I still remember the first time I set out on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway near Bend, Oregon. If you love a true Oregon road trip with stunning views, this is for you. Have you ever cruised along a highway and felt like every turn showed off a new postcard-perfect scene? That’s exactly what you get with the Cascade Lakes.

The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 66-mile scenic drive that winds past 14 sparkling alpine lakes in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains.

It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick adventure from Bend, Oregon, or a weekend of outdoor recreation. You can do the whole drive in about three hours, but honestly, why rush? You’ll want to stop for:

Hiking through the pine forests
Camping at lakeside campgrounds
Fishing in clear mountain lakes
Kayaking or paddleboarding on calm water
Snapping photos of those classic Oregon volcano views

Getting started is easy. Begin your Cascade Lakes road trip in Bend, Oregon, by heading out on Century Drive (Route 46, also called Cascade Lakes Highway). Or, if you want a different route, start from Highway 58 near Crescent Lake. The road is well-marked and climbs through the beautiful Deschutes National Forest, so you’re surrounded by scenery the whole way.

Let me tell you my personal favorite part - the stretch between Mount Bachelor and Crane Prairie Reservoir. That’s where you’ll see:

Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Three Sisters: famous peaks in Central Oregon
Eleven named Cascade lakes, each with its own charm
Crystal-clear water, rugged lava flows, and endless pine trees

If you only have a few hours for your Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway adventure, here’s a quick loop:

Start in Bend, drive to Sunriver, and take the route past Little Lava Lake and Lava Lake. The Deschutes River actually begins here, and at Lava Lake, you’ll find a rustic resort and a store with a killer view of South Sister. In summer, you might even spot hummingbirds visiting the porch feeders.

Elk Lake is another highlight. Whether you want to swim, paddle, or just relax, Elk Lake is a must-stop. Elk Lake Resort is open year-round, offering cabins, marina rentals, and amazing views of South Sister and Mount Bachelor. In summer, it’s a hub for windsurfing and family fun. In winter, you can even arrive by snowmobile or dogsled and enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails.

Not far from Elk Lake, you’ll find Devils Lake. It is known for its bright turquoise water, and the dramatic black lava flows nearby. Stop and check out Devil’s Pile, a volcanic rock formation where Apollo astronauts once collected rocks for the moon missions. Pretty wild, right?

Don’t forget: The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway usually opens in May or June and closes in October or early November because of snow. Always check the conditions before you go.

Below is a list of lakes, along with a brief description of each.

13 Best Cascade Lakes to Visit in Oregon

Todd Lake

Todd Lake is a beautiful glacial lake sitting at an elevation of 6,150 feet at the base of Broken Top Mountain. Todd Lake may not be your typical Central Oregon swimming spot, but its high elevation, alpine setting, and stunning views make it a memorable place to hike, fish, paddle, or simply relax by the water.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Todd Lake first on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a breathtaking introduction to the region’s mountain scenery.

Todd Lake: The Highest Elevation Cascade Lake

Sparks Lake

Sparks Lake is a serene, crystal-clear mountain lake situated against a backdrop of black volcanic rock, lush green meadows, and snow-capped peaks of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor, all visible against the wide blue sky. Sparks Lake is a high-elevation gem at 5,400 feet, offering some of the best scenery along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Formed by ancient lava flows, this lake is perfect for hiking, paddling, fly fishing, or simply relaxing on the shore with a picnic.

Traveling from Bend, Sparks Lake is about 25 miles west on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, and it is an easy and rewarding stop for outdoor lovers and photographers.

Sparks Lake: Iconic Volcanic Views and Classic Central Oregon Adventure

Devils Lake

Devils Lake is a small, glowing turquoise lake sits surrounded by tall pine trees and dense forest, with fluffy white clouds reflected on the calm, shallow water. Devils Lake is the shallowest of the Cascade Lakes, sitting at 5,450 feet in the Deschutes National Forest. Its crystal-clear, “devilishly blue” water and easy access make it a favorite spot for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll find Devils Lake about 29 miles west along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a can’t-miss stop for anyone who loves peaceful scenery and classic Central Oregon adventure.

Devils Lake: The Shallowest and Brightest Blue Gem of the Cascade Lakes

Elk Lake

Elk Lake is where families relax on sandy beaches beside sparkling blue water, backed by towering ponderosa pines and the snow-capped peaks of the Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor under a bright summer sky. Elk Lake is a high-elevation Cascade lake at 4,800 feet, known for its clear water, sand-and-pebble shoreline, and classic Central Oregon scenery.

This favorite spot offers swimming, boating, windsurfing, hiking, and some of the best lakeside camping in the region.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Elk Lake about 32 miles southwest on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a lively and popular stop for outdoor fun all summer long.

Elk Lake: Central Oregon’s Classic Lake for Family Adventure

Hosmer Lake

At Hosmer Lake, kayakers and paddleboarders glide across clear blue-green water, surrounded by tall marsh grasses and deep green pine forest, with Mount Bachelor and South Sister rising in the distance under a bright sky. Hosmer Lake is a peaceful, shallow lake at 4,964 feet, known for its calm waters, marshy channels, and stunning mountain views. This quiet gem is perfect for fly fishing, paddling, birdwatching, or just soaking up the wild beauty of the Cascades.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Hosmer Lake about 39 miles west on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a serene escape for anyone who loves nature and a slower pace.

