Lava Lake (Oregon)

Lava Lake
View east across the lake
Location	Deschutes County, Oregon
Coordinates	43°55′13″N 121°46′22″W / 43.92028°N 121.77278°W / 43.92028; -121.77278Coordinates: 43°55′13″N 121°46′22″W / 43.92028°N 121.77278°W / 43.92028; -121.77278
Type	natural, oligotrophic
Primary inflows	seeps and springs
Primary outflows	none usually but some to Little Lava Lake during high water
Catchment area	8 square miles (21 km2)
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	368 acres (149 ha)
Average depth	20 feet (6.1 m)
Max. depth	34 feet (10 m)
Water volume	7,200 acre feet (8,900,000 m3)
Residence time	1.3 years
Shore length1	3.3 miles (5.3 km)
Surface elevation	4,740 feet (1,440 m)
References
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Lava Lake lies in the Cascade Range about 25 miles (40 km) west-southwest of Bend in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is a close neighbor of Little Lava Lake, from which it is separated by solidified lava. Lava Lake is at an elevation of 4,740 feet (1,440 m) in the Deschutes National Forest. The lake covers 368 acres (149 ha) to an average depth of 20 feet (6.1 m).

Lava Lake, Little Lava Lake, and other nearby lakes formed after lava flows from Mount Bachelor altered drainage patterns in the area. Solidified lava flows are visible along the shorelines of both lakes, and the volcanic peaks Broken Top and South Sister can be seen to the north.

Fish in the lake include rainbow trout that grow to 24 inches (61 cm) and brook trout that sometimes reach 19 inches (48 cm). Controlled populations of tui chub also live in the lake.

A United States Forest Service campground and a private resort are near the lake, and Little Lava Lake also has campsites. Amenities around the lake include parking areas, two boat ramps, and a fish cleaning station.

Trails in the area offer opportunities for hiking. One trail follows the east side of the lake, while another heads south into Three Sisters Wilderness and on to Williamson Mountain.