Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Where Alpine Lakes & Snowcapped Peaks Are Showstoppers

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway features showstopping mountain peaks and dazzling alpine lakes. It is easily the most scenic drive in Oregon. If you love outdoor adventure, this is the road trip for you!

The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 66-mile route in Central Oregon, winding through the Deschutes National Forest near Bend. It features stunning mountain views, over a dozen alpine lakes, hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities. Popular stops include Mt. Bachelor, Elk Lake, and Sparks Lake. It’s open seasonally (typically late spring to fall).

For a more relaxed experience, you can take in the epic views without even leaving your vehicle—stunning peaks and gorgeous lakes await just a glance away!

Photographers will be captivated by this landscape, where the contrast of deep green forests, lush meadows, vast blue skies, and dramatic volcanic formations create visually striking and dynamic compositions.

Starting the drive in Bend, it won’t be long before you go around a curve in the road that reveals a breathtaking view of Mount Bachelor. Shortly after, the majestic Broken Top and South Sister mountains come into view, leaving you truly awestruck. The scenic byway then winds through pristine mountain wilderness, passing several shimmering alpine lakes, before ending in Crescent at the junction of Cascade Lakes Byway and Highway 97. From there, you can return to Bend via Highway 97 or take a side trip to Crater Lake National Park, just an hour south.

How long does this route take? This route can be completed in 3–4 hours with brief stops. A full day allows time for hiking or water activities at one or two spots, while two days offer the chance to explore all highlights, hike, and enjoy lake activities.

When is the best time to visit? Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway opens seasonally around mid-May or June and closes in late October. While the byway is open, it’s a great time to drive, but if you’re planning to hike, be aware that snow may still be present on the ground in June, and likely through July at higher elevations.

The byway sits at an elevation of nearly 4,900 feet, making temperatures about ten degrees cooler than in Bend. If you’re camping, be sure to bring warmer gear as it can get chilly in the evenings.

Best stops on Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

1 Mt Bachelor

Mt Bachelor is recognized for being a premier ski resort in the Pacific Northwest. But did you know it’s a great place to visit in summer too?

While Mt Bachelor is home to one of the largest skiable areas in Oregon, come the summer months this mountain provides outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of opportunities to hike, mountain bike, and play disc golf!

Every summer Mt Bachelor operates the Pine Marten Lift daily from 10am to 5pm which takes visitors from the West Village (6,300ft) up to Pine Marten Lodge at 7,775 feet. The ride up is about ten minutes long and once you get up the top you’ll see stunning panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains. Besides seeing epic views you can also listen to park rangers discuss the region’s geologic history.

After you’re done soaking in the views and learning about the Cascade region, grab a bite to eat from Scapolo’s, a restaurant at the summit that serves pizza, burgers, and salad.

If you love to hike, instead of taking the chairlift you can hike up to Mt Bachelor’s summit from the mountain’s base area at West Village (6,390 feet). There are two trails, one that starts away from the busy mountain bike park and chairlift, and one that follows the Pine Marten Chairlift. Both trails are three miles long to Pine Marten Lodge (7,800 feet). You can also continue to the official summit which stands at 9,065 feet (an elevation gain of 2,765 feet). Then take the chairlift back down.

Fun Fact: Mt Bachelor was given its name because it stands apart from the nearby Three Sister mountains — South Sister, Middle Sister, and North Sister.

2 Todd Lake

Todd Lake is the first lake you’ll encounter on Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. It sits in a small glacial valley at the base of Broken Top. From around the lake are breathaking views of mountainous scenery which makes it a good spot for photographers.

Since Todd Lake is close to Bend, it’s a popular summer destination with local residents who come here to hike, swim, canoe, and kayak. Motorized boats are not allowed on the lake so it’s a very peaceful place.

The best way to experience Todd Lake is to take a hike around it! There is a short 2.7 mile hiking trail that circles Todd Lake which usually takes about 30 minutes to complete. It might take a little bit longer if there is still snow on the ground. Snow cover here can be expected well into late June.

Todd Lake sits within a glacial cirque that was created about 13,000 years ago. As a result, Todd Lake is relatively deep for its size. Most of the lake’s water comes from snowmelt during spring, and as the snow melts, it creates wet, muddy meadows along the shoreline—ideal conditions for wildflowers to thrive.

The wildflowers in these meadows are so spectacular that the Forest Service designated Todd Lake a Pacific Northwest Region Wildflower Viewing Area. Wildflowers begin to bloom here in late June and continue through mid-August, with mid-July being peak season.

Read: Todd Lake Loop Trail: An Easy Hike Near Bend, Oregon

3 Sparks Lake

Sparks Lake is perhaps the most stunning stop along Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. This alpine lake is a photographer’s paradise, particularly in the early morning when the serene waters flawlessly mirror the towering peaks of South Sister and Broken Top mountains.

Sparks Lake’s 370 acres of wetlands offer a perfect destination for kayaking and paddleboarding. But even if you don’t get out on the water, it’s still a great place to visit and enjoy the postcard-worthy scenery.

Surrounding the lake are meadows and marshland that you can explore along the lakeshore or on the Ray Atkeson Loop Trail located near the boat ramp.

For an unforgettable camping experience in the Cascade Lakes region, Spark’s Lake offers the ideal setting to immerse yourself in the area’s distinctive landscape.

Soda Creek Campground, a paid campground managed by the Forest Service offers stunning views of South Sister mountain. This campground is located at the start of the gravel road. There are also a few free dispersed camping spots scattered around Sparks Lake.

Campsites are limited though, and only available on a first-come, first-served basis, so securing a spot in the late afternoon may be challenging.

4 Devil’s Lake

Devil’s Lake is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered on Cascade Lakes Byway. This alpine lake nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains offers a serene body of water perfect for paddleboarding. It’s also a good spot to cool off after a day of hiking on the surrounding trails.

