General Rules

1. Lake Users must comply with all state and federal laws, including Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) rules and regulations.  Violation of any state or federal law is a violation of the Lake Rules.
2. Swimming and Swimming Devices.
   1. Swimming more than 75 feet from a shoreline is not allowed unless the swimmer is closely accompanied by a Boat with a swimmer lookout.
   2. Swimming or walking under water with the aid of an artificial device (e.g., snorkel, aqua lung) is not allowed without prior consent of the Blue Lake Commissioner.
3. Property owners are allowed up to one dock per property.  The dock must not exceed 50ft (fifty-feet) in length from the shoreline to the end of the dock.  Any current docks that exceed this length are excluded under a grandfather exclusion, but if the dock is replaced or significantly rebuilt it must then conform to the length rule.
4. All powered boats must be registered by the Blue Lake Commissioner of the Interlachen Homeowners Association each year. The Blue Lake insignia decal with the current year must be placed on bow next to state registration number or on the stern of the boat in a visible location. This is in compliance with recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with Metro, dated October 26th 2023, who, once all car and boat insurance, boat title and registration are confirmed, may issue a Special Use Permit for HOA members for access to their boat ramp. This Special Use Permit Application is also available to the public.
5. Only one powered boat in excess of 10 horsepower per property owner. Boats must be owned by residents whose property adjoins Blue Lake. Rental properties are not allowed to have a powered boat on the lake.
6. Registration fee for Interlachen members will be $25, while non-member registration will be $550.
7. All owners must provide copies of the powered boat title (specifying dimensions and ownership), current year registration and liability insurance to the Blue Lake Commissioner prior to obtaining the current year Blue Lake insignia decal and launching the powered boat.
8. Maximum allowed boat length is 19ʼ centerline, unless the boat is AWSA certified as an approved water ski tow boat, or essentially similar in design to an AWSA certified boat (at the discretion and approval of the Blue Lake Commissioner) at which point a maximum length of 20ʼ6”in hull length overall excluding swim platforms is allowed.  Note: Any boat currently licensed that exceeds this regulation must apply for and receive a grandfather exclusion. Said exclusion will apply only to that specific boat and property owner and will not apply to any future replacement boat or subsequent transfer and sale of said boat to another Blue Lake property owner.
9. No fat sacks, ballasts, wedges, or other wake enhancing devices of any kind will be allowed on Blue Lake licensed boats. If a boat comes so equipped and meets all other Blue Lake regulations, the owner must disable the enhancement capability.
10. All members in good standing of Interlachen Inc Homeowners Association may launch smaller crafts onto the lake with no required registration or fee (i.e. canoes, paddle boats, paddle boards, inflatable boats, sailboats, etc.).
    1. Personal watercraft that are less than 10 feet in length and with engines/electric motors larger than 10 h.p. (e.g. “e-Foils,” “Jet skis,” “Wave Runners,” “Water Jet Packs”) are not allowed on the lake.
    2. e-Foils with electric motors less than 10 h.p. will be allowed based on the specific requirements outlined below:
       • Homeowners must register their eFoil with the Blue Lake Commissioner and provide the Title or Purchase Receipt in order to verify the H.P. of the eFoil.
       • As required by the OSMB, all individuals operating the eFoil age 12 and under must wear a certified life jacket with bright color(s) for visibility.
       • If over the age of 12, certified life jackets are highly recommended, but if the operator chooses not to wear a life jacket, then a bright helmet is required for better visibility of the operator while on the eFoil and in the water.
       • eFoils must stay within 100 feet of the shore when power boats are pulling skiers or towables on the lake.  When operating within 100 feet of the shore, eFoil operators must stay clear of swimmers and slower craft in the area, always maintaining a safe distance of 25ft or more.
    3. Kiteboarding, parasailing, kite skiing and other similar activities are not allowed on the lake, except in connection with an exhibition approved by the Board.  
    4. Small crafts such as paddle boats and paddle boards are allowed but are encouraged to stay within 100ft of the shoreline.  If operating outside of 100ft from shore, the operator and passengers (if applicable) must remain visible to power craft operating on the lake.  This can be accomplished by sitting or standing on the craft or utilizing a Red or Orange pole flag with a minimum of 3 feet height from the water. 
    5. No visiting boats are allowed on the lake. An exemption can be made for a demonstration boat by a Blue Lake property owner if that owner has a serious intent to buy. Permission must be obtained from the Blue Lake Commissioner before launching the demonstration boat and all time restraints given by the Commissioner must be followed.
11. To launch a boat, residents must pay the park entrance fee and then may launch or remove licensed boats at the park ramp during the following hours:
    1. Sept 30 through April 30 launch times; any park hours (8 am to legal sunset).
    2. May 1 through Sept. 30 launch times: Mon. – Fri. from 8 am to 10 am; Sat-Sun & Holidays from 8 am to 9 am. NOTE: When launching from May 1 – Sept. 30,  residents must obtain the key for the boat ramp locking bollard from the Blue Lake Park Ranger. Contact the Metro Blue Lake Ranger office a day in advance at (503) 665-4995 to use boat ramp. Boat Owners must replace and lock bollard upon departure.

Blue Lake Boat Operating Rules

1. It is the boat ownerʼs responsibility to know and to follow all Oregon State laws concerning boating regulations, including the requirement to pass the State’s boating course and receive an OSMB boater’s card.
2. Boat operators must be a minimum of 16 years of age and must be a relative or authorized operator (Possessing a current OSMB boater’s card) of the approved Blue Lake homeowner. The homeowner will take all responsibility for the actions of the person driving their boat; including liability issues and the possible revoking of the Blue Lake license.
3. Boating activities over the speed of 5 mph are only allowed while the green flag is flying at the parkʼs boat dock.
4. No wake enhancing devices are allowed while boating on Blue Lake. This includes the practice of loading the boat with a large number of people. There should never be more than 4 adults in the boat while pulling a skier, wake boarder or device rider unless the traveling under the no wake speed of 5 mph.
5. All towed devices (such as inner tubes, boogie boards, etc.) are allowed only one rider, unless a multi-occupant device, in which case only one rider per seat are allowed.
6. “No Wake” policy (5 mph or less) must be observed when
   1. The red flag is displayed on the Park’s dock.
   2. Traveling after dark (up to one hour after legal sunset).
   3. During any sporting event held on Blue Lake (i.e. Pro Tour or Triathlon).
7. A maximum speed of 35 mph will be observed when more than three boats of any kind are on the lake.
8. Powerboats will adhere to following restrictions:
   1. While traveling in excess of 5 mph boats will keep a minimum of 100 feet from shore.
   2. Will travel counter-clockwise around the lake when other boats are on the lake.
   3. Will use a red/orange “skier down” flag when a skier/rider/swimmer or equipment is in the water.
   4. Will recognize boats waiting for their turns (idling at either end of the lake) and will yield to them after one ride.
   5. Will yield to all smaller non-powered boats (i.e. paddle boats, sailboats, canoes, etc.).
   6. Will not land or dock on park grounds.