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Devil's Lake - Central Oregon | Your Complete Guide

Devil's Lake is a beautiful, bright green lake in the Cascade Range of central Oregon. It's 30 miles southwest of Bend and part of Deschutes National Forest. It's accessible via The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.


It's a small lake, but it's a common destination for visitors to this area of the state for its sheer beauty. Plus, it's quite close to several other central Oregon lakes, including:

There are a number of other gorgeous lakes near Bend, Oregon worth visiting as well.

Devil's Lake


Devil's Lake: At a Glance

  • Location: Central Oregon, Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway

  • Nearest Town: Sunriver, Oregon

  • Why Visit? Calm waters are great for paddleboarding

  • Size: 23 acres

  • Maximum Depth: 10'

The green waters of Devil's Lake
The green waters of Devil's Lake


Directions/Location of Devil's Lake

Devil's Lake in Central Oregon is located in the Cascade Range, approximately 30 miles southwest of Bend. It's part of the Deschutes National Forest.


The lake is accessible via the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. This road is a popular route for exploring the Cascade Lakes region, offering access to numerous lakes, hiking trails, and mountain views.


Directions to Devil's Lake, Oregon

You can use the map below to get directions to Devil's Lake:



Best Time to Visit Devil's Lake

The best time to visit Devil's Lake is definitely in the summer. Although, you might be faced with some fairly significant crowds while you're there. You might want to try to get there early or visit on a weekday to avoid most people.


Devil's Lake Sign
The historic sign at Devil's Lake.

Why Visit Devil's Lake?

One of the most striking features of this Devil's Lake is its incredibly clear water, often described as crystal-clear. The lake has a unique aquamarine color, which is due to its glacial origins and the purity of the water.


The lake is quite shallow, with a maximum depth of around 10 feet, which also contributes to its clarity.


Devil's Lake
The view at Devil's Lake

To Do Near Devil's Lake

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the Devil's Lake area:


Check Out More Lakes in the Area

The Cascade Lakes region is dotted with numerous other stunning lakes worth a visit.



Nearby, you'll find Elk Lake, Sparks Lake, and Hosmer Lake, among others. Each has its own unique attractions, ranging from water sports to scenic vistas and fishing opportunities.


Hiking South Sister

If you're up for a challenging hike, the trailhead to South Sister is close to Devil's Lake. The South Sister Summit Trail is approximately 12 miles round trip and gains about 4,900 feet in elevation.

South Sister at Soda Creek Campground
A view of South Sister near Devil's Lake.

It offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the alpine environment of one of Oregon's tallest peaks.



Visiting Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor is another must-visit spot. During the winter, it's popular for skiing and snowboarding, while the summer months offer mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides.


The mountain also has several dining options and a disc golf course.


Mountain Biking

The trails around the Cascade Lakes region, including those near Mt. Bachelor, offer excellent mountain biking routes for riders of all levels.


Photography

Given its natural beauty, the area around Devil's Lake is a photographer's dream. The lake's clear water and the surrounding landscape offer plenty of photo opportunities.



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