17 STUNNING Lakes in Oregon

The lakes in Oregon are next level, no doubt about it. Think deep green forests, towering volcanoes reflected in glassy water, and adventures right at the shoreline.

We’ve rounded up our favorite lakes around the state, plus what to do and where to camp or stay at each one.

1. Crater Lake

When you think of lakes in Oregon, Crater Lake probably comes to mind first. At 1,943 feet deep, it’s the deepest lake in the US, famous for its unreal deep blue water inside a collapsed volcano.

The easiest way to see it is to drive the 33-mile Crater Lake Rim Drive, with tons of viewpoints and short hikes along the way. The Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only way down to the shore and the boat tours to Wizard Island, is closed for a multi-year rebuild, so check its status before you plan a swim.

2. Trillium Lake

It’s man-made, but Trillium Lake is an absolute stunner. If you’ve seen a photo of Mount Hood reflected perfectly in a lake, it was probably taken here.

There’s an easy trail around the lake, good fishing, and lots of shoreline to launch a kayak or paddleboard. No gas motors are allowed, so the water stays calm. Camp at Trillium Lake Campground right on the shore. The road in is closed to cars in winter, when it turns into a popular snowshoe and cross-country ski route.

3. Paulina Lake

Paulina Lake is the bigger of the two lakes inside Newberry Crater, part of Newberry National Volcanic Monument south of Bend. Bring a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, because getting out on the water is a must.

In summer, Paulina Lake Lodge rents boats, and the hike around the lake passes hot springs bubbling up on the shore. In winter, the area is laced with snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. You’ll need a monument pass or Northwest Forest Pass to park.

4. Upper Klamath Lake

This is Oregon’s largest freshwater lake, stretching across the Klamath Basin with mountains on the horizon. It’s a great spot for wildlife, especially birds.

Our favorite way to explore is the Upper Klamath Canoe Trail, a 9.5-mile marked paddling route through a peaceful freshwater marsh. It’s one of the best things to do in Klamath Falls. Camp at Odessa Campground on the lake’s west shore.

5. Clear Lake

Clear Lake lives up to its name. The water is so cold and clear that you can see a forest of ancient trees standing underwater, drowned when lava dammed the river thousands of years ago.

Paddle out to peer down at the treetops, or rent a rowboat at Clear Lake Resort (no gas motors allowed). On land, walk the roughly 5-mile loop around the lake, or tackle part of the 26-mile McKenzie River Trail, which starts here. Camp at Coldwater Cove Campground on the lake.

6. Wallowa Lake

Wallowa Lake sits at the foot of the jagged Wallowa Mountains in northeast Oregon, often called the Alps of Oregon. Hike the trails around it, paddle the clear water, or take a dip in summer.

For a different view, ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway up Mount Howard in summer. Up top, easy trails loop past big views of the lake and peaks. Camp at Wallowa Lake State Park right at the south end of the lake.

7. Sturgeon Lake

Just outside Portland on Sauvie Island, Sturgeon Lake is full of quiet inlets and coves, perfect for paddling and birdwatching. Over 200 bird species live here, including bald eagles, great blue herons, and huge flocks of migrating waterfowl.

8. Cascade Lakes

Central Oregon’s Cascade Lakes are a whole cluster of alpine lakes strung along the 66-mile Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway west of Bend. The byway is only open past Mount Bachelor in summer and fall.

Our favorites:

• Todd Lake: A pristine little lake with no motorboats, alpine views, and summer wildflowers.
• Sparks Lake: Marshy channels and lava rock, made for paddling and photography.
• Devils Lake: A turquoise lake right by the road, popular with paddlers.
• Elk Lake: Resort vibes, shallow water along the shore, and great paddleboarding.
• Hosmer Lake: Quieter, with big mountain views and great fly fishing.
• Lava Lake and Little Lava Lake: A two-for-one, with a campground and boat rentals.

Short on time? A guided Cascade Lakes kayak tour from Bend takes care of the gear and the driving. There are campgrounds at Lava Lake, Elk Lake, and Todd Lake, or stay at Elk Lake Resort.

9. Lost Lake

Tucked into the Mount Hood National Forest near Hood River, Lost Lake has one of the classic views of Mount Hood, with no houses on the shore to spoil it.

10. Diamond Lake

Just north of Crater Lake, Diamond Lake is ringed by pine forest with pointy Mount Thielsen rising above it. Summer brings trout fishing, swimming, biking, and boating, and Diamond Lake Resort rents boats.

Want to earn that swim? Hike Mount Thielsen first. Toxic algae blooms sometimes close the lake to swimming in late summer, so check for advisories. In winter, it’s a hub for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and tubing.

11. Frog Lake

Frog Lake is small but mighty, with a postcard view of Mount Hood. It gets its name from the tons of tiny tadpoles here in summer, and its shallow water makes it a fun, easy swimming spot.

It’s stocked with rainbow trout, short flat trails circle the shore, and you can hop on the Pacific Crest Trail nearby. Camp at Frog Lake Campground, just off Highway 26.

12. Lake Billy Chinook

Lake Billy Chinook looks totally different from the forest lakes. It fills a deep desert canyon where three rivers meet, the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius, surrounded by towering basalt cliffs.

It’s a summer favorite for boating, jet skiing, and houseboating. Most of the action is at Cove Palisades State Park, with campgrounds, a marina with boat rentals, and trails along the cliff tops.

13. Green Lakes

The aptly named Green Lakes are three glowing green lakes tucked between South Sister and Broken Top, west of Bend. Unlike most lakes on this list, you’ll have to work for these.

The Green Lakes Trail is about 9 miles round trip, past waterfalls, a huge obsidian flow, and big mountain views. From June 15 to October 15, you’ll need a Central Cascades Wilderness permit, reserved ahead on Recreation.gov, plus a Northwest Forest Pass or day pass to park. Camping is only allowed at designated sites.

👉 Read the full guide: Green Lakes Trail | Hikes in Bend

14. Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is one of the most underrated lakes in Oregon. Surrounded by thick forest west of Klamath Falls, it’s a playground for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, swimming, and water skiing, with rentals at the resort.

Prefer dry land? Wooded trails wind around the lake, and the Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby. Camp at Aspen Point or Sunset Campground on the shore.

15. Detroit Lake

Detroit Lake is a reservoir on the North Santiam River, but it’s still a beauty, with forested mountains rising all around. It’s a big summer spot for boating, swimming, and fishing.

16. Strawberry Lake

Deep in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness of eastern Oregon, Strawberry Lake is a natural lake ringed by forest and peaks. Trails head from the lake up toward Strawberry Mountain, with huge views along the way.

17. Lake Owyhee

Out in the wild Owyhee Canyonlands of far eastern Oregon, Lake Owyhee is a long, winding reservoir surrounded by colorful canyon walls. It’s one of the most adventurous lakes in Oregon, great for boating, fishing, and stargazing.

While you’re out here, explore the trails, soak in the hot springs, or book a rafting trip. Camp at Lake Owyhee State Park or at Succor Creek State Natural Area.

👉 Read the full guide: Owyhee Canyonlands | Leslie Gulch

FAQs About Lakes in Oregon

Final Thoughts on Lakes in Oregon

From volcanic craters to desert canyons, Oregon’s lakes are wildly different from one another, and that’s what makes them so fun to explore. Pick a region, pack the paddleboard, and go find your favorite.

Which of these lakes in Oregon are you running to visit first?!

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