Escape the summer heat and splash around in these lakes that are great for swimming in Central Oregon.
Summer would not be complete in Central Oregon without days spent swimming at a lake. With beautiful lakes in every direction, splashing around in one of these spots is the perfect activity for a hot summer day. Whether it be a day trip with friends or a camping trip with the family, these lakes have it all. No need to break out that fancy boat or canoe, these lakes are accessible for those looking to relax on a sandy beach and enjoy the beautiful Central Oregon views. Check out our picks for the best swimming lakes near Bend.
Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake, aptly named for its shape, lies on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains about sixty-five miles southwest of Bend. With more than twelve miles of wooded shoreline and sandy beaches and 4,008 acres of blue-green water, the lake offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether this be jumping off the docks and taking a swim or sailing across the glassy water, this lake has a little something for everybody. Motorized boats are permitted, making it a popular spot for waterskiing and fishing. The surrounding wooded area also features trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Distance from Bend: 1 hour 20 minutes
Water activities permitted: motorized and non-motorized watercrafts
Parking: $5 or NW Forest Pass at day use area
Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp
Scout Lake
Resembling more of a pond than a lake, Scout Lake is the little sibling of Suttle Lake, a higher trafficked destination just a few miles up the road. Although Scout Lake is the local swimming hole for Sisters residents, it is rarely crowded. The warm water and sandy shores make the lake ideal for swimming. A small campground with nine sites is just adjacent to the day use area. Whether you are camping or using the day use area, remember to leave your furry friend at home. For sanitation and safety concerns, Scout Lake is one of the few recreation sites in the Deschutes National Forest where dogs are not allowed.
Distance from Bend: 50 minutes
Water activities permitted: non-motorized watercrafts
Parking: $5 or NW Forest Pass at day use area, limited parking available
Facilities: restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables
South Twin Lake
Among the Cascade lakes, South Twin Lake is one of the smaller, less-frequented spots for swimming. The lake boasts sandy shores and water warm enough to swim in during the summer months. Motor boats are not allowed, enhancing the tranquility of the lake. With a surface area of ninety-nine acres and an average depth of thirty-three feet, it’s a good size to explore on kayak or canoe on for a little family fun. The lake is also known for its rainbow trout fishing, as well as the 1.6-mile-long loop trail along the shore and the offshoot trail leading to North Twin Lake. Both South and North Twin Lakes were formed around 20,000 years ago from volcanic activity that created the two craters that later filled with water.
Distance from Bend: 45 minutes
Water activities permitted: non-motorized watercraft
Parking: $5 or NW Forest Pass
Facilities: restrooms
Cultus Lake
Located approximately forty-eight miles southwest of Bend, Cultus Lake is a popular glacier-formed lake off of the Cascade Lakes Highway. Although it is one of the farthest Cascade lakes from Bend, it is well-worth the travel. Several scenic beach spots are accessible at the day use area without any kind of watercraft. The entire lake is surrounded by a dense, mixed conifer forest with views of Cultus Mountain. The lake is known for being one of the only Cascade Lakes that allows high speed motorized boats. There are opportunities for waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and jet skiing as well as hiking and mountain biking trails that lead north into the Three Sisters Wilderness.
Distance from Bend: 1 hour
Water activities permitted: motorized and non-motorized watercraft
Parking: $5 or NW Forest Pass at day use area
Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp
Lake Billy Chinook
Lake Billy Chinook lies just west of Madras at the crossroads of the Deschutes, Metolius and Crooked rivers. The lake spans 3,997 acres and reaches depths of 415 feet. It is surrounded by 400-foot cliffs reminiscent of those at Yosemite and, with arms that splinter off in every direction, the lake boasts seventy-two miles of shoreline. The lake features a day use area with picnic tables and a closed-off swimming area fit for the whole family. If wishing to access the more secluded shores or the picturesque Kettle Falls, hop on any kind of watercraft. Cove Palisades State Park is located just up the road on the cliffs towering above the lake and is a hub for all types of family camping.
Distance from Bend: 1 hour 20 minutes
Water activities permitted: motorized and non-motorized watercraft
Parking: $5 or NW Forest Pass at day use area
Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp
Paulina Lake
About twenty-five miles south of Bend, Paulina Lake is situated at the basin of the Newberry Volcano caldera, featuring views of thousands of years of volcanic activity. You can find picnic areas and swimming beaches at the day use area. Since the water comes largely from snowmelt, it can be cold for swimming in early season. Luckily, a short hike on the Paulina Lake Loop Trail leads to geothermal hot springs along the north shore. If looking for more swimming opportunities, turn off Paulina Lake Road before reaching the lake for a short hike to Paulina Falls along Paulina Creek. Just past the falls, you can find swimming holes and natural waterslides great for a hot summer day.
Distance from Bend: 1 hour 20 minutes
Water activities permitted: motorized and non-motorized watercraft
Parking: $5 or NW Forest Pass at day use area
Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp
