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Idaho / Wyoming  (208) 501-4531 Oregon  (541) 280-0596 Support@livingwatersenvironmental.com

Oregon Algae

The visible algae of Oregon lakes, ponds and streams, most common first.

Oregon37 algaeIdaho37 algaeWyoming36 algae

Tap a state to open its algae database

Oregon at a glance

Algae in Oregon lakes, ponds and streams

37visible algae recorded
11with toxin risk
1listed or invasive

Harmful algae blooms

Advisory levels
The Oregon Health Authority runs the harmful algae bloom program and posts recreational advisories. Its message is: when in doubt, stay out.
  • Advisory: Toxins are at levels unsafe for swimming, boating and pets.
  • Precaution: A bloom or toxins are present at levels that may be unsafe for pets.
Report a bloom

How to reportUse the Oregon Health Authority online Report a HAB form.

Oregon Report a HAB form

Sick pets or livestock
If an animal gets sick after contact, see a veterinarian and use the Oregon Health Authority animal illness report form.

Animal illness report

Invasive algae to report

Invasive1 SPECIES
Not on the Oregon noxious weed list, but a serious invader in other states.

How to reportReport suspected finds to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline: (866) 468-2337 or oregoninvasiveshotline.org.

Oregon algae database

NativeBelongs hereIntroducedNot nativeInvasiveListed noxious weed or aggressive non native

Only algae you can see and recognize without a microscope are listed; bloom forming cyanobacteria are described in the note above. Cyanobacteria marked with toxin risk can produce toxins harmful to people, pets and livestock; a lab test is the only way to know. How common ratings are based on field records and our own surveys. Photos are from iNaturalist and Wikimedia Commons contributors under Creative Commons licenses; credits appear on each entry. Header photo: Bennett Susman / CC BY (iNaturalist).

Need a second opinion?

Not sure what is growing in your water?

Send us a photo for a free ID or send a sample. We will identify the algae, test for toxins when needed and tell you what it means for your water.

Contact usAlgae ID service

Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596