Most people don’t know about the many breathtakingly beautiful, clear lakes in Oregon that are speckled throughout the stunning mountain ranges of the Beaver State. These majestic mountaintop lakes are crystal clear and perfectly serene, surrounded by rugged peaks and beautiful alpine forests. Go see these 9 alpine lakes in Oregon. They will blow you away.

1. Anthony Lake
Anthony Lakes, Oregon, USA
flickr/ Sadie_Girl
Located in the rugged Elkhorn Mountain Range of eastern Oregon, this gorgeous lake is surrounded by immense, craggy peaks, beautiful evergreens, and colorful wildflowers. Beautiful trails wind through the area and loops around the lake, and a nearby campground offers visitors the chance to spend the night here.
2. Summit Lake
Summit Lake, Oregon 97733, USA
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
This remote, lovely lake is located on the Cascade Range in the rugged Deschutes National Forest and is a wonderful place for swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, and more. If you bring a kayak or canoe, you will also have the unique opportunity to boat across the lake to a secluded island where you can pitch your tent and stay the night. However, you'll want to come prepared for mosquitos as well as bumpy gravel roads.
3. Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake, Oregon 97703, USA
flickr/ Jon Nelson
Located in the Cascade Mountains of Central Oregon, Sparks Lake is a beautiful place, full of breathtaking scenery, pristine water, mountain views, and amazing wildlife.

4. Todd Lake
Todd Lake, Oregon 97703, USA
flickr/ Pete Marquess
Todd Lakeis a beautiful body of water nestled into the Cascade Range in Central Oregon. It's a great place for picnicking, camping, fishing, and more.
5. Crater Lake
Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
This stunning Oregon lake is located off of the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway and is especially beautiful in the summer months, when the landscape is covered in colorful wildflowers. It's a wonderful, relaxing place for swimming, kayaking, hiking, camping, and more.

6. Waldo Lake
Waldo Lake, Oregon, USA
flickr/ Robert Shea
This picturesque lake in Oregon in the Willamette National Forest is one of the largest in the state, and its waters are immaculately pure and clear. Here, you'll find great opportunities for camping, swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating, and more.
7. Ice Lake
Ice Lake, Oregon 97846, USA
flickr/ Mark Schindler
Located high up in the rugged summit peaks of the Wallowas, this incredible lake is not easily accessible, but the struggle is absolutely worth it. To get here, you'll take an epic 15.4-mile hike that passes by stunning wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and amazing viewpoints, ending at this serene mountaintop lake just beneath the summit of Matterhorn, the Wallowa's tallest peak.
8. Lost Lake
Lost Lake, Oregon 97014, USA
flickr/ Peter Roome
Nestled into the dramatic Mt Hood National Forest, this secluded, gorgeous lake is truly a slice of paradise. Spend a day swimming in the pure, refreshing water, drift casually on a rented rowboat, or spend the night at the nearby campground for an unforgettable, bucket-list-worthy experience.

9. Elk Lake
Elk Lake, Oregon 97413, USA
flickr/ sfrancisball
Just south of Bend, this lake is just one of many that makeup Oregon's volcanic landscape. It's beautiful all year round, but especially divine in the winter, when the cold blue skies and snow-capped mountains reflect in its pristine waters.

Well, what do you think? Don’t these crystal clear lakes in Oregon have you dreaming of a sublime little lakeside getaway in the Beaver State? There are so many beautiful lakes here in Oregon… which will you visit first?

Want to find out about some more great lakes in Oregon? Check out these 11 gorgeous lakes in Oregon that are demanding your attention.

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clear lakes in Oregon

Sarah M. | June 01, 2022

What are some campsites where I can camp near these crystal clear lakes in Oregon?

Some lakefront campsites in Oregon include:

  • Bolan Lake Campground
  • Jubilee Lake Campground
  • Clear Lake Campground

 

The Wallowas are one of Oregon's most striking -- and accessible -- natural wonders. Home to majestic mountains, pristine and crystal clear alpine lakes, and verdant forests, there's nowhere in the PNW quite like this range. There are numerous hiking trails in the Wallowas, each offering thrilling views of the majestic mountains. And while we're all for lacing up our shoes and hitting the trails, nothing quite compares to the views you'll get on the Wallowa Lake Tramway. This lift opens for the season in mid-May, and it's a perennial favorite worth enjoying year after year. This unique tram was the steepest four-person gondola in all of North America when it was built in 1970; and decades later, it remains a superlative Beaver State attraction. Ogle the views from the top at the aptly named Summit Grill, which sits at the 8,150-foot level of Mt. Howard. And if you can't bring yourself to leave, stay and enjoy amazing, year-round camping at Wallowa Lake State Park, which is located right on the beautiful, cerulean blue lakeshore.

What are some little-known crystal clear lakes in Oregon?

Little Crater Lake is a little-known clear lake in Oregon.

Crater Lake is easily the most well-known lake in Oregon, but it's not the only pristine body of blue in the Beaver State. In Mt. Hood Forest, Little Crater Lake is a pristine oasis that’s a total hidden treasure. Much like its big sibling, Little Crater Lake is a resplendent, dazzling body of clear, blue water. However, unlike Crater Lake, which is the largest lake in the U.S., Little Crater Lake is just 100 feet wide and 45 feet deep. It’s a natural wonder itself and it is definitely a bucket list must for all Oregon adventurers! The best part? The hike to Little Crater Lake is less than half a mile long, and there’s no fee to access the trailhead or lake, making it one of the most accessible adventures in Oregon. Oh -- and visiting this crystal clear lake in Oregon is free, too.

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