Water lilies, bulrushes, salmon, peat, and stunning mountain views. All of these things can be found at Hosmer Lake, located in the Deschutes National Forest. This natural lake is part of the region’s volcanic legacy, and is a hidden gem of the forest.
Canoe is the best way to experience the lake, which is rich with wildlife, waterfowl and gorgeous view of Mt. Bachelor, South Sisters and Broken Top. The lake’s shallow, clear waters invite paddlers to peer into the lives of salmon and brook trout. The meandering journey across the waters will offer up sights of reed-whiskered banks, turquoise water, yellow lilies and bright red huckleberries.
Hosmer Lake also draws a steady stream of fly fishers and campers. The area’s campgrounds are open most years from mid-May through late September.
Direction: Head south from Eugene on I-5 and take Exit 188 to go east on Highway 58 until you reach the Crescent Lake junction. Turn left onto Crescent Cutoff Road and in 3 miles, turn left on FR 46. Continue 10 miles past the Cultus Lake turnoff to the Elk Lake/Hosmer Lake turnoff.
Visitors must obtain an Annual Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass, or a $5 daily pass, available for purchase at the site.