Back in Winchester Bay up behind the Umpqua River Lighthouse is the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. The jewel of this park is the freshwater Lake Marie.

There is a nice, easy hiking trail all the way around the lake with a few ups and downs but nothing unmanageable and great views of the lake all the way.

There is a nice, grassy picnic area with a sandy beach for swimming at the west end of the lake.

There is a side trail that winds its way to the Dunes for Dune and ocean views but especially to watch the ATVs cruising on the Dunes.

Best of all is the fishing. This is where I met the gent that grew up near Umpqua River Haven at Scottsburg in the timber camp where his father was a cook.

Possible catches are both large and small mouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Catfish, Spotted Bass, White Bass and Trout. Fishing is done from both small non-motorized boats and the shore. When hiking here you will usually find people fishing dotted around the lake. Lake Marie is a very popular place to fish.

It is an easy drive from Umpqua River Haven to Lake Marie so you can grab the fishing poles and take the family for a day filled with activities everyone will enjoy!