Cascade Lakes: Our most recommended tours and activities

Bend: Half-Day Brews & Views Canoe Tour on the Cascade Lakes

1. Bend: Half-Day Brews & Views Canoe Tour on the Cascade Lakes

Take in the stunning views of the Cascades Lakes while sampling some of Oregon’s most celebrated artisanal beverages. After getting all geared up, you’ll head off towards the lake with your naturalist guide and get to paddling through the pristine mountain waters. Gaze out across the crystal-clear lake, situated on the foot of snow-capped peaks. All the while, taste delicious local craft beers while learning about their production. Your guide will highlight the hidden spots on these beautiful lakes that might not initially meet the eye. You will spend over 2 hours on the water exploring areas accessible exclusively by boat, including fingers, coves, bays, and wetlands created by ancient volcanic activity and erosion. You can even pop into the lake for a dip if you get too toasty. After your excursion, you’ll be transferred back to the meeting point in Bend, having soaked up some of Oregon’s foremost natural beauty.

Bend: Half-Day Cascade Lakes Kayak Tour

2. Bend: Half-Day Cascade Lakes Kayak Tour

Experience a tandem kayak lake tour and enjoy the best mountainous views in Central Oregon. Meet your local guide in the heart of Bend, Oregon. Along with the rest of your group, make your way out of town and up into the Cascade mountain lakes where your kayaking adventure begins. Receive a lesson on kayaking safety measures before climbing into your tandem sit-on-top kayak.  Navigate your way through little-known caves, bays, and wetlands with the help of your naturalist guide. Keep a look out for the otters, mink, osprey and eagles that inhabit this area, and bring a camera for the best mountain views in Central Oregon. After around 2 hours of paddling and admiring your surroundings, you'll have time for a quick dip in the lakes to cool off. Prior to leaving, take in the views of mountains Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Paulina Peak. You’ll then head back to your kayaking starting point and be driven back to Bend.

Bend: Half-Day Cascade Lakes Canoe Tour

3. Bend: Half-Day Cascade Lakes Canoe Tour

Our renowned naturalist guides highlight the sweet spots on these stunning lakes that might not initially meet the eye. During the journey on the water, learn about the area’s hydrology and how water sustains all living things. The guide will describe how insects, born in the lake’s waters, begin the cycle of life that is realized in this intact ecosystem. Become energized with revelations about natural and cultural history. Go for a refreshing dip along with eco-friendly sunscreen. See parts of these large lakes that are only accessible by paddling into the fingers, coves, bays, and wetlands created by ancient eruptions and erosion. Witness sweeping views of the local mountains in Bend, Oregon.

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What people are saying about Cascade Lakes

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 14 reviews

The lake was beautiful and the brews were perfectly suited to the vibes of the day. We had never piloted a canoe before, but under Josh's tutelage we were immediately tearing up Elk Lake.

Weather did not permit us going to the lake, so we did a kayak trip on the river and it was spectacular. The guide was excellent and the entire trip was well organized.

Jose was an informative and fun guide. Reviewed how to kayak, how to remain safe in the water and had a surprise for us half way thru the paddle. We highly recommend!