The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the country’s most beautiful lakes, with Oregon particularly flush with these clear-blue oases. While you’ll find these cerulean blue bodies of water all across the Beaver State, there are some that require a bit more effort and planning to access. But as the saying goes, all good things require effort, and believe us when we say that this body of water is also one of the most beautiful lakes in Oregon … and it is well worth seeking out. Check out this remote place in Oregon that deserves a spot on your bucket list — Lake Simtustus.

Nestled between Portland and Bend, Lake Simtustus is a beautiful body of water. It truly is a dazzling gem in Central Oregon.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
Technically a reservoir, Lake Simtustus is an eight-mile-long stretch of cerulean blue water.
Eric Prado/Flickr
The first time you see it, it's sure to take your breath away!
In terms of size, Lake Simtustus is, as Goldilocks would say, just right.
ktkochan/Flickr
It has 637 surface acres of water and the deepest part of the lake reaches 155 feet. Still, as Oregon Lakes go, it is pretty special.
The lake is located below Lake Billy Chinook and is ultimately fed from the waters of the Deschutes River.
ktkochan/Flickr
Between its size and flow, it's the perfect place to enjoy water recreation such as swimming, fishing, paddling, and floating.

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Exploring this beauteous body of water feels like a real adventure.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
You'll paddle through small caves and grottos and, if it has rained recently, maybe even a few small waterfalls!
The lovely lake is the headlining feature of the larger Lake Simtustus Resort, which is a rugged and remote retreat in the wondrous wilds of the Central Oregon High Desert.
Eric Prado/Flickr
Because of its desert location, this lake is immune to the rain and clouds prevalent in the Pacific Northwest.
Darell Michels/Flickr
As a result, the lake and surrounding area bask in 300 days of sunshine and blue skies a year!
So, have we captured your heart and inspired your wanderlust yet?
ktkochan/Flickr
While not nearly as well known as Oregon's alpine lakes or greater Portland oases, Lake Simtustus is a beautiful gem that you just have to visit!

Lake Simtustus really is one of the most resplendent natural wonders in the Beaver State!

Have you been to this remote lake in Oregon before? If so, which part was your favorite? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below! And, don’t forget to let us know what you consider to be the most beautiful places in Oregon!

Do you like to kayak? If so, be sure to read about the best kayaking lake in Oregon you may never have heard of before. And before you head to the lake, make sure you have all the gear you need! Visit REI for all of your outdoor needs.

If you’re still in the mood for more outdoor Oregon adventures, take a look at this video about an exciting trek from Bend to the Alvord Desert:

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More to Explore

Adventures in Oregon

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | March 10, 2023

Where can we find other lakes in Oregon?

  • Clear Lake in Linn County is the place to go for freshwater diving.
  • Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County offers boating, water skiing, and other water recreation activities.
  • Lost Lake the Mount Hood National Forest is popular for camping, hiking, swimming, and kayaking.

Learn more about the many other beautiful lakes in Oregon.

Where can we find picturesque places in Oregon?

  • The Columbia River Gorge is highlighted by sheer, towering cliffs and a winding river.
  • Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach is one of the most visited spots in the state for photographs.
  • The Painted Hills in the central part of the state show off millions of years of erosion that brought it to where it is today.

Learn more about the other picturesque places in Oregon.

Where can we find places to go fishing in Oregon?

  • The Deschutes River offers some of the best trout streams in the country.
  • Diamond Lake is an ideal destination for rainbow trout.
  • Eagle Creek features coho salmon and steelhead trout.

Learn more about the other great places to go fishing in Oregon.

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Explore Oregon

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Lake Simtustus, Oregon 97741, USA