(877) 778-9055 Sign Up for Specials

Meredith Lodging

California, Washington, Central Oregon, and Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals

Sisters Oregon Vacation Rentals

Lakes Near Bend, Oregon

Top Alpine Lakes Near Bend

Top Swimming Lakes Near Bend

Where You Can Live That Lake Life

Bend is home to numerous stunning lakes, perfect for hiking, taking a dip on warmer days (or braving a dip on colder days, too!), and capturing that perfect family photo, or selfie. If you’re looking for things to do in Bend, visiting the many alpine lakes in the summer should probably go toward the top of your itinerary!

A stay in one of our beautiful Bend or Mt. Bachelor Village vacation rentals will provide the perfect home base for exploring Central Oregon’s nature in all of its splendor. Here are some of our favorite alpine lakes for exploring:

Todd Lake

This pristine lake is nestled at the base of Broken Top, providing visitors with stunning views of wide-open meadows, mountains, and summer wildflowers. A 1.5-mile trail, suitable for all ages, will guide you around the lake. Keep your eyes open for hundreds of baby frogs that hatch here early summer. Note: the trail is only open during the summer months. 

Paulina Lake

Situated at the basin of the Newberry Volcano caldera, Paulina Lake boasts breathtaking views reflecting thousands of years of volcanic activity. The day use area offers picnic areas and swimming beaches. The water comes mostly from snowmelt, so it can be chilly for swimming in the early season. Luckily, the Paulina Lake Loop Trail leads you to some geothermal hot springs on the north shore.  

Moraine Lake

This high mountain lake is easy to access and is not too far from Bend, making it the ideal family outing. The lake is not very deep, so late August/early September, the water is warmer – perfect for taking a dip as you soak up the views! 

Twin Lakes

The 3-mile hike into Twin Lakes will take your breath away with meadows of wildflowers, miles of old growth Douglas Firs, and views of turquoise water. Please note: This trail is currently closed. Please check this link for current updates.  

Sparks Lake

Just off the Cascade Lakes Highway, Sparks Lake boasts stunning views of Broken Top, South Sister, and Bachelor Butte, a perfect backdrop for your family photo.

Elk Lake

Elk Lake, with the Three Sisters towering over the north end of the lake and Mt. Bachelor dominating the eastern horizon, has a beautiful backdrop. It is not a high-traffic fishing destination, but it is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom from any area on the surface. Instead, it offers sandy beaches, picnic areas, and plenty of trails to hike and bike. Going to Elk Lake is a full-day trip.

Ready to take the plunge? You can view our amazing selection of Bend vacation rentals online, or contact our friendly Reservations Team at 877.778.9055 to book your stay. We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, follow us on social media and post those vacay pics with #STAYWITHMEREDITH.

Explore Our Central Oregon Collection

See All Central Oregon Vacation Rentals

3 Ways to Maximize Your Central Oregon Vacation Rental

Central Oregon Vacation Rental

3 Ways to Maximize Your Central Oregon Vacation Rental

Browsing the internet for vacation rentals in Central Oregon can sometimes be a mixed bag. On the one hand, you’re likely to find many suitable properties that come with desirable amenities. On the other hand, you may find yourself overwhelmed with too many options and disappointed to learn that not all vacation rentals can offer the same advantages.

Thankfully, Meredith Lodging has a dazzling assortment of well-appointed accommodations offering seemingly unfettered access to several of Central Oregon’s most treasured natural assets in places like Bend, Sisters, and Sunriver. To give you an idea of what to consider when searching for your home away from home, we’d like to share three tips on how to maximize your Central Oregon vacation rental experience.

Book Your Vacation Rental Direct with Meredith Lodging

With the advent of Airbnb and other vacation rental juggernauts, it may be tempting to take a shortcut to find that perfect property. However, it’s hard to know what to expect when not working directly with your host. From hidden fees to unreliable amenities, booking with a massive online service can be somewhat of a gamble. When you reserve your vacation rental directly with Meredith Lodging, you’ll get peace of mind by working with local travel experts who know each property inside and out.

Always Examine the Amenities and Property Types

Not all vacation rentals offer the same amenities, so it’s essential to consider every option. While some places may offer a hot tub, that’s not the case at every property. Furthermore, even though we have many single-family homes, we also provide a collection of condo living spaces. It’s crucial to determine what type of rental will fit your needs to receive the best possible experience.

Save Money on Food by Making Your Meals

We all know that sampling local cuisine is a cornerstone to a successful vacation, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat out for every meal. A huge advantage to staying at a fully-equipped rental property is the ability to create your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. The money you save by not constantly dining out will allow you to allocate your budget for recreation and entertainment. Few restaurants can offer the scenic beauty found from the comfort of your vacation rental dining room, patio, or deck.

Central Oregon: A Worthy Vacation Destination

Whether you’re coming from across the country or live elsewhere in the Beaver State, it doesn’t take long to realize why Central Oregon is an excellent place for an unforgettable getaway. With its towering mountains, sprawling forests, and sparkling waterway, this beloved region has a lot to offer. Known by many as an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, the area surrounding Mount Bachelor presents a myriad of options for those hoping to immerse themselves in nature’s bounty. Still, people who aren’t as enamored with kayaking, hiking, and fishing will undoubtedly find much tranquility amid this beautiful region. No matter your preferences, Meredith Lodging promises to provide extraordinary accommodations.