Oregon is a popular destination for travelers around the world. Its diverse geography and scenic beauty cover incredible wildlife, high deserts, rivers, valleys, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and heavenly delicious & healthy food.
There are about 1,400 named lakes in the state of Oregon as per the Water Resources Department.
With its crystal clear lakes, Oregon is undoubtedly a true wonderland to take a break from the daily grind and spend your vacations. If you’re on the hunt for a place to enjoy hiking, swimming, or a boat ride, the beautiful Oregon lakes are your must-visit destination.
Some of the famous lakes in Oregon are Crater Lake; Klamath County, Detroit Lake; Linn & Marion Counties, Strawberry Lake; Wallowa County, East Lake; Deschutes County, Waldo Lake; Lane County, Trillium Lake; Clackamas County, and many more.
To help paint a better picture of these Oregon lakes, let’s check out the 15 best lakes in Oregon that are worth visiting.
Table of Contents
Crater Lake: Klamath County
The list of most beautiful Oregon lakes must begin with Crater Lake. This Oregon natural attraction sits in Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon. It is approximately 600 meters deep, making Crater Lake the deepest lake in the country, and is considered among the prettiest lakes in Oregon.
It’s well-known for its clear, royal blue waters and magnificent surrounding landscapes. This lake was formed 7,500 years ago in the volcano Caldera after the collapse of Mount Mazama.
Crater Lake surrounds two small islands which you can visit by boat. Crater Lake’s source of water is usually rain or snow. Its serene beauty lists Crater Lake among the clearest lakes in Oregon.
Rim Village and Rim Visitor Center are the best places to begin the journey to the national park. If you are planning to take a swim, do visit Cleetwood Cove. This is the only place in Crater Lake where you can enjoy swimming.
As a booming tourist spot, the land investment demands at the proximity to Crater Lake is surging. If you are looking forward to growing your finances from the tourism industry, consider investing in land near the national park surrounding Crater Lake and utilizing it as hunting and camping lands or for fishing.
Best time to visit: July, August, & September (summer).
Activities : Biking, photography, trolley tours, picnicking, hiking, and boat tours.
Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/a9qdSvGuvGNm5GFQ9
Nearby city: Klamath Falls (44.0 mi) and Medford 57.8 mi
Wallowa Lake: Wallowa County
Formed by a series of Pleistocene glaciers this is another must-visit Oregon Lake. This lake is surrounded by the Wallowa Mountains and sits at an elevation of 1,333 meters. Located 1 mile south of Joseph, Wallowa is a ribbon lake and is among the popular bodies of water in Oregon.
The Wallowa Lake State Park is situated at the southern corner of the lake where you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, and camping. So, if you are planning to invest in camping land or for other recreational activities, consider checking out lands for sale near Wallowa Lake.
Wallowa Lake State Park is the ideal choice among travelers among the major lakes in Oregon to use as a base camp and explore the wilderness. The State Park features a boat slipway, a day-use area, and a campground for more fun activities for visitors.
To embrace the scenic beauty of Wallowa Lake along with its surroundings, you can take a rental boat ride to the middle and absorb the beauty of this Oregon Lake. Furthermore, you can also head to Wallowa Lake Marina for rental boats and Wallowa Lake Tramway for a ride to the top of Mount Howard.
Best time to visit: May and June.
Activities: Water sports, Hiking, Fishing, The Tram, Horseback Riding, Kids Stuff, The Arts, and Whitewater Rafting.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/sZKgtTCrPVHbLHhr8
Nearby City: Joseph, Oregon
Waldo Lake: Lane County
Among the major lakes in Oregon, Waldo Lake is one of the clearest lakes in the world. It is also the second-largest lake in Oregon. It is one of many cascade lakes in the Central Cascade region of Oregon. At 1,650 meters above sea level, the natural alpine lake is also located within the Cascade Mountains.
