Elk Lake - Swimming & Fishing | Cascade Lakes

Elk Lake is a high-elevation lake situated within the Deschutes National Forest, along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, about 32 miles southwest of Bend. The lake surface area is 405 acres with 5.1 miles of shoreline. Elk Lake is a well-known popular spot for swimming, fishing, boating, windsurfing, hiking, and camping.

Elk Lake Resort on the east side of the lake is a good base for cross-country skiers, snowmobiles, and a snowcat during the winter. Snowmobiles, snow shoes, and fat tire bikes rentals are available. A historical landmark Elk Lake Guard Station is located nearby.

The guard station was built in 1929 to serve as a base for a forest guard. Now it is a visitor information center where you can learn how the forest guard lived and worked in the last century.

The beautiful lake features pristine settings with beautiful scenery amid ponderosa pine forests. The snow-capped Three Sisters Mountains rise high above the north side and Mount Bachelor towering over the eastern side of the lake.

The lake is the most popular and heavily used among other Cascade Lakes and reservoirs. There are three day-use areas, four campgrounds, a resort, boat ramps,and hiking trails around the lake.

The lake is open year-round, but snow and ice prevents access between November and late May.

Swimming & Windsurfing

Long stretches of sand-and-pebble beaches and blue crystal-clear water make this sparkling lake inviting for swimming in late summer. Because this is a high-altitude lake, surface temperatures are getting warmer and more comfortable (65-70°F) for swimming by about August. The floor near the shoreline is shallow making the lake friendly for children.

The top spots for swimming are located in Sunset View Day Use Area (east side), Little Fawn Campground and Day Use (southeast), South Beach Picnic Area (southwest), and Elk Lake Resort and Marina (west).

The lake is popular for sailing and windsurfing. Windsurfing starts from Sunset Cove.

Canoe and boat rentals are available at the Elk Lake Resort. There is a 10 mph speed limit for motorboats.

Swimming areas are closed to animals.

At the end of July, Elk Lake hosts the annual Cascade Lakes Swim Festival.

Open: Year-round
Managed by: US Forest Service
Location: Cascade Lakes Highway, Deschutes National Forest

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic sites, 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
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Popularity: Moderate to high

Accommodations: Elk Lake Resort, Little Fawn Campground, Point Campground, Elk Lake Campground. 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 stay at Cascade Lakes Highway

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