Pelton Park boat launch
Pelton Park
Lake Simtustus is a reservoir located on the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. The lake is popular for fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and boating. It is stocked regularly with various species of fish, including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass.
The Pelton Park boat ramp is designed for motorized boats and can handle vessels of up to 24 feet in length. It is a popular spot for boaters who want to explore the lake or fish in its waters. The ramp has a gradual slope, which makes launching and retrieving boats easy for even novice boaters.
In terms of amenities, Pelton Park has a large parking area for vehicles and boat trailers, as well as restrooms and picnic tables. However, it is important to note that there is a fee to use the boat ramp, and visitors are required to purchase a day-use pass or an annual pass.
Overall, Pelton Park boat ramp is a well-maintained facility that provides access to the beautiful Lake Simtustus. Boaters of all levels can enjoy the lake's offerings, including fishing, water sports, and relaxation on the water.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Pelton Park -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Deschutes River Near Madras | 3,700 cfs | → |
| Shitike Creek Near Warm Springs | 62 cfs | → |
| Metolius River Near Grandview | 1,280 cfs | → |
| Warm Springs River Near Kahneeta Hot Springs | 226 cfs | → |
| Deschutes River Near Culver | 560 cfs | → |
| Crooked River Below Opal Springs | 1,190 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
- Warm Springs To Sherars Falls
- Crooked River National Grassland Boundary To Confluence With Deschutes River
- Canyon Run (Lower Bridge To Billy Chinook Res.)
- Source To Confluence With Metolius River
- Cline Falls State Park To Lower Bridge
- Breitenbush Lake To Confluence With North Fork Breitenbush River
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Pelton Park as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Pelton Park
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Pelton Park.