Hosmer Lake: Central Oregon’s Marshland Paradise for Paddling and Wildlife

Lava Lake

Lava Lake is a classic volcanic lake at 4,740 feet in the Deschutes National Forest, shaped by ancient lava flows and surrounded by rugged black rock. This popular spot is ideal for trout fishing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and camping, offering lively summer days and numerous peaceful corners to unwind.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Lava Lake about 25 miles southwest on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a favorite destination for anglers, paddlers, and families seeking mountain lake adventure.

Lava Lake: A Volcanic Playground for Fishing, Boating, and Summer Fun

Little Lava Lake

Little Lava Lake is a small, peaceful volcanic lake at 4,744 feet in the Deschutes National Forest. Known for calm waters, black lava rock shores, and fewer crowds than its neighbor, this hidden gem is perfect for trout fishing, paddling, swimming, and lakeside camping.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Little Lava Lake about 26 miles southwest on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a quiet retreat for anglers, paddlers, and anyone looking for relaxed mountain scenery.

Little Lava Lake: A Tranquil Fishing and Paddling Escape in the Cascades

Cultus Lake

Cultus Lake is a glacier-fed lake at 4,500 feet in the Deschutes National Forest, offering sandy beaches, cool blue water, and plenty of room for fishing, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, and camping. With mountain views and a lively summer scene, it’s a classic stop for all kinds of outdoor fun.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Cultus Lake about 47 miles southwest on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a favorite destination for anglers, boaters, and families looking for lakeside adventure.

Cultus Lake: Glacier Water, Big Beaches, and Endless Summer Recreation

Crane Prairie Reservoir

Crane Prairie Reservoir is a shallow, 4,270-foot artificial lake in the Deschutes National Forest, famous for trophy-sized “cranebow” rainbow trout, abundant bass, and outstanding birdwatching. With easy access, campgrounds, and plenty of space for fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing, it’s a favorite for families and outdoor lovers.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Crane Prairie Reservoir about 37 miles southwest on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a must-visit destination for anglers, birders, and campers.

Crane Prairie Reservoir: Big Trout, Birdlife, and Laid-Back Cascade Lake Vibes

North Twin Lake

North Twin Lake is a unique, high-elevation crater lake at 4,150 feet in the Deschutes National Forest, formed by ancient volcanic activity. Known for its warm summer swimming, great trout fishing, and scenic shoreline, it’s a top spot for families, paddlers, and campers looking for a peaceful Cascade retreat.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach North Twin Lake about 38 miles west on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a hidden gem for swimming, boating, and classic Oregon lake days.

North Twin Lake: A Warm, Family-Friendly Crater Lake in the Pines

South Twin Lake

South Twin Lake is a shallow crater lake at 4,050 feet in the Deschutes National Forest, formed by a dramatic volcanic explosion 20,000 years ago. Known for warm summer swimming, easy fishing for stocked rainbow trout, and peaceful non-motorized boating, it’s a top choice for campers and outdoor lovers.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach South Twin Lake about 38 miles west on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a friendly, laid-back spot for swimming, fishing, and classic Oregon lake days.

South Twin Lake: A Warm, Sandy-Bottom Crater Lake for Family Fun

Wickiup Reservoir

Wickiup Reservoir is the second largest in Oregon, sitting at 4,150 feet in the Deschutes National Forest. Known for record-size brown trout, great bass fishing, summer swimming, and miles of shoreline for camping and wildlife viewing, it’s a go-to spot for anyone craving big water adventure in the Cascades.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Wickiup Reservoir about 41 miles southwest on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - perfect for anglers, campers, and families who love the outdoors.

Wickiup Reservoir: Oregon’s Big Water Playground for Fishing, Boating, and Wildlife

Davis Lake

Davis Lake is a shallow volcanic lake at 4,200 feet in the Deschutes National Forest, created by lava flows that blocked Odell Creek. Most popular for excellent fly fishing for trophy rainbow trout and bass, it’s a peaceful spot for boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, it is not ideal for swimming.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Davis Lake about 55 miles southwest on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway - a classic destination for fly fishers and those seeking quiet, scenic water.

Davis Lake: A Volcanic Fly Fishing Paradise in the Central Oregon Cascades

Crescent Lake

Crescent Lake is a crescent-shaped mountain lake at 4,800 feet in the Deschutes National Forest, known for its scenic shoreline, excellent fishing, and endless space for boating, paddling, swimming, and camping. With multiple boat ramps, lakeside campgrounds, and a popular resort, it’s a favorite destination for outdoor adventure.

Traveling from Bend, you’ll reach Crescent Lake about 66 miles southwest - a perfect spot for anglers, boaters, and families seeking classic mountain lake fun.

Crescent Lake: A Scenic Cascade Gem for Boating, Fishing, and Sandy Beach Days

Odell Lake

Odell Lake is a glacial lake at 4,787 feet in the Deschutes National Forest, famous for record-breaking mackinaw, excellent trout fishing, and endless options for boating, camping, and hiking. With multiple campgrounds, 2 full-service resorts, and cold, clear water, it’s a paradise for anglers and outdoor lovers.