There are many beautiful lakes scattered throughout the Bend area, but few can truly match the natural beauty and wonder that Sparks Lake is able to provide. Sparks Lake is located just to the northwest of Mt. Bachelor in the Deschutes National Forest and has become a well-known vacation hotspot over the years due to its breathtaking beauty and outdoor hiking. If you’re looking for a unique outdoor spot to call your own on your next Bend vacation, make sure to check out Sparks Lake, Oregon!
About Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake is one of the most unique and beautiful areas that you’ll find in all of Central Oregon, as it features approximately 370 acres of lake wetland with another 360 acres of meadow, marsh, and stream wetlands surrounding it. The lake itself is also surrounded by South Sister, Broken Top, and Bachelor Butte, which provides absolutely breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. The lake itself is very shallow in some areas, but there are still plenty of fishing opportunities available, including cutthroat trout and brook trout.
Incredible Hiking with Incredible Views
One of the biggest draws of visiting Sparks Lake, Oregon is the incredible hiking opportunities that it presents with the Sparks Lake Trail, a 19.5-mile-long trail that winds around the lake itself. Rated as a moderate difficult track, the Sparks Lake Trail will take you all around Sparks Lake itself and provide you with some of the most phenomenal views of the spanning forests and vistas you’ll be able to find anywhere! The trail itself is also dog friendly as long as they remain on a leash, so every member of your family will be able to get out and experience the fun.
Plenty of Space to Set Up Camp
If you’re looking to set up camp while spending time at Sparks Lake, be forewarned: It might take a little bit of effort, but it will certainly be worth it! There are approximately 22 backcountry campsites that are tucked in and around the shores of Sparks Lake, but nearly every single one of them is only accessible by watercraft. These sites have vastly grown in popularity over the past couple of years, so you’ll want to make sure to get there early to claim your preferred spot! Campfires are also regulated at all campsites during the summer due to fire dangers, so make sure to familiarize yourself with any and all regulations prior to your visit.
