Cascade Lakes facts for kids
The Cascade Lakes are a group of beautiful lakes in central Oregon, a state in the United States. These 12 lakes and two reservoirs are found on the eastern side of the Cascade Range. They are all located in Deschutes County, Oregon.
Discover the Cascade Lakes
A Chain of Lakes
The Cascade Lakes begin west of Mount Bachelor, near the popular ski area. The first lake you'll find is Todd Lake. As you travel west and south, you'll discover many more lakes.
The lakes in this amazing chain include:
- Sparks Lake
- Devils Lake
- Elk Lake
- Hosmer Lake
- Lava Lake
- Little Lava Lake
- Cultus Lake
- Little Cultus Lake
At the southern end of the chain, you will find:
How to Visit the Lakes
You can reach the Cascade Lakes by driving on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. This road is also known as Century Drive or Forest Service Road 46. During winter, the byway closes because of heavy snow.
Fun Things to Do
The area around the Cascade Lakes is perfect for outdoor adventures! There are more than 150 lakes in the Deschutes National Forest. Many of these are small lakes high up in the mountains. You can reach them by hiking on many trails.
Some popular activities you can enjoy here include:
- fishing in the clear waters
- hiking into the Three Sisters Wilderness on forest trails
- Staying at cozy, rustic resorts along the byway
- Riding a snowmobile on the Cascade Lakes Highway in winter when the road is closed to cars