This clearest and famous lake to visit in Oregon is named after John B. Wald, though it was discovered by Molalla Indian Charlie Tufti. Waldo Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Oregon with a shoreline trail perfect for backpackers. This growing popularity of Waldo Lake among trekkers is also attracting real estate investors to buy land in its proximity for recreational purposes.
Owing to such beautiful lakes, Oregon is one of the top states to buy land. Investing here can help you earn high returns from the tourism industry of the state.
Best time to visit: August, September, and early October.
Activities: Camping & Cabins, Fishing, Hiking, Horse Riding & Camping, Picnicking, and Water Activities.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/sJWNmu2FzeEMkaC7A
Nearby City: Oakridge, Oregon
Trillium Lake: Clackamas County
Trillium Lake is another breathtaking and prettiest lake in Oregon, well-known for photography and camping site. This is a man-made lake formed by a dam at Mud Creek headwaters, a tributary to the Salmon River.
This Oregon lake sits around 7.5 miles south-southwest of Mount Hood in Oregon and is an excellent place for camping and Nordic Skiing in the winter. Located 40 miles southeast of Portland, the campground is a family-friendly camping spot and sits alongside Trillium Lake. Thus, we can say land investments around Trillium Lake hold a high potential to provide significant ROI owing to growing tourists. On this note, to make a well-informed purchase, consider following our land-buying guide, carefully crafted by our real estate experts.
Among the clear lakes in Oregon, this lake is also well-known for its spectacular views of Mount Hood and offers abundant recreational opportunities. The campground also features a boat ramp and wheelchair-accessible floating dock for easy access for all tourists. However, boats with the capacity to go up to 16kph are not allowed on the lake.
Best time to visit: Summer and Fall
Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Mountain Biking, Walking Trails, Hiking (2-3 miles), Interpretive Programs, Camping, Bird Watching, Kayaking, Stargazing, Boating (motorized & non-motorized), Canoeing, Historic & Cultural Sites, and Photography.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/tSBFMJq5W3nTXao86
Nearby City: Portland
East Lake: Deschutes County
East Lake is in the heart of Oregon, near the city of La Pine. This is a twin lake nestled in the caldera and has an elevation of 15 meters and 55 meters deep. Melting snow and rainfall are sources of water for this Oregon lake. The picturesque landscape surrounding the clear blue waters of East Lake rightly ranks this water body among the popular crystal clear lakes in Oregon.
As one of the best and cleanest lakes in Oregon, East Lake offers travelers plenty of outdoor activities. Nature and adventure enthusiasts can opt for fun activities such as canoeing, kayaking, boating, photography, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Thus, East Lake is among the hotspots for land investment, opting to reap benefits from growing tourism in this and associated localities of East Lake.
Furthermore, along the shoreline of the Lake Caldera, there is an East Lake campground. It features a boat ramp, beach 29 single-family campsites for trailers, RVs, and tents. These activities make East Lake premises one of the famous lakes in Oregon for an adrenaline rush for adventure seekers of all ages.
So, if you are looking to start earning higher ROI from your real estate investments, start hunting for the perfect property near Oregon Lake. You can explore APXN Property to find the best land near East Lake to level up your land investment journey with diverse funding options like owner financing.
Best time to visit: January, February, March, April
Activities: Hiking, Horse Riding & Camping, Hunting, Nature Viewing, OHV Riding & Camping, Bicycling, Camping & Cabins, Caving, Fishing, Outdoor Learning, Picnicking, Rocks & Minerals, Scenic Driving, Water Activities, and Winter Sports.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/xUJEkaRDSDwdYMQH6
Nearby City: Willowick, OH. Wickliffe, OH, and Willoughby, OH
Paulina Lake: Deschutes County
Paulina Lake is a twin lake and another popular lake to visit in Oregon within the caldera of Newberry Volcano. The lake covers 1,500 acres and sits 1,930 meters above sea level in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. It’s also an ideal location for land investment for recreational activities, such as Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and fishing.
