Scenic Drives & Lakes Near Bend Oregon
There is nothing ordinary about the beautiful mountains near Bend, OR. Full of scenic drives and peaceful lakes, adventuring in the outdoors is an easy day trip most times of the year. Head down Highway 97 to Cultus Lake, or experience the extremely popular Cascade Lakes Highway which starts its 66-mile journey in West Bend. There are over 150 sparkling high alpine lakes near Bend Oregon, plus just a little further down the road is Oregon’s world-known, Crater Lake just a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Bend. You can check driving routes if needed, with the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Scenic Drives Near Bend
+Willamette Highway
+Santiam Highway
+Mckenzie Highway
+Cascade Lakes Highway
+Central Oregon Highway
+Ochoco Highway
Lakes Near Bend Oregon
One of the best ways to see the most popular lakes near Bend Oregon is to head out on the famed scenic drive provided by Highway 46, better known as the Cascade Lakes Highway. The drive starts in West Bend, travels out past Mt Bachelor, and traverses the eastern edge of the Three Sisters Wilderness. You can easily spend all day stopping along the 66-mile stretch of the two-lane road, full of volcanic peaks, beautiful alpine lakes, wilderness, AND history.
Sparks Lake is a naturally occurring lake. It is located about 25 miles from Bend and is in the Cascade Range along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. This nearby Bend lake has a boat ramp and the Atkeson Memorial Trail which is an easy paved trail loop of .25 miles perfect for wheelchair access.
Todd Lake is another natural lake located in the Cascade Range. The 45-acre lake is named in honor of John Y. Todd, an early settler in Central Oregon. Hike the Todd Lake Loop Trail. It is 1.7 miles long and is generally considered easy for most hikers.
Formed by a Glacier, this naturally occurring lake is located high in the Cascade Range in the Deschutes National Forest and about 1-hour drive from Bend, Oregon. Rent paddle boars, Kayaks, and Canoes and set out across the lake. Cultus lake is known for producing trophy-sized lake trout as well.
Located at 4,740 feet in elevation Lava Lake is close to Little Lava Lake and is separated by solidified lava! It is about 37 miles outside of Bend and has an amazing scenic drive out to the lake, so it’s well worth the distance. Lava Lake allows small motorized boats that can go no faster than the 10 mph speed limit. The area is a fantastic place to hike, bike, and fish, for those just wanting to enjoy a cool, mountain lake on a hot summer day it is perfect!
Enjoy the Scenic Drives & Lakes Near Bend
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals offers comfortable & convenient Bend Oregon vacation homes easily utilized for any outdoor adventure plans. Our homes offer a variety of amenities and are located so that you can access any number of the area’s most popular scenic drives. Stay in West Bend if you want to start at the beginning of the Cascade Lakes Highway, or book a reservation at one of our Mt Bachelor vacation rentals to cut travel time to any of the lakes near Bend Oregon. However you want to plan your Bend Vacation… we can help!