• Elk Lake is a high-elevation lake along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
• Sand-and-pebble beaches and blue crystal-clear water make the lake inviting for swimming
Elk Lake is a high-elevation lake located within the Deschutes National Forest along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, about 32 miles southwest of Bend. It covers 405 acres and has 5.1 miles of shoreline. Elk Lake is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, boating, windsurfing, hiking, and camping.
Elk Lake Resort, on the east side of the lake, is a great base for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowcat tours in the winter. Rentals for snowmobiles, snowshoes, and fat-tire bikes are available.
Nearby, the historic Elk Lake Guard Station—built in 1929 as a base for forest guards—is now a visitor information center. Here, you can learn about the lives and work of early forest rangers in the last century.
The lake offers a pristine setting with stunning scenery surrounded by ponderosa pine forests. The snow-capped Three Sisters rise to the north, while Mount Bachelor towers over the eastern shore.
Elk Lake is the most popular and heavily used of the Cascade Lakes. It features three day-use areas, four campgrounds, a resort, boat ramps, and several hiking trails.
The lake is open year-round, but snow and ice typically limit access from November through late May.
Swimming & Windsurfing
With long stretches of sand-and-pebble beaches and crystal-clear blue water, Elk Lake is an inviting place to swim in late summer. As a high-altitude lake, water temperatures reach a comfortable 65–70°F by August. The shoreline is shallow, making it a safe and family-friendly destination.
Top swimming spots include Sunset View Day Use Area (east side), Little Fawn Campground and Day Use Area (southeast), South Beach Picnic Area (southwest), and Elk Lake Resort and Marina (west).
The lake is also popular for sailing and windsurfing, with windsurfing typically launching from Sunset Cove. Canoe and boat rentals are available at Elk Lake Resort, and motorboats are limited to a 10 mph speed.
Swimming areas are closed to animals.
Each year in late July, Elk Lake hosts the Cascade Lakes Swim Festival.
Hiking
A one-mile trail connects Sunset View Day Use Area to Little Fawn Campground. Additional hiking trails lead to nearby high-elevation Cascade Lakes and connect with the Pacific Crest Trail.
Lakes in the area include Hosmer, Sparks, Blow, Doris, Devils, Todd, Cultus, Lava, and Little Lava Lakes.
The Cascade Lakes are accessed via the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, also known as Century Drive or Forest Service Road 46. The byway is closed in winter due to snow accumulation.
Elk Lake Camping and Lodging
Camping at the lake is available at Elk Lake, Little Fawn, and Point Campgrounds. Reservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or by calling toll-free 1-877-444-6777
For those seeking more comfort, Elk Lake Resort offers rustic cabins, dry camping sites, and a marina with boat rentals. The resort also provides year-round activities, including sailing, swimming, and winter sports.
Lodging is also available in Bend, just 35 miles away.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway Map
Elk Lake | Facts
Open: Year-round
Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic sites, and boat ramps
Activities: Swimming, boating, windsurfing, 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
Elevation: 4,800 ft (1,463 m)
Elk Lake is located:
- 32 miles west of Bend
- 121 miles east of Eugene
- 200 miles southeast of Portland.
Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Body of Water: Lake
Water quality: Transparent
Current (summer): None
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Sand
Water T° (summer): Cool
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Elk Lake
From Bend,
- Take Cascade Lakes Highway 46 and travel 35 miles southwest to Elk Lake.
GPS (Sunset View Day Use Area): N 43°58.471' W 121°47.675' | 43.9745, -121.7946
GPS (Little Fawn Campground): N 43°57.860' W 121°47.897' | 43.9643, -121.7983