As a famous fishing lake in Oregon, Paulina Lake has Kokanee and Salmon Brown Trout in abundance. Other fishes found in Paulina Lake are Blue Chub, Rainbow Trout, and Tui Chub. So, this goes without saying, Paulina Lake is a must-visit attraction in Oregon for fishing lovers of all ages.
However, you must note that it’s prohibited to run boats or motors above 16 kph in Paulina Lake. Also, visitors can not enjoy waterskiing and jet skis here. These steps help maintain a sustainable ecosystem within and around Paulina Lake to help it grow as a popular fishing ground.
Best time to visit: May through July
Activities:Hiking, fishing, hot springs, boating, camping, mountain biking, Paulina Peak, snowboarding, and Paulina Creek Falls.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/kN6NjeuxitUxBptaA
Nearby City: Bend, OR
Sparks Lake: Deschutes County
Sparks Lake was named for a 19th-century rancher, “Lige” Sparks. This natural clear water Oregon Lake is well-known for its unmatched beauty and surrounding mountains. Its serene landscape involves conifer forests and snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range. Thus, like most Oregon lakes, this too paints a perfect picture for nature lovers.
The United States Forest Service takes care of activities like boating at this beautiful lake in Oregon. Sparks Lake is a fantastic destination for fishing, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.
As one of the best clear lakes in Oregon, Sparks Lake provides both water and land recreational activities. Its stunning scenery also includes colorful flora along with panoramic views that make it the most desirable spot for summer. Furthermore, the water level in Sparks Lake is always under 10 feet. Thus, it’s safe for boating and swimming.
Speaking of boating, it is important to know that Spark Lake has restrictions for boats with engines above 16kph. Although Sparks Lake has Brook Trout and Cutthroat Trout, Fly Fishing is the only type of fishing allowed at Sparks Lake. So, if you are looking for recreational land investment opportunities at exotic spots and earn significant ROI from the tourism sector, Sparks Lake is where you must begin your search.
Best time to visit: June through November
Activities: Hiking, fishing, photography, canoeing, camping, and kayaking.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ewVJUQAu4YSyeEyV8
Nearby City: Bend, Oregon (25 mi)
Detroit Lake: Linn & Marion Counties
Located 50 miles East of Salem, Oregon, and impounded by Detroit Dam, Detroit Lake is a reservoir spreading over 1,400 hectares. This Oregon lake was created by the damming of the North Santiam River and is adjacent to Oregon Route 22 near Detroit city.
Detroit Lake is also among the popular Eastern Oregon lakes to enjoy year-round fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. Moreover, seven different campgrounds are surrounding the lake. Detroit Lake State Park and Mongold State Park are also the main attractions on the north side of the lake as the best lakes to visit in Oregon. Both parks offer boating, fishing, and swimming, but Mongold State Park is only for day use.
Best time to visit: May 21st to September 30th
Activities: Swimming, camping, fishing, and boating.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/mJgVgDSk2HT2sJf4A
Nearby City: Fergus Falls, MN, Moorhead, MN, Fargo, ND, West Fargo, ND, Wahpeton, ND, Bemidji, MN, Alexandria, MN, Brainerd, MN, Grand Forks, ND, Valley City, ND, Sartell, MN, Sauk Rapids, MN, Saint Cloud, MN, Willmar, MN, Grafton, ND.
Lost Lake: Hood River County
Known as a popular recreational site and one of the best Oregon lakes, Lost Lake is located within the Mount Hood National Forest. Geographically, this lake is positioned 10.1 miles northwest of Mount Hood in Oregon. This clear water lake offers 125 campsites, facilities to hire kayaks and rowboats, seven rustic cabins, and a rustic general store.
Thus, you can choose to buy land in Oregon near this lake to earn significant ROI from your real estate investment. You can earn significant returns by leasing these lands for the development of tourist industries. This 99-hectare area is rarely touched by human development and destruction activities.
