Source: https://top-list.co/top-most-beautiful-lakes-in-oregon-v1230.html
- Crater Lake
- Detroit Lake
- Timothy Lake
- Paulina Lake
- Emigrant Lake
- Elk Lake
- Wallowa Lake
- Lake Billy Chinook
- Todd Lake
- Siltcoos Lake
- Sparks Lake
- Upper Klamath Lake
- Waldo Lake
Crater Lake
The deepest lake in the US is Crater Lake in southern Oregon, which is about 2,000 feet deep. The ancient Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed on itself almost 7,000 years ago, creating this must-see Oregon attraction. In contrast to what its name suggests, Crater Lake is actually a caldera due to its volcanic past. Whatever its origins, Crater Lake is now one of the nation’s most stunning national parks, a true natural wonder that is well of a visit.
The Rim Village and Rim Visitor Center on Crater Lake’s southern rim are great places to start exploring the national park. From the visitor center, the 33-mile Rim Drive stretches out to offer panoramic views of Crater Lake. Rim Drive is curved and may be backed up during the summer. The path is also shared by bikers.
Along with providing expansive views of attractions like Wizard Island, a well-traveled hiking trail also leads west from the Rim Visitor Center. Only rain and snowmelt are added to Crater Lake’s stunning blue water; no streams or inlets enter the old caldera. The southeast corner of the rim is also skirted by a different section of the Pacific Crest Trail that runs across the country.
The only location in Crater Lake where swimming is permitted is Cleetwood Cove. Hikers descend the 1.1-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail on the northeast rim to reach the coastline. On Crater Lake, personal watercraft are not permitted, however during the summer, the park does provide guided ferry cruises to Wizard Island.
Location: Klamath County, Oregon
Photo: tripadvisor.com.vn
Photo: tripsavvy.com
Detroit Lake
Sixty miles east of Salem, on the North Santiam River, is a sizable reservoir called Detroit Lake. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Oregon. The Detroit Lake State Recreation Area on the northeast shore is the finest location to access this 3,500-acre lake.
Over 250 campsites, a tourist center, and boat ramps are available in the recreation area. All overnight campers have used the campground’s flushing bathrooms and showers, which are available to both RV and tent campers.
A number of additional campgrounds are run by the nearby Willamette National Forest around the lake. The most distinctive campground is perhaps Piety Island Campground in the center of the lake, which is only reachable by boat. Cove Creek Campground and Southshore Campground are two other well-liked Forest Service campgrounds.
Detroit Lake is a popular place for fishing. Due to the numerous surrounding hatcheries, rainbow trout are frequently targeted by anglers. Two marinas in the neighboring city of Detroit provide boat rentals as well as fishing equipment and bait.
Location: Linn / Marion counties, Oregon
Photo: detroitlakeoregon.org
Photo: muddycamper.com
Timothy Lake
Timothy Lake is a popular man-made lake and recreation area in northern Oregon, south of Mt. Hood. A number of pathways close to the sea are popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders that frequent this aquatic attraction. The area’s most popular trail around the lake is for 12 miles and is called the Timothy Lake Loop. Timothy Lake’s shoreline is also lined with seven campgrounds, which together have more than 200 sites.
One of the few lakes in the Mount Hood National Forest that permits motorized boating is Timothy Lake. Still, paddling a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard is the most common way to enjoy the water. It’s difficult to ignore the magnificent, glaciated view of Mount Hood on the northern horizon when on the lake. A common summertime activity is swimming from the shore.
There are several magnificent bodies of water in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Another well-known lake in the region that offers one of the most recognizable views of Mt. Hood is Trillium Lake. This lake, which resembles a mirror, is located not far from Government Camp and 20 miles north of Timothy Lake.
Location: Clackamas County, Oregon
Photo: oregonlive.com
Photo: portlandgeneral.com
Paulina Lake
Paulina Lake is one of two crater lakes in central Oregon’s Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Rain and snowmelt are the only sources of water for Paulina Lake, like other crater lakes in the state. These pristine springs give the lake its mesmerizing blue hue, which draws tourists all summer long.
Paulina Lake and the neighboring Volcanic Monument are well-liked destinations for boating, swimming, hiking, and camping about 25 miles south of Bend. The only ways to get to a warm spring on the lake’s north bank are by boat or a coastal trail. On Paulina Lake, both motorized and non-powered boats are permitted. Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout are also abundant in the lake.
East Lake, a nearby lake in the Newberry Caldera, is widely known for the large brown trout that are caught there. On the southeast coast, the East Lake Resort offers cabin rentals, tent camping, and RV parking. Rental boats are available at the resort.
The neighboring Lava Lands Visitor Center is a must-stop when visiting either lake in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This learning environment provides a thorough understanding of the local surroundings.
Location: Deschutes County, Oregon
Photo: greyotteroutventures.com
Photo: rifflemap.com
Emigrant Lake
At the southernmost point of the Rogue Valley, 8 kilometers southeast of Ashland, Oregon, is a reservoir known as Emigrant Lake. It is located 683 meters above sea level.
