11 Gorgeous Lakes In Oregon That Are Demanding Your Attention

Summertime is upon us and with that, the search for that perfect spot to cool down. Why not try one of Oregon’s many lakes. Many of the lakes featured here were formed as a result of volcanic activity in the state. Now, they make for wonderful recreation destinations, surrounded with opportunities for hiking and camping.

"Crater Lake winter pano2" by WolfmanSF. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

A true Oregon treasure, this is the state's largest lake and one of the deepest - ever.

"Crescent Lake at sunrise" by Animeicity at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Situated on the eastern side of the Cascades, this lake has access to trails that are great for hiking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles.

"DETROIT LAKE AT SHOWN AT AN ALLTIME LOW IN THE FALL OF 1973 DUE TO INFREQUENT SNOWFALL AND RAIN THE YEAR BEFORE. LACK... - NARA - 555387" by David Falconer, Photographer (NARA record: 1427627) - U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Actually a reservoir, Detroit Lake is impounded by the Detroit Dam on the North Santiam River, southeast of Salem.

"Elk Lake and South Sister, Oregon" by Matt Kern - http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattkern/187862669/. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Just south of Bend, this lake is just one of many that make up Oregon's volcanic landscape.

"Mt Thielsen US162" by Benjamin Zingg, Switzerland - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

This lake sits in the southern region of Oregon. Pictured here is Mount Thielsen in the background.

"Odell Lake at dawn by Gary Leaming (8272124999)" by Oregon Department of Transportation - Odell Lake at dawn by Gary LeamingUploaded by Smallman12q. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This Central Oregon lake is one of many within the Cascade range in Central Oregon.

"PaulinaLakeOregonBoatDockJuly2010" by Gabeguss - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Located in the Deschutes National Forest, go to Paulina Lake if you want access to some great campgrounds.

"Waldo Lake" by Coulee at en.wikipedia - Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

This is the second largest natural lake in Oregon and is situated in the the Willamette National Forest.

"Wallowa mts lake" by The original uploader was Fourdee at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

This lake, just south of the city of Joseph, is known as a resort destination, with Wallowa State Park on its southern portion.

"East Lake Campground (Deschutes County, Oregon scenic images) (desDA0130)" by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives. Licensed under Attribution via Wikimedia Commons

Near the city of La Pine in the Deschutes National Forest, this lake was actually formed more than a half a million years ago from volcanic eruptions.

"Suttle Lake, Link Creek CG, USFS" by United States Forest Service - http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Link_Creek/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=71561&topTabIndex=Search. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Located within the Deschutes National Forest, this lake is a popular site for recreational use in Central Oregon.

So now that you have some awesome lakes on your radar, what are you waiting for? Grab the kayak and your camping gear and get ready for some outdoor fun. Which are some of your favorite lakes in Oregon? Tell us in the comments below!