Consequently, as one of the clear lakes in Oregon, it is home to black bears, rabbits, cougars, blacktail deer, and bobcats. The Lost Lake and its surrounding region is a protected wilderness area. Also, you cannot enter this region even with a motorbike, as this will lead to pollution and distract animal habitat here.
As one of the cleanest bodies of water in Oregon, Lost Lake is home to Brown Trout, Carry Fish, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Otter, Kokanee Salmon, Crayfish, and beaver.
Best time to visit: Summer
Activities: Hiking, yurts, boating, and camping.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/tmAb5S4CpUDh81P67
Nearby City: Washougal, WA, Troutdale, OR, Camas, WA, Gresham, OR, Fairview, OR, Gladstone, OR, Milwaukie, OR, Oregon City, OR.
Diamond Lake: Douglas County
Diamond Lake is among the most beautiful and clear water lakes in Oregon known for its breathtaking views and serene ambiance. This Oregon lake lies within the Umpqua National Forest between Mount Bailey and Mount Thiessen.
As crystal clear lakes in Oregon, this lake hosts a natural water body and features trails connecting the lake to the two mountains and the Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking on these trails is the best activity for nature lovers as they can indulge in bird watching while exploring the flora and fauna of this region. You can also buy land in its proximity and lease it for hunting land and hiking purposes and earn significant returns from the tourism sector.
Furthermore, in summer, travelers visit this lake for swimming, horseback riding, hunting, and other outdoor activities. But in winter, Diamond Lake turns into a popular spot for snowmobiling, inner tubing, sled dog racing, and skiing. This Oregon lake is a true heaven for anglers. Diamond Lake also features five boat ramps with paved access which makes it one of the perfect lakes to visit in Oregon.
Best time to visit: All year round – April, May, and early June
Activities: Bicycling, horseback riding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fishing (rainbow trout), hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/AS3yKyU9syx1YKTs9
Nearby City: Roseburg, OR, Central Point, OR, Klamath Falls, OR, Medford, OR, Altamont, OR, Bend, OR, Ashland, OR, Springfield, OR.
Crescent Lake: Klamath County
Crescent Lake is another best and prettiest lakes in Oregon that lies on the Cascade Range on the eastern side of Klamath County, Oregon. It is a natural lake formed in a glacial deposit and got its name for its crescent-like shape.
This Oregon lake has marvelous views and is an excellent place for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The Crescent Lake area has many trails and areas for off-road vehicles.
Several campgrounds and boat ramps surrounding Crescent Lake offer plenty of fun activities for nature lovers. Here, visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, sailing, water skiing, and similar adventurous activities.
This lake in Oregon has abundant fish, including Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee Salmon, as well as other varieties of Trout. Tourists also visit the Willamette Pass Ski Resort near the road for a cozy stay with the whole family. There are many existing and upcoming resort projects budding around this Oregon lake. This highlights the relevance of properties around this lake while considering top states to buy land.
Best time to visit: All year round
Activities: Fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, riding, skiing, and dog sled racing.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/toDooAU1h8LajR2Q9
Nearby City: Bend, OR, Roseburg, OR, Klamath Falls, OR, Redmond, OR, Springfield, OR, Eugene, OR, Altamont, OR, and Lebanon, OR.
Lake Billy Chinook: Jefferson County
Lake Billy Chinook is a reservoir among the beautiful Oregon lakes surrounded by public land in Jefferson County, Oregon. This lake spreads over 1,600 areas and contains 72 mi (116 km) of shoreline.
Situated at the confluence of the Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius Rivers, Lake Billy Chinook is a popular reservoir. This famous lake of Oregon lies within a canyon carved by three rivers more than 10 million years ago.
Lake Billy Chinook is also a perfect destination for water activities like boating, sailing, and water skiing. It is also a splendid destination for fishing. This Oregon lake is also home to fish like Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Sockeye Salmon, Kokanee, and Largemouth Bass. Thus, if you are looking to buy land and earn wholesome ROI from recreational tourism, consider searching here.
