Places to Paddle Circa Bend, Oregon: Elk Lake in the Deschutes National ForestDistance from Bend, Oregon: about 40 minutes:
Paddling Season: Memorial Day to first snowfall (Usually May to Sept.) Open for winter activities including snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Elk Lake, Oregon, in the Deschutes National Forest is a step back in time. During the early and mid 1900's, families from the nearby town of Bend, Oregon would travel to Elk Lake and stay for the summer in cabins they often built themselves on Forest Service leased land. Things have changed in one hundred years, but not too much has changed at Elk Lake
Clear, clean water, views of the Cascade Mountains, camping, cabins, sailboating and a charming rustic and historic lodge combine to make Elk Lake a fun day trip or overnight stay. Elk Lake is about a 35-40 minute drive from Bend, Oregon on the scenic Cascade Lakes Highway. Elk Lake covers an area of about 490 acres that's about 75' deep surrounded by a pine forest with views of Mt. Bachelor and the South Sister beyond the tree line.
Elk Lake is a gentle and nonintimidating place to try stand up paddling near Bend, Oregon. The clean lake water is renowned for swimming and doesn't seem to get any algae. Mostly sailboats, canoes and kayaks are on the lake, as well as the occasional distance swimmer getting in some mileage.
Elk Lake Resort rents canoes, stand up paddle boards and kayaks. They have a large dock and rent boat slips for sailboats. There are two swimming platforms by the lodge. Elk Lake Resort also has a restaurant, ice cream and a tiny mini-mart for campers and hikers. (Many Pacific Crest Trail hikers get packages there and stop in for a break).
www.StandUpPaddleFlatwater.com
Just wanted to Thank you for the great article on Elk Lake, I especially liked the
ReplyDeletehistorical perspective.
We tend to cater to us common folk and now have
organic beef, pork, veggies and fruit from the Farmers Market in town on Wednesdays.
We wanted to Thank you and Randall for the excellent customer service!
Not only did you deliver our 2 new Stand Up Paddle Boards for a total of 4 boards,
but offered to fix the two we have beaten up over the summer,
NOW THAT IS CUSTOMER SERVICE! Thank you guys so much for all your
volunteer work in the community, it doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated!
Thanks so much,
Nansee & Elk Lake Owners and Staff