Accessible from Ashland and Medford in Jackson County, Emigrant Lake is a nice place to escape the Southern Oregon heat. The lake has a large shoreline and a campground along the water, making it a well-liked day trip and overnight destination. A 280-foot double flume waterslide run by the county is among the lake’s distinctive attractions.
Emigrant Lake welcomes all kinds of boating. Visitors can anticipate seeing kayaks and water skiers skimming across the river on any given summer day. Anglers cast lines for bass, crappie, and trout when fishing, which is another pastime of visitors. On the lake’s northern bank, in Emigrant Lake County Park, lies the boat ramp.
Within Emigrant Lake County Park is the campground for Emigrant Lake. The campground has thirty-two sites that can accommodate RVs and offer full hookups. Forty more campsites are more suited to the tent and little trailer camping. At Emigrant Lake, all campers have access to shower and bathroom facilities as well as fantastic water views. Emigrant Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Oregon.
Location: Jackson County, Oregon
Photo: hikingproject.com
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjwrA0eWBXo
Elk Lake
Elk Lake is a natural body of water located in Oregon’s central the Cascade Range. The lake, which is over 1,500 m above sea level, is located along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway about 40 km west-southwest of Bend. Elk Lake is located in Deschutes National Forest, about 10 kilometers west of Mount Bachelor. Hosmer, Sparks, Blow, Doris, Devils, Lava, and Little Lava are nearby lakes.
Elk Lake is located in central Oregon, 45 miles from Bend, and is surrounded by the impressive peak of Mount Bachelor in the Deschutes National Forest. A popular summertime destination for boating, fishing, and swimming is this lake’s exquisite clarity. Anglers should throw their lines on the southern bank of Elk Lake since kokanee salmon are the most prevalent species there.
The National Forest Service runs Elk Lake Campground, which has 26 bookable sites, on the northern shore. Campsites, cottages, and a lodge restaurant are all available at the nearby Elk Lake Resort. Additionally, the resort offers other amenities like scenic cruises and private dock rentals, along with pontoon boat rentals.
Photo: elklakeresort.net
Wallowa Lake
The next position on the list of the most beautiful lakes in Oregon is Wallowa Lake. At an elevation of 1,333 m, Wallowa Lake is a ribbon lake located 1.6 kilometers south of Joseph, Oregon, in the United States. It was created by a sequence of Pleistocene glaciers and is surrounded by steep moraines. A tiny hamlet with vacation houses, lodging, restaurants, and other small enterprises may be found on the south side of the lake. Since at least 1880, Wallowa Lake has been used for recreational purposes. At the lake’s southernmost point is the Wallowa Lake State Park.
An ideal starting point for exploring this wild area is Wallowa Lake State Park, which is located on the southern coast. The state park offers a campground, boat ramps, and a sizable day-use area. Go to the nearby Wallowa Lake Marina for boat rentals and local fishing advice.
Visitors can ride the neighboring Wallowa Lake Tramway, a tram built in Switzerland, to the summit of Mt. Howard. A tiny network of paths offers stunning views of the surrounding glaciers from this elevated vantage point, which also offers fantastic views of the Wallowa Lake basin. The tram can also be used to access the nearby Eagle Cap Wilderness.
Location: Wallowa County, Oregon
Photo: tripadvisor.com
Photo: bronzeantler.com
Lake Billy Chinook
In the American state of Oregon, Jefferson County has the reservoir known as Lake Billy Chinook. Lake Billy Chinook was built in a canyon at the meeting of the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius rivers close to Culver and Madras in 1964 as a result of the construction of the Round Butte Dam. It was given that name in honor of Billy Chinook, a member of the Wasco tribe who accompanied John C. Frémont and Kit Carson on their respective journeys in 1843 and 1844.
In the high desert region of eastern Oregon, this enormous reservoir serves as a premier recreation location. It includes more than 70 miles of shoreline and includes waters from the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius Rivers. The lake’s impressive canyon walls provide additional aesthetic appeal while boating, fishing, or camping close to the beach.
The finest place to experience Lake Billy Chinook is at The Cove Palisades State Park, which is on the Deschutes and Crooked River portions of the lake. Over 160 campsites, ranging from tent-only camping spaces to RV places with full hookups, are available in the state park. The State Park also offers a boat launch, fishing pier, and guided kayak tours as additional means of getting to the lake.
Location: Jefferson County, Oregon
Photo: mikeputnamphoto.com
Todd Lake
A natural lake called Todd Lake can be found in central Oregon, USA, close to the Cascade Range’s summit. The lake is 45 acres in size (18 ha). It bears John Y. Todd’s name, a pioneer settler in Central Oregon. The Deschutes National Woodland, which includes the lake and surrounding forest, is currently managed by the US Forest Service. Each year, brook trout are regularly stocked into the lake by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. On the lake’s western coast, a day use area and a basic campground are situated.
