Elk_Lake_(Oregon)

Elk Lake (Oregon)

Elk Lake (Oregon)

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For other places with the same name, see Elk Lake.

Elk Lake is a natural body of water in the central Cascade Range in the U.S. state of Oregon. Nearly 4,900 feet (1,500 m) above sea level, the lake is part of a volcanic landscape about 25 miles (40 km) west-southwest of Bend along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.[2]

Quick Facts Location, Coordinates ...

Elk Lake is about 6 miles (10 km) west of Mount Bachelor in Deschutes National Forest. Nearby lakes include Hosmer, Sparks, Blow, Doris, Devils, Lava, and Little Lava.[4]

Heavily used for recreation, the lake is among the most popular of the Cascade Lakes.[2] Its name stems from the large number of elk that formerly frequented the area in summer.[2] During winter, Elk Lake freezes, and access roads are usually closed by snow until late May.[2]

Recreation

The United States Forest Service manages campgrounds, boat launches, and picnic sites at various locations around the lake, also served by a private resort with cabins.[2] Lake activities include sailing, fishing, swimming, and windsurfing.[5]

The lake supports populations of brook trout generally ranging from 7 to 14 inches (18 to 36 cm) and kokanee averaging 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm).[5] Hiking trails leading to other high-elevation lake groups, such as those in the Mink Lake basin, begin at Elk Lake.[2]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Johnson, Daniel M.; Petersen, Richard R.; Lycan, D. Richard; Sweet, James W.; Neuhaus, Mark E., and Schaedel, Andrew L. (1985). Atlas of Oregon Lakes. Corvallis: Oregon State University Press. pp. 74–75. ISBN 0-87071-343-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. [2]
    "Atlas of Oregon Lakes: Elk Lake (Deschutes County)". Portland State University. 1985–2012. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
  3. [3]
    "Elk Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. November 28, 1980. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
  4. [4]
    United States Geological Survey (USGS). "United States Geological Survey Topographic Map". TopoQuest. Retrieved January 2, 2013..
  5. [5]
    Sheehan, Madelynne Diness (2005). Fishing in Oregon: The Complete Oregon Fishing Guide (10th ed.). Scappoose, Oregon: Flying Pencil Publications. pp. 222–23. ISBN 0-916473-15-5.
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