Oregon is home to numerous stunning lakeside towns that offer a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming local culture. Here are 10 of the loveliest lakeside towns in Oregon, each with its own unique appeal:
1. Florence (Woahink Lake)
Nestled near the serene Woahink Lake, Florence is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. The nearby Siltcoos Lake Trail offers scenic forest hikes where you might see osprey or river otters. Florence’s historic Old Town provides boutique shopping and waterfront dining, with nearby attractions like Heceta Head Lighthouse enriching the experience.
2. Lakeview (Goose Lake)
On the edge of Goose Lake in south-central Oregon, Lakeview offers expansive views and excellent birdwatching opportunities with species like sandhill cranes and pelicans. The surrounding Warner Mountains provide great hiking trails, and the town also features historical sites like the Lake County Historical Museum.
3. Joseph (Wallowa Lake)
Set against the majestic Wallowa Mountains, Joseph is known for clear glacial waters ideal for fishing, kayaking, and sailing. The Chief Joseph Trail and the Wallowa Lake Tramway provide breathtaking mountain views. Joseph also boasts a vibrant arts scene, including bronze sculptures along its main street.
4. Sisters (Suttle Lake)
Suttle Lake, near the town of Sisters, is surrounded by dense pine forests and the Cascade Mountains. The area offers hiking, biking, and fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Sisters is famous for its artisan boutiques and annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.
5. Crescent (Crescent Lake)
Crescent Lake is a peaceful spot for swimming, boating, and fishing with abundant kokanee salmon and brown trout. The Trapper Creek Trail offers gentle lake-edge hikes, often accompanied by wildlife sightings. The Favell Museum nearby offers cultural insights into Native American artifacts and Western art.
6. Ashland (Emigrant Lake)
Famous for its arts scene, Ashland also features Emigrant Lake, surrounded by the Siskiyou Mountains. The lake is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Lithia Park in Ashland provides Japanese gardens and wooded walking paths for relaxation after lake activities.
7. Oakridge (Hills Creek Lake)
Oakridge lies next to Hills Creek Lake, known for calm waters and forested shores. Nearby trails like Salmon Creek are excellent for birdwatching and nature photography, while the Alpine Trail adds mountain biking thrills.
8. Bend (Elk Lake)
Elk Lake, close to Bend, offers crystal-clear waters for swimming, windsurfing, and canoeing. Bend provides access to the Deschutes National Forest, where visitors can explore volcanic landscapes and lava tubes. The High Desert Museum enriches the area with exhibits on local wildlife and Indigenous culture.
9. Klamath Falls (Crater Lake and Upper Klamath Lake)
While Crater Lake itself is a national park without residential areas around it, nearby Klamath Falls offers lakeside living on Upper Klamath Lake. The area is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and bird watching, especially at the Klamath Basin Birding Trail. The city serves as a gateway to various outdoor adventures.
10. Government Camp (Trillium Lake)
Near this quaint mountain village, Trillium Lake provides postcard-perfect views of Mount Hood. It’s a spot well-loved by photographers and outdoor enthusiasts for canoeing, fishing, and picnicking. Government Camp itself offers alpine charm and year-round mountain activities.
These towns collectively showcase Oregon’s diverse landscapes—from alpine mountain backdrops and pristine glacial lakes to forest-dotted shores and serene waters perfect for fishing or kayaking.
Beyond the natural beauty, many of these lakeside towns feature local arts, historic charm, and community events, making them wonderful destinations or places to live for those who appreciate the outdoors and small-town culture.
This list highlights some of the top lakeside towns, but Oregon has over 1,400 named lakes, offering endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
Sources
[1] https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/10-best-lakeside-towns-in-oregon.html
[2] https://www.pinterest.com/pin/10-best-lakeside-towns-in-oregon-in-2025–1107533733373732007/
[3] https://oregonessential.com/best-lakes-oregon/
[4] https://www.redfin.com/blog/lakes-in-oregon-to-live-on/
[5] https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28958-Activities-c57-t162-Oregon.html
