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 pond was formed by a long-ago lava flow, and volcanic rock still covers its eastern shore today. These days, the shallow Devils Lake is best known for its bright, turquoise hue and is popular with paddlers in search of a relaxing outing—and since motor boats are not permitted, the water remains calm all day long. Anglers, meanwhile, appreciate fishing for rainbow trout and brook trout from an easily accessible shoreline.
Plenty of outdoor adventure abounds away from Devils Lake itself. An on-site trailhead, for instance, provides access to the Wickiup Plains loop trail, the popular South Sister summit hike, and the broader Three Sisters Wilderness. Also at the pond is Devils Lake Campground—home to 10 hike-in, tent-only sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Given its remote location, far from the likes of Bend and Sunriver, the clear night skies above Devils Lake offer incredible stargazing.
Open Season
Late May-Nov.
Dog Friendly and/or Leash Rules
Leashed dogs are permitted—but can go off-leash while swimming in the lake.
Best time to visit
Aug.-Sept.
Don’t Miss
If your schedule allows, try to snag one of the half-dozen hike-in, tent-only sites (available on a first-come, first-served basis)—and savor the starry night skies far from any light pollution.
Fees or Pass Needed
A Forest Pass ($5 per day pass or $30 per annual pass) or America the Beautiful pass ($80 per annual pass) is accepted; a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is also required June 15-Oct. 15 if hiking into the Three Sisters Wilderness from the Devils Lake/South Sister Trailhead or the Wickiup Plains Trailhead.
Restrictions
Motorized boats are not permitted on Devils Lake.
Activities
Camping
Picnic Tables
Paddling Water Sports
Dark Sky
Parking
Parking is available at the Devils Lake/South Sister Trailhead on the western shore of Devils Lake.
Directions
From Bend, the 28-mile drive to Devils Lake takes about 40 minutes via SW Century Drive, which becomes the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
-
Explaining the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit Program
Summer in the Central Oregon outdoors will look different this year, due largely to the unveiling of the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System. Years in the making, the new system will cap the number of day-use and overnight visitors to some of the region’s most popular trails — including Green Lakes and Soda Creek, Broken Top, South Sister, and the Tam MacArthur Rim trails.
-
Local's Guide to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Views of the Cascade Range abound all over Central Oregon, but are never more dramatic than from along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway—a seasonal highway that heads southwest of Bend and into the heart of the mountains. Along the way, visitors can swim or paddle in more than a dozen alpine lakes, admire views of the snow-capped peaks that seem to rise from their shorelines, camp under starry night skies and traverse some of the region’s best-loved hiking trails.