There is so much natural beauty in Oregon, and that includes over 1,400 named lakes in this state alone. When it comes to choosing the most beautiful among them, we wouldn’t know where to start, so we polled our readers on our Only In Oregon Facebook page to find out their favorites. We had many responses, but these 12 beautiful lakes in Oregon received the most love in the comments.
- Crater Lake
Lori Ann Uhrick via Only In Oregon This dramatic lake in south-central Oregon was mentioned by more of our readers than any other, and for good reason. This breathtaking volcanic crater lake is loved for its clear water, picturesque island, and deep blue color. At 1,949 feet, it is the deepest lake in the United States.
- Diamond Lake
David McGuire via Only In Oregon This natural lake is located in Umpqua National Forest, not far from Crater Lake. Its crystal-clear water is gorgeous in any season. The lake and surrounding area are particularly popular for fishing and swimming during the summer months and snowshoeing and skiing in winter. Visitors can stay at one of several campgrounds around the lake or the Diamond Lake Resort.
- Trillium Lake
Margot Foley via Only In Oregon Trillium Lake is a man-made lake formed by a dam that was built in 1960 at the headwaters of Mud Creek. This pretty lake offers fantastic views of Mount Hood and is just about 90 minutes by car from Portland, making it a great little getaway spot.
- Clear Lake
Kimberly Long-Stroda via Only In Oregon Located in an ancient mountain forest, Clear Lake is fed by runoff from the surrounding peaks. The lake is essentially two bodies of water connected by a narrow passage. Swimmers and divers love the clear visibility of this brightly colored lake.
- Detroit Lake
Sheila Sund/Flickr Gorgeous Detroit Lake is a canyon reservoir that stores water to be used by nearby communities, including Salem. Scenic, forested hills surround this lake which draws visitors for family camping trips, weekend getaways, retreats, water and snow sports, and of course the views, which include the snow-capped Mount Jefferson.
- Sparks Lake
Shannon Rainbolt via Only In Oregon Sparks is a naturally-formed lake approximately 25 miles west of Bend, Oregon, in the Deschutes National Forest. Sparks Lake was formed thousands of years ago when the Deschutes River was blocked by lava from erupting volcanoes. The lake is relatively shallow but incredibly beautiful, surrounded by tall mountain peaks, forests, streams, and green meadows with pretty lily ponds. You can find it along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
- Waldo Lake
Vernon King via Only In Oregon Waldo Lake, named for Oregon politician John B. Waldo, is one of the largest natural lakes in the state, stretching over almost 10 square feet. It was formed by ancient glaciers and is said to be one of the purest, clearest lakes in the entire world. When conditions are right, you can see as far as 100 feet down through the waters of this serene lake.
- Paulina Lake
Ed Sink via Only In Oregon Paulina is the larger of two crater lakes in the caldera of Newberry Volcano and is fed by rainfall, snow melt, and hot springs. It sits over 6,000 feet above sea level and is especially popular for fishing. Recreational activities on the lake include boating, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing.
- Moraine Lake
Mel Rosanbalm Mays via Only In Oregon This lovely Alpine lake is high in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Moraine Lake is unique in a few ways when compared with many of Oregon’s lakes. It is ringed by a lot of volcanic rock and little vegetation, making the vibrant blue water even more striking. It is a great lake for families as it does not require a strenuous hike to access it.
- Loon Lake
Strekoza2/iStock via Getty Images Plus Loon Lake is a tranquil, narrow lake in Douglas County, just about two miles long and less than a half-mile across at its widest point. Tree-covered slopes line most of the lake while the Loon Lake Campground offers a warm, sandy beach, perfect for relaxing, sand volleyball, swimming, and more.
- Crane Prairie Reservoir
Phil Fischer via Only In Oregon In 1922. a dam was constructed that turned the upper Deschutes River Prairie into the Crane Prairie Reservoir. This man-made lake was named for the cranes that call it home. In fact, the lake attracts so many types of birds that this area has become one of Oregon’s top wildlife viewing and birdwatching destinations.
- Lake Of The Woods
Diana Henley Graves via Only In Oregon Located in southern Oregon, in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Lake of the Woods is a natural water body surrounded by old-growth forest. This is one of the most popular recreation areas in southern Oregon. There are 26 individual cabins around the lake that are open during summer and winter for the perfect lakeside getaway.
