12 of the Most Stunning Lakes in Oregon That Every Traveler Needs to Visit

Oregon Is Such A Treat For The Eyes

What hasn’t already been said about the gorgeous state of Oregon? It has everything from its unspoiled landscapes to deep cultures, vibrant art, and delicious foods. One thing that should be on your bucket list is the stunning lakes that Oregon has.

The deep blue waters, greenery around the lake, fish swimming in the lake, and you enjoying the sunset while you eat your picnic-what a perfect and super relaxing day. Here are the best 12 lakes in Oregon that you absolutely must visit.

Crater Lake

First and foremost, check out America’s deepest lake! It’s Crater Lake, located in southern Oregon within Crater Lake National Park. With a maximum depth of around 2000 feet, the lake has clear blue waters and a calming aura.

The lake was formed approximately 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama, a large volcano, erupted and collapsed, creating a caldera. Then, rain and snowmelt filled the caldera, forming Crater Lake.

How cool is this?

Lake Owhyee

We spoke about the deepest one, and now let me tell you about the longest reservoir in all of Oregon. Lake Owhyee in Lake Owhyee State Park is 53 miles long and around 117 feet deep.

Since it’s near the eastern border of Idaho, it’s a secluded oasis and a hidden gem. It has calm waters and near volcanic rock formations that are vibrant and colorful. Plus, you can go camping, boating, or maybe catch amazing fish in the lake, like rainbow trout, catfish, and black or white crappie.

Paulina Lake

Okay, now this lake is also extra special. In 2002, it held the record for the largest brown trout ever caught in Oregon. Paulina Lake is situated within the caldera of Newberry Volcano, approximately 25 miles south of Bend.

The area is known for its outer space-like landscapes, so imagine how beautiful the lake must look when surrounded by such views. The lake has clear blue waters, picturesque dense forests, rugged volcanic terrain, and scenic vistas.

Lost Lake

Lost Lake is in the lush forests of Oregon, where the waters shimmer like liquid sapphire under the watchful gaze of a towering volcanic peak. Lost Lake is in Mount Hood National Forest in Mount Hood County.

Here, you’ll see nature’s beauty unfold in every ripple and whispering pine. Even many kinds of fish, like trout, crayfish, and kokanee salmon, are in the lake, and incredible wildlife like chipmunks, blacktail deer, cougars, and black bears living around the area.

Waldo Lake

Waldo Lake is considered the clearest and purest lake in the world. But why is the water so clear? This lake doesn’t have any permanent inlet; therefore, no minerals or sediment are carried, making the water almost like distilled water. Amazing!

So, to keep it well-kept, no motorboats are allowed in the lake. Plus, it’s an alpine lake in the Cascade Mountains, so you can picture its amazing scenery—clear waters with thick forests and mountains for the view, just like a painting.

Trillium Lake

There’s another lake near Mount Hood, almost 7.5 miles southwest, where you can absolutely boat and swim. The lake’s name is Trillium Lake, previously known as Mud Lake. It is around 63 acres and has a depth of around 20 feet.

Even though it’s an artificial lake created in the 1960s, it’s gorgeous. Also, the lake is named after the Trillium flower, which is native to the region. So go for a quick dive in to cool off, dip your toes, or fish for trout in summer.

Detroit Lake

Another non-natural lake that serves as a reservoir is Detroit Lake. This 440-foot-deep and 9-mile-long lake is near 50 miles of Salem. But what adds to its beauty is its irregular shorelines, stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, and forested hillsides.

Besides enjoying the views, you can even do some water sports here, like jet skiing, swimming, fishing, or just sitting on the shorelines and soaking in nature.

Sparks Lake

Sparks Lake is a relatively shallow lake compared to the others on the list. It is located almost 25 miles west of Bend and has an average depth of 10 feet. The lake was created by lava flows from the nearby Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters volcanic complex.

Because of this, there are interesting lava rock formations speckled on the shoreline. Also, the lake’s reflective surface and stunning mountain backdrop make it a prime location for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Diamond Lake

Named by John Diamond, a pioneer settler who first spotted it from the peak that now bears his name, Diamond Peak. Diamond Lake is in Douglas County in the Umpqua National Forest.

Calm, clear blue waters, rainbow trout swimming in the lake, aquatic plants thriving, various birds flying by, and you witnessing all this with your very own eyes, sounds like a perfect getaway from city’s bustling life.

Loon Lake

You’ll be pleasantly surprised that Douglas County has another stunning lake. And that lake is Loon Lake. It’s named after the bird common loons native to this region.

However, the history of this lake is more fascinating as Loon Lake was formed by a massive landslide thousands of years ago that blocked the river, creating the lake. Overall, the lush forest with rich trees and the refreshing lake water is perfect for a relaxing weekend.

Clear Lake

Have you seen a well-preserved forest underwater? Well, this is how Clear Lake was formed. It’s 30 miles from Eugene in Willamette National Forest. The forest around Clear Lake was submerged almost 3,000 years ago.

This happened when a volcanic eruption from Sand Mountain caused a lava flow that created a natural basin and dammed the McKenzie River, flooding the forest and preserving the trees underwater due to the cold temperatures.

You can’t really swim in such cold lake waters but people who attempt to swim do see the forest on the lake’s bed.

Lake Of The Woods

The last one on the list is nothing less than a gorgeous painting. This 1300-acre lake, with depths of around 65 feet, is surrounded by tall trees, thus its name. You’ll also see Mount McLoughlin towering in the backdrop, adding the right amount of aura.

This lake is located in Willamette National Forest, south of Oregon. So the towering trees are inhabited with wildlife, the lake has clear waters, and the perfect weather is beautiful!