Crescent Lake – Water Paradise in the Deschutes National Forest

Crescent Lake gets its name from its distinctive crescent shape and is a scenic destination on the eastern side of the Cascade Range in Deschutes National Forest, about an hour from Bend. It is one of several lakes in the area, including nearby Odell Lake, Davis Lake, and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway chain.

Surrounded by wooded shorelines and sandy beaches, Crescent Lake features clear blue-green waters and a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, camping, and picnicking, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Crescent Lake Resort offers accommodations, along with boat, kayak, and bike rentals for those looking to explore both the water and surrounding trails.

Water Activities

The lake’s calm waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Popular sandy beaches such as North and South Simax provide excellent spots for water access and relaxation.

Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

The area surrounding Crescent Lake features scenic trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. While most major trails begin outside the lake area, Crescent Lake serves as a great starting point for exploring the forested landscape and nearby routes.

Boating

Crescent Lake is open to both motorized and non-motorized boats, offering ample space for all types of watercraft. With 12.4 miles of shoreline and 4,500 acres of surface area, there’s plenty of room for boating, fishing, and paddling. Multiple boat launch areas are available around the lake for easy access.

Fishing

Crescent Lake is a fishing paradise, offering opportunities to catch various species from both boat and shore. While the heavily forested lakeshore limits bank access to campgrounds and open areas, anglers can still find prime fishing spots.

The best fishing areas are near the resort's north end and along the southwest and southeast shores. The lake reaches a maximum depth of approximately 265 feet, with steep drop-offs along the shorelines—often plunging to 40 feet or more just offshore.

Fish Species & Best Fishing Spots

Lake Trout (Mackinaw):  The primary catch at Crescent Lake, averaging 5-10 pounds, with trophy fish reaching 20+ pounds and some over 30 pounds. During the spring, these predatory fish can be found in shallow water, around 5-10 feet deep, at the north end of the lake. In summer, lake trout live at depths between 80 and 130 feet. You can also catch some mackinaw near the southern shore between Rainbow Point and Contorta Flat Campground.

Kokanee: Typically found at 30-60 feet deep, averaging 12-14 inches, with some reaching 20 inches. The best areas for kokanee fishing are near the north end of the lake, in front of the summer homes southwest of the resort, and on the southeast shore near the Simax Beach Campground.

Rainbow & Brown Trout: Plentiful throughout the lake, especially during early season, when they can be caught from shore or float tubes.

Mountain Whitefish & Bull Trout: Present in the lake, but bull trout is a threatened species—be sure to follow catch-and-release regulations if caught.

Tranquil Cove is a day-use area with a basic boat ramp.

North and South Simax are two sandy day-use beaches where you can enjoy picnicing, swiming, boating and kayaking.

Seven campgrounds surround the lake, including primitive and RV spots. For more comfortable accommodation, rent a yurt at Crescent Lake Campground or stay at Hoodoo's Crescent Lake Lodge & Resort.

Hoodoo's Crescent Lake Lodge & Resort is often just called Crescent Lake Resort. It has multiple cabins to stay at, equipment rentals, a restaurant, and more.

Crescent Lake Campground has 47 campsites with firepits and tables, a boat ramp, drinking water, and restrooms. You can also rent a yurt for a more comfortable stay.

Whitefish Horse Camp is a campground with corrals for horses. There are vault toilets and potable water.

Windy Group Campground is a group campsite with picnic tables and a vault toilet but no drinking water.

Spring Campground has 68 campsites (no RV hook-up), a vault toilet, potable water, and a boat ramp.

Contorta Point Group Campground is a popular site with a vault toilet and no drinking water.

Contorta Flat Campground is a small campground with 18 campsites, vault toilets, and no drinking water.

Simax Group Campground is a group campsite with picnic tables, potable water, and a vault toilet.

Reservations can be done online through Recreation.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long-term stays at the Crescent Lake