(Cover photo credit: Sparks Lake by Garret Galvan)
Summer in Central Oregon has a way of drawing people toward the water. Maybe it’s the contrast of deep blue lakes against lava rock and pine forests, or the chance to trade a hot afternoon in town for cool mountain air and an alpine swim. Within an easy drive of Bend, you’ll find lakes made for every kind of summer day — early morning paddles through glassy coves, beach picnics with the kids, fishing at sunrise, or lingering lakeside dinners after a day outdoors. From iconic destinations to quieter high-country escapes, these are some of the best lakes to explore this season.
Paddle-Worthy Escapes
The turquoise water at Devils Lake is so vividly blue-green it hardly looks real. Small and serene, it’s perfect for a quick paddle, picnic stop, or peaceful morning kayak surrounded by alpine scenery.
Known for its glassy reflections and wildlife sightings, Hosmer Lake is a dream destination for kayakers and canoeists. Snow-capped mountain views, crystal-clear water, and quiet channels winding through reeds create one of the most scenic paddling experiences in Oregon.
At sunrise or sunset, Sparks Lake becomes pure Central Oregon magic. With panoramic views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor reflected in calm water, it’s beloved by photographers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a slower pace on the water.
Family Fun and Camping
Elk Lake has long been Bend’s go-to for families seeking to beat the heat. Today, Elk Lake Resort is stepping into a new chapter with new ownership, bringing renewed energy to one of the Cascades’ most beloved summer destinations. Set beneath towering evergreens and surrounded by mountain views, Elk Lake combines rustic resort charm, along with ample camping options.
Pristine Suttle Lake offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families. Calm water, forested shorelines, lakeside campgrounds,, and easy walking trails make it an ideal spot for paddleboards, floating docks, and slow summer afternoons. Nearby lodge dining and bike trails add to the appeal.
For a true high-desert lake adventure, the volcanic beauty of East Lake and Paulina Lake inside Newberry Caldera feels almost otherworldly. Families love the warm swimming coves, fishing, hot springs, and campgrounds tucked among the pines. The dramatic volcanic landscape, lava flows, and crater views make the drive part of the adventure.
Big Water & Boating
For classic summer boating days, Cultus Lake is a longtime favorite. Its deep blue water and forested shoreline attract wakeboarders, anglers, families, and campers alike, with enough room to spread out even on busy weekends. (And don’t miss their summertime BBQs!)
Wickiup Reservoir offers wide-open water, expansive views, and some of the region’s best opportunities for watersports and fishing. As water levels shift throughout the season, the landscape transforms, creating a rugged and distinctly Central Oregon feel.
Further north, Lake Billy Chinook surprises many first-time visitors with its dramatic canyon setting. Formed where three rivers meet, it’s one of the best nearby destinations for boating, cliffside scenery, fishing, and full-day adventures on the water.
Hiking & Solitude
Nestled beneath the slopes of Mount Bachelor, Todd Lake is beloved for its easy hiking trails, wildflower meadows, and peaceful shoreline views. It’s especially beautiful in late summer when golden light settles across the surrounding peaks.
Tucked farther from the crowds down Cascade Lakes Highway, Davis Lake offers quiet coves, lava rock shorelines, and excellent fishing surrounded by lodgepole pine forest. It’s a favorite for those seeking a slower, unplugged pace.
And near the headwaters of the Deschutes River, Little Lava Lake delivers peaceful scenery, birdwatching, and calm water ideal for an easy paddle or quiet afternoon picnic.
No matter which lakes you opt to visit, we know you’ll also enjoy getting back to town, lingering over dinner at a favorite neighborhood spot, or returning home to relax and relive the day’s adventures in Discovery West.