Attractions: Lakes & Rivers

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.

The 23-acre Devils Lake sits where the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway turns south—and while it’s far from the largest reservoir in the area, Devils Lake offers an abundance of adventure for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes.

The 400-acre Elk Lake is one of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway’s most popular stops—with experiences geared toward day-trippers and overnight visitors alike. Best of all: Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters dominate the horizon wherever you enjoy the lake, providing some of the area’s most scenic views.

Sparks Lake is one of the first alpine lakes that visitors come to along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway—and is among the most iconic destinations anywhere in Central Oregon. At various points around the lake, views include Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and (most famously) South Sister—the tallest peak in the region and the third-tallest in…

The magic of the Metolius River is on full display the second its headwaters emerge from a spring at the base of Black Butte near Sisters. From there, over the course of 29 miles, the crystal-clear river fascinates and hypnotizes just about everyone lucky enough to visit its teal-hued waters.