Best Lakes in Oregon
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17 STUNNING Lakes in Oregon

The lakes in Oregon are definitely next level, there’s no doubt about it.

The lakes here are often flanked with deep verdant forests, watched over by towering mountains, and have a variety of incredible adventures at their doorway.

We’ve gathered our favorite lakes around this wonderful state so you know exactly where to visit, plus, we’ve added some info about great adventures and camping options around each lake.

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When looking at lakes in Oregon, the one that most often comes to mind is Crater Lake.

At 529 meters, it is the deepest lake in the country and is very well known for its stunning royal blue-colored waters and rich surrounding landscape.

Cleetwood Cove Trail
Us on the Cleetwood Cove trail.

If you have time for just one trail, make it Cleetwood Cove. This hike offers the only legal access to the shore of Crater Lake. This is also the hike you’ll have to take if you want to hitch a ride on the boat that goes to Wizard Island!

Crater Lake
Crater Lake in winter.

If you’re not up for a hike, you can also drive around the rim of Crater Lake. At 33 miles, you’ll be treated to tons of great viewpoints, short hiking trails, and waterfalls along the way.

Camping and Accommodation:


RELATED: Things to Do at Crater Lake National Park: Hikes, Camping & When to Visit


2. Trillium Lake (Perhaps The Most Photogenic Lake in Oregon)

Despite being man-made, Trillium Lake is a stunner.

When looking at photos of Mount Hood, this lake will undoubtedly be featured multiple times thanks to how the mountain is reflected perfectly within its waters, making it one of the best lakes in Oregon for the views.

Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake in Oregon

Trillium Lake is located within the Mount Hood National Forest, and you’ll find plenty to keep you busy for an afternoon or more.

There a trail around the lake, lots of fish to reel in, and plenty of shoreline to launch boats and paddleboards.

Of course, many people come to simply gaze at the rhododendron-rimmed shores with the mountain in the background.


READ MORE: Checking Out Trillium Lake: Paddling, Hiking, and Camping


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3. Paulina Lake

Paulina Lake is the larger of the two lakes that sit in the Newberry Crater and is a popular spot for enjoying a range of recreational activities. Getting out on the water is a must, and most people bring canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Paulina Lake
View from above—Paulina Lake in Oregon

During the summer, Paulina Lake Lodge offers boat hire, moorage, gas, and oil. There is also a coffee bar, and the staff is happy to give advice on the best fishing or boating spots.

In the winter, there are more than 150 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, as well as several ungroomed cross-country trails.

Newberry Volcanic National Monument is situated near Wind Cave which is another cave in Oregon.
Newberry Volcanic National Monument

Camping and Accommodation:


RELATED: Your Guide To Newberry National Volcanic Monument


4. Upper Klamath Lake

This huge lake is Oregon’s largest body of fresh water, covering a huge 24,906 hectares. It sits in the center of the state, surrounded by mountains and forests.

Upper Klamath Lake is very picturesque, and there is a good chance of spotting wildlife around its shores.

Upper Klamath Lake
Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon

Due to its size, it’s one of the best sailing lakes in North America. For those who are not sailors, kayaking and canoeing are also popular.

The Upper Klamath Canoe Trail provides a marked 9.5-mile kayak trail through a beautiful freshwater marsh!. Canoes and skiffs can be rented from Rocky Point Resort. It’s just one of many wonderful things to do in Klamath Falls.

Canoeing on the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail for things to do in Klamath Falls
Canoeing on the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail

Camping and Accommodation:


RELATED: 10 Waterfalls Near Klamath Falls You’ve Got to See!


5. Clear Lake

In addition to being visually stunning, Clear Lake is a great place to go freshwater diving. The bottom of the lake is covered in amazingly preserved trees that were killed during a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.

Boats docked along pier at Clear Lake Oregon
Boat docked at Clear Lake

At an altitude of 3,000 feet, its temperature is just above freezing, which helps to keep the trees petrified, and as the name suggests, it has crystal clear waters.

For those not up to diving, kayakers and canoers can paddle across the lake and still get a close-up view of the treetops. Rowboats are available to rent, or you can launch your own for a small fee.

Clear Lake
Clear Lake in Oregon

If you prefer to stay on land, you can wander the 4.6-mile Clear Lake Trail around the shoreline or tackle the more challenging McKenzie River Trail, a renowned 26-mile biking and hiking trail.


