8 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Portland This Summer
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Katherine Green
Author
When the weather heats up in our little corner of the PNW, there’s nothing quite like visiting one of the beautiful lakes near Portland to cool off. While we are surrounded by rivers, there are also plenty of great lakes within reach, and these are some of the best. Whether you want to stay local, or head to Mt Hood or beyond, check out some of these beautiful lakes around Portland to spend a lazy summer afternoon in the sun.
Northeast Blue Lake Road, NE Blue Lake Rd, Fairview, OR 97024, USA
Located in Fairview, OR, Blue Lake is the closest to Portland and features not only the lake, but also a large water splash play area, a disc golf course, and plenty of sporting fields and shelters for picnics. Admission is a few dollars per vehicle, which is 100% worth it to visit this hidden gem park and lake near Portland, Oregon!
Vancouver Lake, Washington 98660, USA
A sandy beach makes Vancouver Lake a great lake to unwind for the day. A haven for kayakers and paddle boarders, this beach is not typically overcrowded and it's free. It is a truly lovely lake around Portland.
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Henry Hagg Lake, Oregon 97119, USA
Located just 25 miles south of Portland, Henry Hagg Lake is a man-made lake and a go-to destination for Portlanders that's a total underrated gem for anyone not in-the-know. Featuring multiple swimming areas, this lake near Portland is bustling on warm days, and there is a nominal day-use fee per vehicle.
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Buck Lake, Oregon, USA
Another one of the best lakes near Portland, the easy hike to get to the beautiful Buck Lake is doable by kids, and worth every minute of the adventure when you reach this pristine lake. Located near Estacada, there is no fee required to access this lake, which we think makes it a summer bucket list must!
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Trillium Lake, Oregon 97028, USA
If you are headed to Mt Hood, this is one of the most accessible lakes on your journey. Non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing are all popular here. Just note that there is a day-use fee to access this beautiful lake near Portland. Trillium Lake really is one of the most beautiful lakes in Portland... and Oregon!
Lost Lake, Oregon 97014, USA
Situated down winding forest roads, this near-hidden park has excellent swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Stop for lunch in Hood River to break up the drive. Note that there is a day-use fee to access Lost Lake, one of the best lakes near Portland.
Battle Ground Lake State Park, 18002 NE 249th St, Battle Ground, WA 98604, USA
Said to be a miniature version of Crater Lake, this lake of volcanic creation sits among 280 acres of forested Cascade wilderness. There is a day pass required for entrance to Battleground Lake State Park and its awesome lake around Portland.
Timothy Lake, Oregon, USA
Another great place for Mt. Hood views, Timothy Lake is a pristine lake with wonderful, albeit cold, swimming. With its beautiful vistas of Mt Hood National Forest, Timothy Lake is a stunning reservoir that makes for a perfect summertime destination near Portland!
Have you visited these beautiful lakes near Portland before? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Want to explore more water? Check out these gorgeous waterfalls near Portland.
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More to Explore
Beautiful lakes in Portland
What are some beautiful places to swim in Portland?
Aside from lakes near Portland, there are some other great places to swim in Portland.
- One of our favorite places to go for a dip near PDX is Hood River Waterfront Park. It's about an hour's drive from Portland, making it a wonderful day trip near the Rose City during the summertime! If you’re looking for a good, old-fashioned Oregon beach day, you’ll find it at Hood River Waterfront Park. This picturesque park features a sandy beach and swimming hole (with access to the Columbia River), plus an innovative playground, picnic shelters, and lots of open green space. Hood River Waterfront Park in Oregon is a throwback to a simpler, more wholesome time when families gathered on the beach for unplugged fun in the sun, and that's something we could all use from time to time!
- Of course, if you're looking for more of a bare-bones swimming hole near Portland, Buck Lake (included in the above list) is one of our favorite hidden gems. Buck Lake is a beautiful hidden gem located in the Mt Hood National Forest. It's a perfect place for an afternoon swim, and it's relatively easy to access from Portland if you don't mind driving along winding gravel roads. The lake itself is only a half-mile walk from the parking area, making it super easy to access, too!