Lava Lake and Bachlor Butte in the Cascade
Mountains of Central Oregon

Lava Lake and Bachelor Butte in the Deschutes National Forest
as seen from the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway

While South Twin Lake is 20,000 years old, Lava Lake is much older. This fact can be deduced from the high levels of sedimentation - 4 to 5' of muck at the bottom of the lake as attested by divers, as well as the vegetation, waterlilies, rushes and others appearing especially on the west and northern shores. Lava Lake was formed after lava flows created a dam along the eastern shoreline, separating Lava Lake from Little Lava Lake.

Subsurface springs in the northeast corner feed water into Lava Lake. Temperatures vary from 45 - 60 degrees, but they're not noticeable in the same way the springs, that feed Paulina Lake make themselves known because they are so much warmer than the surrounding water.

Lava Lake Campground in the Deschutes National Forest of Oregon

The campground at Lava Lake is very popular with fishermen. Some campers come back year after year, and reservations are not taken, so plan ahead. There are five campsites for tents right near the lake, 38 single sites, one multi-site, but none are accessible. Roads and sites in this campground can accommodate RVs up 30', and many spurs have space for a boat trailer as well. Fees for camping are $14.00 a night for the first vehicle and $7.00 for each additional vehicle. The fee for the multi-site is $26.00. Potable water and a vault toilet are available. The site is open from mid May - mid October. The area offers two boat ramps. No motorized or mechanized vehicles are allowed on the wilderness trails.

RV Camping in the Deschutes National Forest

As stated above, Lava Lake campground can accommodate RVs of up to 30', and many spurs have space for a boat trailer as well. You'll find none of the amenities commonly found at resorts and RV sites: NO electrical hookups. NO sewer hookups. NO water hookups. NO pavement for parking. NO dump station.

Lava Lake Resort

Lava Lake does have a resort not affiliated with the Deschutes National Forest. The resort has a general store. The photos displayed on this page were taken from the area by the little store.

Directions to Lava Lake in Central Oregon

From Bend: Travel southwest on the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway 38.4 miles to FS 4600 - 500. From there drive one mile to the campground.

Protect our National Forests and Wilderness Areas. Leave NO Trace!

To make sure we do it all, Check the 7 Principles of "Leave NO Trace!".

Forward ~ South Twin Lake in the Deschutes National Forest of Oregon.

Back ~ Hosmer Lake/Mallard Marsh in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, off the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway.

Explore Central Oregon: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery for your enjoyment.

Lava Lake on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway up near the viewpoint for Broken Top.

Travel Oregon and northern California while staying at Gathering Light ... a retreat
located in south central Oregon, near Crater Lake National Park.

Travel on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway to Gathering Light ... a retreat: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery: wild and scenic rivers, hiking trails, mountains and volcanoes, old growth forests and more.

Directions to and Day Trips in either Oregon or California of about 100 miles from the retreat.

Explore little Known Scenic Places near Crater Lake and the retreat: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery: hiking trails, river gorges, wetlands and wildlife refuges, birding trails, canoeing and more.

Website Directory      Page Listing      Home Page

Contact Brad at Gathering Light ... a retreat.

Wood River Wetlands (pictured above), one of the many birding trails in Klamath Basin not far from Gathering Light ... a retreat. Rustic simplicity, a place to "Just Be", Gathering Light is nestled on the banks of the river and surrounded by the Fremont Winema National Forest of southern Oregon.