RELATED: Your Guide to Exploring Clear Lake, Oregon


Camping and Accommodation:

6. Wallowa Lake

Wallowa is a ribbon lake surrounded by the Wallowa Mountains. Its crystal clear waters attract visitors from miles around to simply enjoy its beauty.

You can enjoy miles of hiking trails surrounding the lake, or bring a boat for a paddle and a swimsuit for a dip in the summer months.

Trail leading to lake and mountains at Wallowa Lake State Park
Trails for days out here!

For a unique view of this lake in Oregon, take the Wallowa Lake Tramway to the top of Mt Howard. It climbs to about 3,700 feet, and you can enjoy the 2-mile hiking loop at the top, standing shoulder to shoulder with several mountains.

View from Mount Howard Wallowa Lake State Park
View from Mount Howard!

Camping and Accommodation:


READ MORE: A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Wallowa Lake State Park—Adventures and Camping


7. Sturgeon Lake

With hundreds of secluded inlets and coves to explore, Sturgeon Lake makes a great spot for boating and birdwatching. More than 200 species of birds live around the shoreline, including bald eagles and great blue herons.

Birds flying over Sturgeon Lake, Sauvie Island, at sunset
Sturgeon Lake in Oregon

Take the 3-mile Oak Island Look Trail, and you’ll see The Narrows, a channel that connects the lake to its West Arm.

Camping and Accommodation:

8. Cascade Lakes (A Pocket of INCREDIBLE Lakes in Oregon)

Central Oregon’s Cascade Lakes are some of the most well-known lakes in Oregon, all of which can be accessed and viewed by taking the incredible 66-mile historical Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.

There are docks at Lava Lake near the Cascade Lakes.
The docks at Lava Lake near the Cascade Lakes.

The Cascade Lakes is a cluster of 12 beautiful alpine lakes, each of which offers up beautiful scenery and some awesome outdoor activities.

Cascade Lakes
A view from Sparks Lake in Oregon—Just one of the many gorgeous lakes in the Cascade Lakes region.

Here are some of our favorite lakes to visit:

  • Todd Lake: Pristine lake that prohibits motorized watercraft. Beautiful alipine views, horseback riding trails, and wildflower viewing.
  • Sparks Lake: Marshy shoreline with lots of channels. Popular summer hangout, great for hiking, wildflower viewing, and photography.
  • Devil’s Lake: Beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by ponderosa pines and volcanic landscapes. Located near the highway, popular with paddlers.
  • Elk Lake: Resort-like vibes with plenty of amenities. Shallow water near the shoreline makes this area a hotspot for watersports, especially paddleboarding.
  • Hosmer Lake: Off the beaten path lake with great mountain views. Perfect spot for anglers, especially for fly and barbless hook fishing.
  • Lava Lake and Little Lava Lake: Two-for-one deal here with two beautiful lakes right next to each other. There’s a campground and boat rental here.

Short on time? Book this excursion up to the Cascades for an epic day of kayaking!

Camping and Accommodation:


READ MORE: Exploring the Cascade Lakes in Oregon


9. Lost Lake

Sitting within the Mount Hood National Forest, Lost Lake is a popular recreational lake with stunning mountain views from almost every angle. There is no development around the shores, which adds to its beauty.

Lost Lake
Hiking around Lost Lake in Oregon–Unfortunately, Mount Hood was hiding from us today but it’s usually right here!

Activities include hiking, bird watching, berry picking, swimming, stargazing, and hunting for waterfalls. Boat rentals are available at the campgrounds around the lake.

Camping and Accommodation:

10. Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake sits within the Klamath Basin. It is surrounded by firs and pine, creating a serene and jaw-droppingly beautiful setting for a variety of outdoor pursuits.

Diamond lake with Mt.Thielsen in the distance.
Diamond Lake in Oregon with Mt.Thielsen on the horizon.

Summer activities include trout fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, water sports, boating, and horseback riding. Diamond Lake Resort offers fishing boat rentals with motors, as well as patio boat rentals.

To really earn your refreshing dip in Diamond Lake, take on the Mount Thielsen hike, that beautiful pointy mountain you see in the distance, first.

Mt. Thielsen and Diamond Lake are great places to go in Bend
Mt. Thielsen

In the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a tubing hill.

Camping and Accommodation:


RELATED: Diamond Lake and Mount Thielsen Hike


11. Frog Lake

Frog Lake may be small, but it is no less beautiful than some of its larger counterparts. The name comes from the fact that it is home to tens of thousands of tiny tadpoles, plus a kaleidoscope of butterflies in the summer.

