Tucked away behind the Umpqua River Lighthouse up out of Winchester Bay, Oregon, is a small, picturesque, serene and placid freshwater lake. Lake Marie is part of the Umpqua River Lighthouse State Park. Oregon’s state parks are well managed and maintained by the State of Oregon to serve its citizens.

Above, overlooking the lake are the campground facilities with something for every kind of camping imaginable including full RV hookups, electric and water only hookups, a tent area, various yurts, a couple of cozy cabins and hiker/biker camping. Hot showers and flush facilities are clean and also well maintained. The deluxe yurts would be very comfy. They have everything and are beautiful inside.

Be sure and make a reservation as this is a very popular camp ground.  http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=83 Reservations can be made online or by phone.

At the West end of the lake is a sandy beach for swimming with picnic tables and charcoal grill stands. This is a favorite family place to gather especially with very young children as the beach area is perfect for supervised swimming.

There is another large picnic area not far from the beach along with rest room facilities. There are also a few picnic tables on the north side of the lake. Access to the lake is provided for angling and non-motorized boating for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also contains bass and other yummy fish for the catching. It’s a very popular place to fish with easy bank access all around the lake. This is a favorite hiking place as the loop trail is about a mile, easy to get to and well maintained. Some of the trail is paved. In winter the earthen low spots can become muddy.

The scenic beauty on this trail is endless.

And often breath-taking.

About a quarter into this hike there is a trail that veers off south and then turns west that will take you toward the ocean. It becomes obvious that Lake Marie is perched on top of the Oregon Coast Dunes as the trail opens up to a large dune riding area with a view of the ocean beyond.

Returning back to the lake trail the scenic views continue all the way around the lake.

 From the sandy beach area you can look back west and see the lighthouse.

I like to do three rounds of the one mile loop trail with one diversion to the ocean and dune view. I never tire of the scenery here.