Jubilee Lake and sharing the waters during high season

Trip Report: Jubilee Lake and sharing the waters during high season

By: KM Collins

There were the crowds of mating electric blue damsel flies in the reeds and then there were the crowds of people concentrated at the putin. The dragon flies made it worth it. A horde of visitors or not, my weekend warrior summer Saturday trip to the most popular camping and recreating site on Umatilla National Forest was worth it. Here’s the thing about public land and the outdoors, its for everyone, and that is what makes these spaces so special. Here’s a quick list of how I keep myself in check and stay positive when I am out paddling mid hot girl summer and encounter the masses. 

Smile extra and make new friends

The first step to making the best of crowded outdoor commodities like water ways is to go out of your way to smile at people. Even if you're feeling annoyed. Just be sure to smile and even try to say, “Hello.” The politeness will go a long way to keep the vibe high and, who knows, maybe you will meet some cool new people? On my trip to Jubilee Lake a seasonal staffer admitting folks at the entrance looked familiar and I realized we went to Guard School together. I left a bunch of snacks on the seat of his car while he was distracted. The more people you run into, the better odds that someone will be familiar! 

Pay all fees

It’s even more important to pay all fees and obey all rules as the number of visitors climbs. Be the role model, even if others aren’t in compliance. Follow fire restrictions, have appropriate passes and be aware of other rules like separate parking for trailers or drop off/pick up zones. This will ensure you and your friends don’t put any extra pressure on potentially already strained rangers or attendance that are monitoring compliance. Avoid ending up with a citation, because that is way worse than dealing with a crowd. If you happen to get a citation, try to remember that's on you and don’t take it out on the law enforcement officer. 

Don’t take up the Dock

When crowds are present, it’s important to be prompt on the dock or ramp. Get in and get out at a quick clip to avoid holding up the line for an unreasonable amount of time. Help others if they need a hand with their equipment. 

Lend a hand

Being a polite extra set of eyes while someone is backing up, offering to look after someone’s gear while they move their car, petting someone's dog, these gestures go a long way. Maybe you pick up some rubbish or micro trash someone leaves behind accidentally, or not so accidentally. Sometimes I act like the waterway is my home, and everyone is my guest. With that attitude, it helps me take responsibility in a new way that seems to promote high vibes for me and everyone around me.

I know it’s a bummer to end up in a crowd at your favorite lake or river when you are seeking alone time. Just remember even small lakes are big, and there is usually at least one quiet cove you can paddle into and contemplate the headwaters of the universe. I found one directly across from the putin tucked into a quiet arm of the starfish shaped Jubilee Lake. In the furthest reaches of the shallowing waters I found a garden of reeds filled with brilliantly blue dragon flies, almost the same color as my kayak, Blue Steel. Don’t let crowds keep you away this summer, just find a new perspective, and keep getting out on the water. See you out there!