This lake boasts a striking emerald green color so vivid that many people assume photos of it are heavily edited. However, the color is entirely natural—its brilliance is real!

The lake is surrounded by a dense forest of pines which helps to keep it sheltered from the wind. It’s these calm, glassy waters that make it an ideal environment for paddleboarding and swimming. Further contributing to the tranquility is the absense of motorized boats, which are not permitted on the lake.

Besides being calm, Devil’s Lake is spectacularly clear! This clarity can be attributed to a combination of natural factors including low nutrient levels and minimal sediment entering the lake. Don’t be surprised if you spot trout beneath you as you paddle by—that’s how clear the water is!!

Although the lake’s clear waters appear inviting in the warmer months, keep in mind these waters remain cold year-round. If you’re not up for braving the chilly waters, you can take a short hike along Devil’s Loop Trail which circles the shoreline of Devil’s Lake. While the trail isn’t particularly scenic, it offers an opportunity to stretch your legs.

You’ll find parking for Devil’s Lake at South Sisters/Devil’s Lake Trailhead. Bring your inflatable paddleboard for fun on the water or a portable picnic blanket along with snacks and a few refreshing drinks to enjoy lakeside.

If you fall in love with this high-altitude lake, why not stay here longer? There are ten hike-in, tent only campsites tucked around the lake’s shores. Reservations aren’t available, so arrive early to secure your spot.

5 Elk Lake

Elk Lake is the largest lake found along Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. At the heart of this picturesque destination is Elk Lake Resort, one of only two resorts you can stay on this road trip. Though with just 13 cozy log cabins available, it’s essential to book early if you want to stay overnight. There is however plenty of space for RVs and tents.

The resort’s marina offers rentals of pontoon boats, kayaks, paddleboards and canoes. So if you don’t have your own equipment and couldn’t get out on the water at Sparks or Devil’s Lake, make a beeline for this place! Rentals are available between 10am and 6pm with the last rental at 5 p.m.

Fuel up in the morning or after a day of outdoor fun at Elk Lake Resort’s restaurant. They’ve got you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. See their menu here.

Even if you’re not staying, Elk Lake is worth a quick pause to take in the lake and mountain views. To the north are beautiful views of the Three Sisters and dominating the eastern horizon is Mount Bachelor.

6 Hosmer Lake

Hosmer Lake is a hidden gem tucked away behind Elk Lake. It’s shallow waters and lush marsh vegetation provide an enchanting location that beckons kayakers and canoeists. Because the average depth of the water is only three feet, it is very easy to spot fish swimming beneath the surface.

Although Hosmer Lake is a popular destination for canoers and kayakers on weekends, you’ll likely have the place to yourself on weekdays. With fewer people around, the chances of spotting Rocky Mountain Elk and other animals increase, making the quieter weekdays an ideal time for wildlife enthusiasts.

Besides being popular with kayakers and paddleboarders, Hosmer Lake is also a favorite location for fly-fisherman because it is one of only two lakes in Oregon stocked with Atlantic Salmon. Anglers can also fish for Brook and Rainbow trout. Note that all fish caught here must be released.

7 Cultus Lake Resort

Cultus Lake is one of the largest and deepest lakes in Central Oregon, and one of the few lakes in the area that allows high speed motorized watercraft.

The two-mile long lake rests at the foot of Cultus Mountain, and is surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs. Several species of fish inhabit the lake including Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, and Brook Trout. Anglers here often reel in trophy-sized trout weighing 10 pounds or more!

One of the main reasons most visitors come to Cultus Lake is to take advantage of Cultus Lake Resort‘s facilities. They have a marina where you can rent everything from pontoon boats to jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards. There’s also a general store, a restaurant serving in-house smoked meats, and rustic cabins for guests who want to stay overnight. If you are looking for a place to enjoy an adventurous day out, this is definitely the place to go!

Here’s some advice on how to have a perfect day at Cultus Lake; rent a pontoon boat or jet ski for the morning, followed by an afternoon of swimming from the floating dock, and then relax on the resort’s outdoor deck with a cold beer. End the night with a delicious brisket dinner or other home-cooked specialty dish.

8 Crane Prairie Reservoir

Crane Prairie Reservoir is an especially scenic lake. Several mountains are visible in the backdrop which makes this location favored among photographers. Beyond the stunning views, the last stop on this driving itinerary offers more outdoor adventure and fantastic wildlife viewing.

It is a particularly great spot for birdwatching because a lot of birds including Sandhill Cranes, Great Blue Herons, Cormorants, Pelicans, and other bird species, nest and migrate here. Go to Osprey Point and take the short Osprey Point Trail to see artificial osprey nesting platforms and if you’re lucky you may spot an osprey or two.

Cranie Prairie is also well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked with trout, in particular Rainbow and Brook, as well as Kokanee. Fishing conditions are good throughout the year but more so in spring and summer. You can fish from the shore, a boat, or even from a kayak.

There are several places from which to launch boats, and you don’t need your own because Crane Prairie Resort rents boats, canoes, and kayaks.

Several Forest Service campgrounds are located around the shoreline if you’re looking to extend your stay. Additionally there are rustic cabins, tent sites with hookups, and RV sites with full hookups available at Crane Prairie Resort.

Where to stay on Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

This road trip can easily be completed in a single day. However, if you plan to extend your journey into a weekend getaway or longer trip, there are numerous free and paid campgrounds located along this route.

There’s also Elk Lake Resort and Cultus Lake Resort, both offering rustic cabins and glamping tents. Nearby Shelter Cove Resort offers beautiful log cabins on the shores of Odell Lake. The nearest hotel is Best Western Newberry Station in Crescent, Oregon. Breakfast is included with your stay.