Despite the tadpoles, Frog Lake is great for swimming, especially because the waters are quite shallow for a long way out in certain areas.

Frog Lake
Beautiful Frog Lake in Oregon

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, with fishing holes located all around the shores. Short, flat trails surround the shores, perfect for all levels or hiking, or you can access the Pacific Crest Trail from here.

Camping and Accommodation:

12. Billy Chinook Lake

Billy Chinook Lake has a slightly different look than some of the other lakes in Oregon. It sits within a canyon that was carved by three rivers about 11 million years ago.

Lake Billy Chinook
Billy Chinook Lake in Oregon

The 1,600-hectare lake is popular for boating, jet skiing, sailing, and water skiing.

Surrounding the lake is the picturesque Cove Palisades State Park, which features camping facilities, picnic areas, and boating rentals so you can spend the whole day on the lake.

Cove Palisades State Park near Sisters, Oregon
Us in Cove Palisades State Park

Wander the trails on top of the cliffs that surround the lake!

Other Nearby Accommodation:


RELATED: Your Guide to Cove Palisades State Park


13. Green Lakes

The aptly named Green Lakes is a collection of three green-hued lakes situated in central Oregon, just west of Bend.

Unlike some of the most famous lakes in Oregon, Green Lakes are a little more remote, and you’ll need to put in some work to enjoy their scenic shorelines.

Nina on a log at Green Lake.
Chillin’ on a log at Green Lakes.

To reach the lakes, hop on the Green Lakes Trail—a nine-mile trek that leads past waterfalls, obsidian flows, and absolutely stunning mountain terrain.

The Green Lakes are obviously a highlight along this trail, so make sure you spend some time enjoying them.

Creek on Green Lakes Hike
You’ll have to walk along the Green Lakes Trail to get to the lake!

The third Green Lake is the best for swimming due to its shoreline, and there are tons of tenting spots along the trail as well.

Camping and Accommodation:

  • Green Lakes Campsites

READ MORE: Tackling The Green Lakes Trail Near Bend, Oregon


14. Lake of the Woods (Underrated Lake in Oregon)

Lake of the Woods, named for its dense surrounding woodlands and forest, is a natural lake offering an idyllic escape for lovers of the great outdoors.

Despite being remote, it is a haven for all types of water sports lovers, with canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, sailing, swimming, and water skiing all being popular activities. Rentals are available here.

Reflection on Lake of the Woods for things to do in Klamath Falls
Lake of the Woods.

If you prefer to admire the lake from the shoreline, you can discover the wooded trails and winding forest paths that make their way around the Lake of the Woods, or tackle a more challenging mountain climb (including the PCT!).

Camping and Accommodation:

15. Detroit Lake

Although not a natural lake in Oregon, Detroit Lake’s reservoir is still pretty spectacular. Covering 1,400 hectares, it was created by damming the North Santiam River and stores water for both Salem and nearby communities.

Detroit Lake in Oregon
Detroit Lake in Oregon

On the north side of the lake, there are two gorgeous state parks: Detroit Lake State Park and Mongold State Park. Both are great places to explore on foot, and swimming, boating, and fishing are also fun activities.

Other Nearby Accommodation:

16. Strawberry Lake

Sitting within the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Area of the Blue Mountains, naturally formed and surrounded by lush forest is Strawberry Lake.

Several trails, some leading from the lake all the way up to Strawberry Mountain, offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Strawberry Mountain Wilderness is a true hidden gem in Oregon.
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness is a true hidden gem in Oregon.

Although you can’t access the lake by road in the winter months, if you’re up for an adventure, you can still get to it by cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Fishing can also be enjoyed year-round as the lake is regularly stocked.

Camping and Accommodation:


READ MORE: Your Guide to the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness


17. Lake Owyhee

Located in the enchanting Owyhee Canyonlands, Lake Owyhee is one of the best Oregon lakes for adventure.

Not only does the lake offer some of the best vantage points of the canyons, but this 53-mile-long reservoir also boasts some great angling opportunities, especially for trophy-sized brown trout (catch and release only).

A view of Lake Owyhee in Oregon.
Lake Owyhee.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out some of the trails, visit the hot springs, or turn the adrenaline up a notch on a rafting excursion.

There are also some great campgrounds in the area if you feel like exploring Canyonlands for more than an afternoon.

Camping and Accommodation:


READ MORE: Exploring The Owyhee Canyonlands: Hiking, Rafting, & Camping


Which of these lakes in Oregon are you running to visit?! Here are more epic adventures around Oregon to check out.

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