From lakes to rivers to the coastline, this state is known for its water, and these beautiful Oregon lakes help explain its reputation. If you are a water lover, this state should be on your must-visit list, and to prove it further, take a look at our article on 15 stunning Oregon waterfalls. If you love discovering Oregon’s natural beauty, join our Oregon Nature Lovers Facebook group where you can enjoy more amazing places and photos, and share your own pics as well.
Lori Ann Uhrick via Only In Oregon
This dramatic lake in south-central Oregon was mentioned by more of our readers than any other, and for good reason. This breathtaking volcanic crater lake is loved for its clear water, picturesque island, and deep blue color. At 1,949 feet, it is the deepest lake in the United States.
David McGuire via Only In Oregon
This natural lake is located in Umpqua National Forest, not far from Crater Lake. Its crystal-clear water is gorgeous in any season. The lake and surrounding area are particularly popular for fishing and swimming during the summer months and snowshoeing and skiing in winter. Visitors can stay at one of several campgrounds around the lake or the Diamond Lake Resort.
Margot Foley via Only In Oregon
Trillium Lake is a man-made lake formed by a dam that was built in 1960 at the headwaters of Mud Creek. This pretty lake offers fantastic views of Mount Hood and is just about 90 minutes by car from Portland, making it a great little getaway spot.
Kimberly Long-Stroda via Only In Oregon
Located in an ancient mountain forest, Clear Lake is fed by runoff from the surrounding peaks. The lake is essentially two bodies of water connected by a narrow passage. Swimmers and divers love the clear visibility of this brightly colored lake.
Sheila Sund/Flickr
Gorgeous Detroit Lake is a canyon reservoir that stores water to be used by nearby communities, including Salem. Scenic, forested hills surround this lake which draws visitors for family camping trips, weekend getaways, retreats, water and snow sports, and of course the views, which include the snow-capped Mount Jefferson.
Shannon Rainbolt via Only In Oregon
Sparks is a naturally-formed lake approximately 25 miles west of Bend, Oregon, in the Deschutes National Forest. Sparks Lake was formed thousands of years ago when the Deschutes River was blocked by lava from erupting volcanoes. The lake is relatively shallow but incredibly beautiful, surrounded by tall mountain peaks, forests, streams, and green meadows with pretty lily ponds. You can find it along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Vernon King via Only In Oregon
Waldo Lake, named for Oregon politician John B. Waldo, is one of the largest natural lakes in the state, stretching over almost 10 square feet. It was formed by ancient glaciers and is said to be one of the purest, clearest lakes in the entire world. When conditions are right, you can see as far as 100 feet down through the waters of this serene lake.
Ed Sink via Only In Oregon
Paulina is the larger of two crater lakes in the caldera of Newberry Volcano and is fed by rainfall, snow melt, and hot springs. It sits over 6,000 feet above sea level and is especially popular for fishing. Recreational activities on the lake include boating, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing.
Mel Rosanbalm Mays via Only In Oregon
This lovely Alpine lake is high in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Moraine Lake is unique in a few ways when compared with many of Oregon’s lakes. It is ringed by a lot of volcanic rock and little vegetation, making the vibrant blue water even more striking. It is a great lake for families as it does not require a strenuous hike to access it.
Strekoza2/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Loon Lake is a tranquil, narrow lake in Douglas County, just about two miles long and less than a half-mile across at its widest point. Tree-covered slopes line most of the lake while the Loon Lake Campground offers a warm, sandy beach, perfect for relaxing, sand volleyball, swimming, and more.
Phil Fischer via Only In Oregon
In 1922. a dam was constructed that turned the upper Deschutes River Prairie into the Crane Prairie Reservoir. This man-made lake was named for the cranes that call it home. In fact, the lake attracts so many types of birds that this area has become one of Oregon’s top wildlife viewing and birdwatching destinations.
Diana Henley Graves via Only In Oregon
Located in southern Oregon, in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Lake of the Woods is a natural water body surrounded by old-growth forest. This is one of the most popular recreation areas in southern Oregon. There are 26 individual cabins around the lake that are open during summer and winter for the perfect lakeside getaway.
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