columbia River, no prohibitions on motors, except for OAR 250-030-0041 rule for slow no wake, maximum 5 MPH.

(b) Illinois River -- From Deer Creek downstream to Nancy Creek, which is located in the area immediately upstream of Oak Flat.

(c) John Day River -- From State Highway 218 bridge at Clarno downstream to Tumwater Falls between May 1 and October 1.

(d) Minam River -- From Minam Lake downstream to the Wallowa River.

(e) Owyhee River System:

(A) West Little Owyhee;

(B) North Fork Owyhee; and

(C) The mainstem Owyhee River above approximately river mile 70 at Pinnacle Rock, as marked.

(f) Rogue River -- from Grave Creek downstream to the lowermost portion of Blossom Bar Rapids approximately 250 feet upstream of the top of Devil’s Staircase Rapids as marked, between May 15 and November 15.

(g) Sandy River -- From Dodge Park downstream to Dabney State Park.

(4) Use of internal combustion motors in boats and floatplanes operating on the surface of Waldo Lake is prohibited year round. “Watercraft” includes boats and floatplanes operating on the surface of Waldo Lake. Official use of internal combustion motors in watercraft operated on the surface of Waldo Lake by local, state or federal governmental officials or agents is allowed for the following activities: search and rescue, law enforcement and fire suppression. Previous approval by the Willamette National Forest Supervisor is required for other activities undertaken by local, state or federal government officials or agents that involve use of internal combustion motors in watercraft operated on the surface of Waldo Lake. Emergency landings of private or governmental floatplanes on Waldo Lake are allowed without previous approval.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830.110 & 830.175
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.110 & 830.175
Hist.: MB 53, f. 9-25-73, ef. 1-1-74; MB 64, f. 2-18-75, ef. 3-11-75; MB 66, ef. 4-22-75(Temp), 5-11-75(Perm); MB 76, f. & ef. 5-27-76; MB 79, f. 1-20-77, ef. 5-27-77; MB 89, f. 12-27-77, ef. 1-1-78; MB 12-1984, f. 8-13-84, ef. 8-14-84; MB 12-1985, f. & ef. 7-31-85; MB 21-1985, f. & ef. 12-4-85; MB 3-1993, f. 2-4-93, cert. ef. 5-15-93; MB 4-1994, f. & cert. ef. 3-23-94; MB 15-1996, f. & cert. ef. 12-4-96; MB 6-1997, f. & cert. ef. 5-30-97; OSMB 5-1998, f. & cert. ef. 4-3-98; OSMB 5-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 1-15-10 thru 6-30-10; OSMB 10-2010, f. & cert. ef. 5-6-10