PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) – You’d be forgiven for thinking this was satire, but it’s not: Starting January 1, 2026, Oregon will require a Water Access Permit for all boats on state waterways — and yes, even something as harmless as two inner tubes tied together will now officially count as a “boat.”
For years, watercraft under 10 feet long were exempt from permit requirements. That’s over now. Under a law signed June 24 by Governor Tina Kotek, House Bill 2982, anything that floats and isn’t a single inner tube is fair game for regulation. This includes kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and yes — even those patched-up inner tubes you tied together with a rope for a lazy summer float.
The state says the change is meant to raise money for invasive species prevention programs, like zebra and quagga mussel control. But for many Oregonians, it feels like yet another example of the government finding a way to tax people on anything that touches the water. At this rate, some are wondering if a kiddie pool in your backyard will be next.
The new permit fees are:
- $6 for a 7-day permit
- $20 for a one-year permit
- $35 for a two-year permit
And don’t think this is just an idle threat. Oregon State Police and local marine patrols will enforce the rule, with fines starting at $115 for anyone caught floating illegally.
Permits will be available online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and at participating outdoor retailers.
As temperatures rise and people head for the water, critics argue the state is nickel-and-diming residents under the guise of environmental protection. Supporters say it’s a small price to pay to protect Oregon’s lakes and rivers from invasive species.
So if you’re planning a relaxing river trip this summer, make sure your two inner tubes and a rope are properly licensed. Because in Oregon, even that counts as a boat now.
