When you’re looking for a little solitude, head to the spring-fed Fall River—which sits southwest of Sunriver and northwest of La Pine, surrounded on both sides by stately stands of old-growth ponderosa pine. Fall River is most popular with anglers who enjoy fly fishing in its clear, cold waters that maintain constant flows and steady temperatures all year long. Some of the most popular species include several species of trout—such as brook, brown, and rainbow trout—and smaller whitefish.
Sitting in the foothills of the Cascade Range and surrounded by a lush forest, Suttle Lake offers an idyllic mountain retreat in all four seasons. In late September and October, the vine maples surrounding Suttle Lake come alive in hues of orange, red, and yellow as fall foliage adds pops of color to the broader forest; savor the views from along the 3.5-mile, mostly flat Suttle Lake Loop Trail. Watch for several species of bird that stop by on their way south for the winter—including loons, ospreys, and bald eagles (the latter of which nests and spends its winters at the lake). In winter, Suttle Lake calms down considerably. Savor the quiet with a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trek around the lake. Afterward, relax inside your luxe lodge room or cabin at Suttle Lodge and Boathouse on the lake’s northeastern shore; the overnight stay, open year-round, also hosts an on-site cocktail lounge. By late spring, anglers love fishing for kokanee, brown trout, and rainbow trout in Suttle Lake’s cool, clear waters. It’s around this time that a trio of campgrounds circling the lake opens for the season, as well; those welcome campers until early fall. Summer brings a jovial atmosphere to the lake, thanks to the wide range of outdoor activities available. Rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or canoe from Suttle Lodge and Boathouse; try your hand at fishing; take a leisurely walk around the lake; spend a night under the stars at Suttle Lake’s busy campgrounds; and enjoy a picnic at one of five day-use areas.”
Paulina Lake sits within the collapsed caldera of the still-active Newberry Volcano—not unlike its more famous cousin, Crater Lake—and offers summertime adventures along seemingly every square inch of its forested banks. (Just next door within the caldera, separated by a jagged lava flow and old-growth forest, is the smaller East Lake. Both pools are filled annually by rain, hot springs, and snowmelt.) Reaching 250 feet at its deepest point, Paulina Lake filled after the collapse of the Newberry Caldera. Today, the lake is typically accessible between June and late October or early November. Two day-use areas—Paulina Lake Day-Use Area and Little Crater Day Use Site—provide picnic tables, access to a local trail network near the lakeshore, and shallow boat launches. Boaters can bring their own craft—or rent from Paulina Lake Lodge on the reservoir’s western shore; the overnight lodge and marina rents canoes and kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, motorboats, and pontoon boats that seat up to 10. To see the lake from all angles, follow the Paulina Lakeshore Loop Trail–which measures 7.5 miles, gains 200 feet along the way, and rarely strays from the banks of Paulina Lake; try hiking counterclockwise for the trail’s best views. If you’re staying the night, six campgrounds sit within Newberry Caldera—and most offer easy access to Paulina Lake. Typically open between mid-June and late September, Paulina Lake Campground is among the most popular; it sits near the lake’s southwestern shore, hosts nearly 70 sites, and offers a variety of amenities—including picnic tables, campfire grills, and flush toilets.”
Todd Lake is the first pond that visitors come to when following the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway out of Bend—and the highest-elevation lake along the route—and offers a dramatic introduction to the region’s natural wonders. Just a half hour from downtown, Todd Lake is a beautiful destination in its own right—but also makes a popular jumping-off point for popular trails in the surrounding Three Sisters Wilderness. The 45-acre Todd Lake sits within a glacial cirque that likely formed up to 13,000 years ago. It sits surrounded by alpine meadows and forests of fir—and makes a lovely place to go picnicking on warm, sunny days. A 1.7-mile, mostly flat loop trail circles the lake while showcasing occasional views of Broken Top and Mount Bachelor—both of which seem close enough to touch. (Listen for the song of the Western toad and the ribbit of the Cascades frog, both of which call Todd Lake home.) Those wishing to extend their stay can pitch a tent at three walk-in sites that offer picturesque lake views. From Todd Lake, hikers can enter the Three Sisters Wilderness and access some of Central Oregon’s most popular trails and destinations—including the Soda Creek Trail, Green Lakes, and Broken Top. Anyone hiking those trails between June 15 and October 15 must have a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit before setting off.”
The beating heart of aquatic adventure in Central Oregon is Bend Whitewater Park—where a trio of Deschutes River channels invite kayakers, paddlers, surfers, and floaters to test their mettle all year long.