Best time to visit: Open all year round for angling Metolius arm from March 1 to October 31.
Activities: Fishing, Water Activities, Motor Boating, Swimming, Waterskiing, and Windsurfing.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/tW1PEvWPPP7mz6nf7
Nearby City: Culver, OR
Odell Lake: Klamath County
Located near Willamette Pass in Klamath County, Odell Lake is the ultimate destination for vacationing among the best lakes in Oregon. It is surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest and gives breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains. Odell Lake’s proximity to Willamette Pass attracts visitors to explore and enjoy its beauty when traveling along.
The climate and scenic beauty around this lake make it a worthy option for real estate investors opting to buy land in Oregon.
As an angler’s favorite spot among the Oregon lakes, Odell Lake holds state records as a breeding ground for Lake Trout. Other species of fish found in the lake include Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee Salmon.
Odell Lake has three well-developed campgrounds around its shoreline. This crystal-clear lake in Oregon also hosts a few boat ramps for motorized and non-motorized boats. Visitors can also enjoy water skiing, sailing, and windsurfing.
Best time to visit: All year round
Activities: Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, Hiking, Frisbee Golf, Lake Tours, Hay Rides, downhill skiing, Biking, snowboarding, nesting, horseback riding, fishing, and guided fishing.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/6XkbYNw7bnhPgGyVA
Nearby City: Bend, OR (65 mi)
Upper Klamath Lake: Klamath County
With a surface area of 24,906 hectares, Upper Klamath Lake is the largest freshwater Oregon lake. Upper Klamath Lake is a massive, shallow, and cleanest lake in Oregon, it sits east of the Cascade Range in south-central Oregon. It is situated at an elevation of 1,260 meters above sea level.
Furthermore, Upper Klamath Lake is approximately 8 miles wide and 25 miles long. Lake Klamath is a must-visit natural attraction in Oregon, surrounded by dense forests and snow-covered mountains.
The Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex is located at the very north end of this lake. Fishing, hunting, and boating are popular activities to enjoy here. Furthermore, you can also choose from a plethora of options for wildlife explorations around this beautiful lake in Oregon to treat the nature lover in you.
Best time to visit: February through November
Activities: Camping, boating, fishing, bird watching, and hunting.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ush5uhqXncRFjisB8
Nearby City: Bend, OR.
Strawberry Lake: Grant County
Another major lake in Oregon is Strawberry Lake, which is about 10 miles south of Prairie City in Grant County. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, this water body covers about 36 acres enveloped in lush green forests. Strawberry Campground lies at the eastern edge of Sly Creek Reservoir. Its trailhead connects to other trails in the forest, providing day hiking and other backpacking trips.
The most popular recreational activities in the Strawberry Lake basin include skiing, fishing, hiking, backpacking, and camping. This growing demand for recreational activities near Strawberry Lake attracts real estate investors for land investment in Oregon among other top states to buy land. Kindly note that there is no road accessibility to this Oregon lake during winter.
Nevertheless, you can access this place through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Fishing in Strawberry Lake is open all year round, with an abundance of Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout.
Best time to visit: Late September to early October.
Activities: skiing, fishing, hiking, and backpacking.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/PbZMnvYFi5cPbLsT9
Nearby City: Prairie City (10 miles)
To conclude, Oregon is home to stunning lakes that are ideal for recreational activities for nature and adventure lovers of all ages. However, if you are planning to dive deep, Scout Lake and Bays Lake are the best Oregon lakes for swimming.
Moreover, these two lakes also offer perfect sites for camping and hiking to explore the natural beauty of Oregon. Also, with this, now you have a brief idea for investing in land to own the best lakefront properties.
If you are an interested investor aiming to purchase lakefront properties or exciting land for sale opportunities, connect with our real estate experts today.
