For many people, owning a vacation home is one of life's grand goals. For water sports enthusiasts, these five options may be the best lakes in Oregon on which to accomplish that dream.
One of the best aspects of Fishhawk Lake is its proximity to downtown Portland. Just 68 miles northeast of town, along Oregon State Routes 26 and 47, just outside of Vernonia, Fishhawk Lake offers a rural but sophisticated community nestled on the shores of this pristine and beautiful lake. Indeed a true "community," owners pay HOA fees ($1700 annually) to maintain the simple street system, public utilities (sewer and water lines), community clubhouse, tennis court and firehouse. Residents have access to use of the shared facilities as part of their purchase agreement. To maintain the peaceful ambiance, homeowners agree to limit their building, sporting and activity choices to those allowed by the HOA Agreement. The result of community compliance is a beautiful, quiet, family-friendly holiday or permanent home location that is reminiscent of the grand lakeside resorts of decades past.
Seasonal activities are those enjoyed at most lakes. Most lakeside homes have private docks for mooring row boats, canoes and kayaks; motor boats are prohibited. Wildlife is abundant in the forests surrounding the lake, and feathered and furry visitors are frequent. There are miles of hiking and biking paths, too, so you can even "get away" from your lakeside neighbors if need be.
For the best of ocean and lake living, Neacoxie Lake on the Oregon Coast offers a spectacular opportunity to embrace both. Also known as Sunset Lake, Neacoxie Lake sits between the Pacific Coast Highway 101 and the Oregon beaches just four miles north of Gearhart, 15 miles south of Astoria, and 80 miles west of Portland. Homes along the lakeshore enjoy lakeside living while the Pacific Ocean beaches are less than a half mile away. The Sunset Beach Recreation site is immediately west, and the Astoria Golf Club is immediately to the east.
For naturalists, the Neacoxie Wildlife Corridor, just south of the lake, promises daily encounters with the area's original flora and fauna inhabitants. Shamrock Pines Wetlands, Butterfield Fen, and the Neacoxie Forest are examples of the unique geographical features of the Pacific Coast. Just 14 miles north of the lake is Astoria, a fishing town sitting at the mouth of the Columbia River and the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Historical, natural and sporting opportunities for every season are abundant for Neacoxie lake home owners.
Owning a lake house at Detroit Lake offers you a central location from which to explore the beauty of west-central Oregon. Just 96 miles from Portland and 52 miles from the state capital of Salem, the town of Detroit Lake is the gateway to the Cascade Mountains, as well as a prime vacation destination in its own right. The Detroit Lake Recreation Area draws boaters, fishers and other water sports aficionados to the nine-mile long lake and its feeding creeks and rivers. Detroit’s permanent residents make the best of their holiday location by celebrating numerous festivals throughout the year, including fishing Derbys, wakeboard and waterski competitions and shows, a classic car and boat "cruise-in", a "mud run" and even a bike race.
In winter, nearby ski hills and snow parks offer skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding and other winter activities. The Cascade Mountains are a sports person's nirvana year round, and Detroit is just 80 miles east of Bend. Bend is home to dozens of microbreweries, sports facilities and burgeoning industries. Sisters, Oregon, 57 miles east, is a western town known for its rodeo and world famous Outdoor Quilt Show.
Detroit Lake connects its residents to the best of Oregon outdoor opportunities.
Approximately 130 miles from Portland lies Billy Chinook Lake, nestled below the towering cliffs of Cove Palisades State Park. Houseboating, water skiing, fishing and every other water sport is enjoyed along the length of the 28-mile lake, which is formed by the convergence of the Crooked, Metolius and Deschutes Rivers. Sail boats, motorboats and other floating conveyances are easily launched from four boat launches. Lake Billy Chinook Airport offers the convenience of quick access from any point in the country. The nearby towns of Culver and Madras offer services and supplies.
Homes along and around the lake enjoy spectacular views of the Lake, the Park and Oregon's Central Plains. Nearby, the Three Rivers Recreation Area is the starting point for world-class white water rafting and kayaking. The many geological sites attract many of the world's best climbers, too. Just 45 miles south of the Lake is Bend, Central Oregon's hot spot for microbreweries, emerging industries and fine dining. For those less urban-minded, this part of Oregon is famous for its off-the-grid lifestyles, and many residents rely on solar electricity for power, satellite availability for phones and internet, and deep, deep wells to provide clear, clean water.
Lake Billy Chinook offers the widest selection of Central Oregon's vacation home options.
This 25-mile long, eight-mile wide lake sits almost at the California border of Oregon. Fed by three rivers (the Sprague, Swan and Williamson Rivers), the Upper Klamath offers lake and river sports and lifestyles for its residents and visitors. Considered one of Oregon's most beautiful lakes, it draws thousands of vacationers each year.
Sports folk and nature lovers will both fall in love with Upper Klamath Lake and its surrounding wilderness areas. Fishing is extremely popular and the lake is home to some of the continent's largest trout. Canoeing and kayaking are favorite pastimes in the shallow shore areas, and motor boats treat water skiers to one-of-a-kind, lake-oriented vistas. For more strenous sight seeing, miles of hiking and biking paths track the shoreline and run into the surrounding hills.
The City of Klamath Falls sits at the Lake's southern tip, Medford is 80 miles west, and Crater Lake State Park is just an hour north. Bend, Oregon is 137 miles north, and Portland is 280 miles to the northeast. Klamath Airport gives access to the Lake to its residents and visitors, making a vacation home on the Upper Klamath Lake an easy and convenient destination year after year.
