One of the most easily accessible beautiful lakes around. Don't miss it. Perfect day trip from Bend, not an isolated area so expect company but is beautiful.
We were driving the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway when we came upon this gem. The road in is a little dicey but well worth it. So quiet and serene and beautiful. Some cayakers were setting out and I thought it would be wonderful to glide along these waters.
We visited Sparks in early September for some Kayaking. The majority of the lake was quite shallow- approximately 2-3 feet deep. We did find one arm that was perfect though at the SE portion of the lake. We still had a wonderful time and when I go back I plan on going earlier in the summer and hiking around the lake.
We drove up the mountain with the intention of going to Elk Lake but there were so many people that it really wasn't an option. My sister was here from Iowa and I wanted to give her a close up view of the mountains. We did the little trail at Sparks Lake and had a great view with less crowds. There was a beautiful reflection of one of the Sisters in the Lake. The trail was not crowded and an easy walk. It was easy to find a parking space too.
Went there with several family members for the day and evening. It is so beautiful there and the scenery is worth seeing. Take as many roads off the main road as you can to see as many sights as you can while here Just like in a picture only are there
What a heavenly place, luckily we virtually had the place to ourselves which an added bonus. So quiet and serene - would definitely recommend the stop off.
This lake is so convenient. You don't have to travel too far out of bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway. It is just beautiful. It also has a little hiking trail that is not too long of a loop.
We hiked the loop at Sparks Lake last week and all the enthralled reviewers are certainly correct. I firmly believe that this is what heaven looks and feels like. What a great morning we had here!
So, as locals this is one of our favorite places. Great views. Great kayaking and Paddle boarding. Great camping. Great hiking here and nearby. Amazing ohotography. Tips: Go early in summer - the lake's water levels do drop significantly starting in August and into September some places less than a foot deep, watch for exposed rocks Go early in the morning and beat the crowds and the wind Get there by 9 am for the best photgraphy with full reflections in the water of South Sister, Broken Top and Mt Bachelor Be there by 6am to get pictures with morning mist on the lake or 8pm for sunset photos. Here is our list of our favorite places to Kayak in Central Oregon. 1. Sparks Lake2. Hosmer lake3. Elk lake4. East Lake 5. Paulina Lake 6 Deschutes River @Old Mill Bend 7. Deschutes River @Sunriver8. Lake Simtystus @Madras 9. Crane Prairie 10.Wickiup Reservoir's many arms and fingers : )#LifeIsGood
Although the road to and from the boat ramp was harrowing in the first snowfall, it was one of the most beautiful vistas we have ever enjoyed. I'll upload a photo!