Todd Lake is a terrific location for families searching for simple alpine activities because only a short amount of hiking is required to get to the coastline. Todd Lake does not allow motorized boats, however, kayaking, hiking, and photography are very popular. Less than five lakeside tent sites at the adjoining Todd Lake Campground are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The most popular location for getting on the lake is the Todd Lake Day Use Area. Facilities include areas for fishing from the shoreline, picnic tables, and restrooms. The Todd Lake Trailhead is where visitors can enter the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Location: Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Photo: arrivednow.com
Siltcoos Lake
The largest lake on the Oregon Coast of the United States is Siltcoos Lake, measuring 1,280 acres. It is roughly 11 km south of Florence and 1 km east of U.S. Route 101. It is fed by runoff from a basin of about 180 km2 in Douglas and Lane counties.
A Siltcoos River delta that predated the most recent ice age is preserved underwater as Siltcoos Lake. The lake developed as a result of rising sea levels brought on by melting glaciers, which submerged Oregon’s coastal rivers’ lower reaches. Slow-moving rivers’ sediments created sand dunes, behind which ancient river mouths like the Siltcoos became lakes. Similar relics can be seen around Tahkenitch Lake and Woahink Lake.
This freshwater lake is a well-liked spot for camping, hiking, boating, and fishing. While there are also salmon, trout, and crappie in the lake, largemouth bass fishing draws a lot of fishermen to its warm waters.
The best way to appreciate the water on Siltcoos Lake is to bring a boat because so much of the shoreline is inaccessible. There are plenty of land activities available at Siltcoos Lake for those without a boat. The 55-site Waxmyrtle Campground is one of many campgrounds that border the banks of the neighboring Siltcoos River. The Waxmyrtle Trail, among others, spans the region and leads to the coast.
Location: Near Pacific Ocean coast in Douglas and Lane counties, Oregon
Photo: wikipedia
Photo: trip.net
Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake, a well-liked day trip and weekend getaway destination in Central Oregon is located in the Deschutes National Forest 30 miles west of Bend. The breathtaking Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway leads to the lake. South Sister provides a stunning backdrop for the 360 acres of Sparks Lake, which also offers a lively atmosphere to enjoy both on and off the lake.
South Sister provides a stunning backdrop for the 360 acres of Sparks Lake, which also offers a lively atmosphere to enjoy both on and off the lake. Boats with and without motors leave a soft wake on Sparks Lake all summer long. However, because the speed limit at Sparks Lake is only ten miles per hour, it is not a good place for water skiing or tubing. The only sort of angling permitted on the lake is fly fishing. The old lava flows that block the shoreline make boating the most common method of casting a line.
Sparks Lake receives a lot of visitors thanks to this distinctive shoreline as well as other vivid Cascade Mountain features. The 2.5-mile Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail provides a wonderfully informative approach to discovering the picturesque surroundings. The trail starts close to the Sparks Lake boat launch and winds through lodgepole pines and lava flows.
Photo: bendpremierrealestate.com
Upper Klamath Lake
In south-central Oregon in the United States, Upper Klamath Lake is a sizable, shallow freshwater lake located east of the Cascade Range. It runs northwest of the city of Klamath Falls and is roughly 40 km long and 13 km wide, making it the largest freshwater body by surface area in Oregon. It is 1,260 meters above sea level on average.
Of all the lakes in Oregon, the Upper Klamath is one of the most famous in Oregon with this beauty. Pelican Bay in Oregon offers some of the best trout fishing in the country, so anglers won’t want to miss it. A fly-paradise, fisherman’s this is. The largest freshwater lake in the state is Upper Klamath Lake. This magnificent body of water connects to Klamath Falls and is a popular vacation spot in southern Oregon. On the extreme northwest arm of the lake, the Rocky Point Resort is a great gathering spot with boat rentals, cabins, and a lodge restaurant.
At Upper Klamath Lake, visitors can go boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. All activities at the lake are accompanied by breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountain landscape. Due to the lake’s proximity to the Pacific Flyway, a variety of animals frequently appears especially birds.
Photo: opb.org
Waldo Lake
One of the most beautiful lakes in Oregon is Waldo Lake. A treasure of the Cascade Mountains located in the Willamette National Forest is Waldo Lake. It is the second-deepest natural lake in the state after Crater Lake and one of the biggest overall. The water is also renowned for its purity and is extraordinarily pure, with visibility of more than 120 feet on clear days, in part due to its absence of inlets and fertilizer development.
For its pure scenery and recreational activities, many people travel to Waldo Lake. On the water or in non-motorized watercraft, only electric motors are permitted, and the top speed is 10 mph. Due to these restrictions, the lake’s surface is littered with kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. The numerous miles of hiking paths in the Waldo Lake Wilderness region are among the many popular land activities.
Every year, in late June or early July, the three established National Forest Service campgrounds around Waldo Lake open. There are more than 200 campsites accessible in all, and many of them are occupied all summer long. Bookings can be made up to six months in advance.
Location: Cascade Mountains, Lane County, Oregon 
Photo: outdoorproject.com
