• Crane Prairie Reservoir is a scenic shallow lake with stunning views of Cascade Mountains
An artificial lake, Crane Prairie Reservoir is located along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway in the beautiful scenery of the Deschutes National Forest. The relatively shallow crystal-clear lake features picturesque views of South Sister and Mount Bachelor on the horizon.
The reservoir was formed by constructing a dam across the Deschutes River in 1922 for irrigation purposes. The Deschutes River itself is originated 8.4 miles north at Little Lava Lake. After the Crane Prairie Reservoir, the river continues its way for 5 miles south to Wickiup Reservoir.
The 3,420-acre reservoir was named for the Sandhill cranes that inhabit its wetland. Besides cranes, this area attracts many migrating and nesting birds including ospreys, bald eagles, cormorants, Canada geese, terns, and ducks. An observation area is located on the west side of the reservoir where you can see birds on snags and artificial nesting poles. Ospreys that dived for fish can be seen from May through October.
Crane Prairie Reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, swimming, and tubing along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy excellent trout fishing, scenic boat rides, wildlife watching, and relaxing days surrounded by the beauty of the forest.
Crane Prairie Reservoir Day-Use Areas
Crane Prairie Resort and Crane Prairie Campground & Boating Site are located on the reservoir's northeast shore, along with a grocery store, gas station, and boat rentals.
Browns Mountain Boating Site offers another access point, especially suitable for small boats and paddlers looking for a quieter area of the reservoir.
Rock Creek Campground, Day-Use & Boating Site, provide additional access for all who want to launch a boat, fish, or spend the day near the water without camping overnight. Facilities include a boat ramp, boat docks, a fish cleaning station, and a small parking area for trailers.
Quinn River Campground, Day-Use & Boating Site is located 1.4 miles north of the Rock Creek Campground. The site features a boat ramp and a gravel parking area for trailers.
Osprey Point Trail & Wildlife Viewing Area
Located on the west side of Crane Prairie Reservoir, Osprey Point is a short interpretive trail that provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The short interpretive trail winds through a twisted pine forest and provides opportunities to watch ospreys, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and other waterfowl. Viewing areas near nesting platforms offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
Picnic tables and a vault toilet are available at the trailhead.
Fishing
Crane Prairie Reservoir is well known for its outstanding fishing opportunities. Rainbow trout are abundant in the reservoir's nutrient-rich waters, and anglers have a good chance of catching a trophy "cranebow" rainbow trout weighing between 4 and 10 pounds. Other fish species include mountain whitefish, brook trout, brown trout, and kokanee.
The reservoir is also considered one of Oregon's premier largemouth bass fisheries. Dense aquatic vegetation and submerged timber provide excellent habitat and an abundant food supply, making Crane Prairie Reservoir a favorite destination for bass anglers.
Camping at Lodging at Crane Prairie Reservoir
Crane Prairie Reservoir offers several campgrounds where visitors can stay overnight and enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching. Most campsites are located near the water and provide easy access to boat launches and fishing areas.
Crane Prairie Campground & Boating Site is located on the northeast shore of the reservoir and offers tent and RV camping, a boat ramp, and access to excellent fishing areas. The nearby Crane Prairie Resort provides additional amenities, including cabins, RV sites, a marina, boat rentals, fuel, and a small store.
Rock Creek Campground is located on the west side of the reservoir and offers campsites, a boat ramp, docks, and a fish cleaning station. The campground provides convenient access for anglers and boaters.
Quinn River Campground is located about 1.4 miles north of Rock Creek Campground. It offers camping, a boat ramp, and a gravel parking area suitable for trailers.
Reservations for Forest Service campgrounds can be made online through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
If camping is not your preferred way to stay overnight, consider nearby hotels, vacation rentals, or cabins that provide a comfortable base for exploring Crane Prairie Reservoir and the surrounding Cascade Lakes area.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Cascade Lakes Highway
Crane Prairie Reservoir | Facts
Open: Year-round; the roads are closed in winters
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic sites, boat ramps
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes or Interagency Senior/Access/Military Pass for all Day-Use and boating sites; Free for Osprey Point Trailhead
Elevation: 4,270 ft (1,301 m)
Crane Prairie Resort is located:
- 37 miles west of Bend
- 110 miles east of Eugene
- 200 miles southeast of Portland.
Facts
Body of water: Reservoir
Surface area: 3,420 acres
Shoreline: 22 miles (35 km)
Maximum depth: 20 ft (6 m)
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Crane Prairie Reservoir
From Bend,
- Take Cascade Lakes Highway 46 and travel 46 miles southwest to Forest Road 40
- Turn left onto FR 40 and continue 3 miles to Forest Road 4270
- Turn right onto FR 4270 and continue 3.4 miles to the destination.
Phone: 541-383-3939