There is more than one lake called Lost Lake in Oregon, but this one really lives up to its name. This lake, which is not far from the town of Sisters in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, actually appears and disappears each year. It’s curious and interesting, and it’s certainly worth a visit. You’re going to love learning about this mysterious lake in Oregon. Read on to learn more about it, and why it comes and goes!

There are times when Lost Lake covers 79 acres. During the rainy parts of the year, this lake is big and wet.
Joe Silver/Google Local
On the flip side, once springtime is in full swing, this lake covers zero acres. It dries up, after draining completely into this 7-foot wide hole.
Justin DeLucca/Google Local
As it drains and after the draining is complete, grass grows, and it becomes a meadow.
K. Ching/Google Local
Next winter, the cycle starts all over again. Welcome back, Lost Lake! We've missed you!
K. Ching/Google Local
Why does this happen?
Shirlley Bushnell/Google Local

Related Stories

You'd Never Know One Of The Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Oregon Is Hiding In This Tiny Park

You'd Never Know One Of The Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Oregon Is Hiding In This Tiny Park

 See Thousands Of Whales During Their Winter Migration On The Oregon Coast During Whale Watching Week

See Thousands Of Whales During Their Winter Migration On The Oregon Coast During Whale Watching Week

 Straddling The Oregon-Washington Border, Government Island, Oregon Is One Of The Most Unique Places You'll Ever Visit

Straddling The Oregon-Washington Border, Government Island, Oregon Is One Of The Most Unique Places You'll Ever Visit
Geologists believe that the hole leads to a lava tube that formed during a period of intense volcanic activity around 12,000 years ago. It collapsed at some point and connected above and below.
Don Frank/Google Local
It's believed that the water drains into Clear Lake six miles away.
When it's rainy and the nearby streams are flowing fast, water pours into this basin too quickly for it to drain.
Jake Vis/Google Local
When the winter rain stops, the water slowly starts to drain into the hole.
Dean Montgomery/Google Local
If you visit at the right time of the year, you can check out the hole yourself, but in the winter it's in the middle of the lake.
Jennifer Dobkins/Google Local
This area is a spectacular one for camping and hiking. Depending on what time of the year you visit, you may or may not be able to see the lake. Or the hole.
Bonnie Moreland/Google Local
Maybe go back a few times to see how it looks in different seasons? The whole thing is pretty amazing. Enjoy!

Lost Lake is certainly an interesting Oregon natural wonder!  Plan a trip there soon – and then another one in six months – and see how different it looks each time.

One important thing to remember, though: PLEASE don’t try to block the hole with anything. It won’t work, and it just creates more work for the hardworking folks at the Oregon Department of Forestry. It’s VERY hard to get debris out of there. Just look, enjoy, and leave it alone!

If you’re looking for more natural wonders in Oregon to check out, here’s a list to inspire you: 8 Incredible Natural Wonders In Oregon That You Can Witness For Free

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Oregon

Featured Addresses
Lost Lake Lava Tube, Lost Lake, Sisters, OR 97759, USA