Elk Lake is a high-elevation lake in the Deschutes National Forest, located about 32 miles southwest of Bend and along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. With 405 acres of water surface, 5.1 kilometers of shoreline, and an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level, it’s a well-known and popular destination for swimming, fishing, boating, windsurfing, hiking, and camping. The lake is open all year, but weather conditions may make it inaccessible between November and late May.

The lake is the most popular and heavily used among other Cascade Lakes and reservoirs. There are three day-use areas, four campgrounds, a resort, boat ramps, and hiking trails around the lake.

Elk Lake is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and experience all that Central Oregon has to offer, so we’ve compiled a list of things to do at Elk Lake to make sure you’re getting the most of your visit.

Enjoy the Beach Picnic Area

The beach/picnic area is located on the shores of Elk Lake, and has stunning views of South Sister. During the summer months, it is a popular location to enjoy a sandy beach (that’s right! – we said “sandy beach” 😊), swim, and picnic.

The beach is open from late May to mid-September, weather and conditions permitting. 

Fishing at Elk Lake

Elk Lake is stocked with Kokanee and Brook Trout. A valid Oregon fishing license is required for all anglers 16 years of age and older. You can purchase a license online, at any Oregon license agent or at an ODFW office.

The best time to fish is usually early in the season or late in the fall when the water temperatures are cooler. Check the stocking reports for recent stocking information.

Visit the Elk Lake Guard Station

The historic guard station known as Elk Lake Guard Station is located near Elk Lake. The guard station, which served as a base for a forest guard, was built in 1929. It is now a visitor information center where you can learn about the life and work of the last century’s forest guard.

Go Hiking

From Elk Lake, you can access Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which connects you to various trails and lakes throughout the Cascade Range. Hosmer, Sparks, Blow, Doris, Devils, Todd, Cultus, Lava, and Little Lava Lakes are all near Elk Lake, making hiking in this area interesting and fun. In fact, the PCT is America’s second-longest trail, running from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington states. So, needless to say, there is a lot of hiking fun to be had when we’re talking about the PCT.

Hit the Lake with Meredith Lodging!

Are you ready to discover one of Oregon’s most beautiful vacation destination spots? Mt Bachelor Village Resort has you covered with an impressive collection of Mt Bachelor vacation homes and Bend lodging accommodations – ranging from all sizes and budgets. You can view our complete collection online, or call our Reservations Team at (8777) 778-9055. We hope to see you out on Elk Lake soon! 

The Nordic Center offers something for everyone – miles of groomed trails for classic and skate style skiing, packed and signed snowshoe trails, a wide variety of instructional clinics to choose from, full rental service, and an onsite retail store. You can plan all your winter activities from the website with pre-purchased trail passes, lessons, and rentals.  

Enjoy the nation’s longest groomed Nordic season while you soak up the majestic scenery of Mt. Bachelor and the Deschutes National Forest at your own pace.  

Where is The Nordic Center? 

The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center and gates to access the trails are located across from West Village on the north side of the parking lot, next to the entrance to the base area.  

Nordic Trail System 

Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic trail system is expertly and meticulously maintained, machine-groomed, and track-set nightly. 

The difficulty rating of their cross-country terrain is broken down into: 5% easier, 69% more difficult, and 26% most difficult.  

Snowshoeing 

Enjoy exploring the beauty of the Deschutes National Forest over 10 miles of single tracked and well-maintained snowshoe trails. Snowshoe trail tickets can be purchased at the outdoor ticket window, or in advance by calling 541-382-1709; this activity is not currently offered for online purchase. All ages ticket – $9.  Check out their rental packages.  

Want to Introduce Smaller Kiddos to the Great Outdoors? 

Try out a Pulk Sled where you can pull your infant behind you while hitting the trails. Pulks have a weatherproof shell, and secure buckled harness. Rentals are $36 per day. Quantity is limited, so we recommend reserving in advance. 

Winter 2021/2022 Season Updates 

Trail tickets can now be picked up from their outdoor ticket windows. Food and beverage service at the Café will not return for the Winter 21/22 season, however there will be limited indoor seating. Gear storage areas will not be provided this season. 

Stay at Mt Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging   

Ready to start planning a winter vacation filled with memories and adventures you will never forget? A stay at Mount Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging will provide you with the perfect home base for all your Central Oregon adventures. We offer an amazing selection of vacation homes, ranging from cozy cabins to spacious homes in Bend that can accommodate large groups, and pets, too! Book online or call our Reservations Team at 888.752.2220 to book your stay. We hope to see you on the trails soon! 

With a chairlift ride at Mt. Bachelor, everyone on your trip can enjoy breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and nearby alpine lakes while making their way to an outdoor adventure. The journey begins at 6,300 feet from the West Village base area and climbs to Pine Marten Lodge at 7,775 feet. Here’s everything you need to know about the Mt Bachelor summer chairlift!

Pine Marten Lift Schedule for 2022

Normal Hours

June 23 – October 2

10 am – 5 pm

Extended Hours

10 am – 8 pm, Thursday through Sunday

Summer 2022 Pricing

Age | Round-Trip Ride

Adult (13 – 64) – 26$

Youth (6 – 12) – 23

Senior (65+) – 16

Child (5 and under) – Free

Season Passes Cost $79

Things to Know about the Chair Lift During the Summer

The Pine Marten Lift takes you up to Pine Marten Lodge, where you can find many attractions and things to do. This ride is a gateway to the following:

Scenic Chairlift Ride

Once you’ve paid for lift tickets at the base lodge, go right up to the lift and have the operator explain how to load and lower the safety bar. The trip up takes around 10 minutes, with magnificent views of Mt. Bachelor’s peak. Another lift operator drives you down once you’ve reached the top.

The views from Pine Marten Lift are amazing, with panoramas of the Cascade Mountains, with South Sister being the most prominent. You may see breathtaking vistas of the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Cascade Lakes, as well as high alpine scenery including ancient lava flows, wildflowers, and evergreens right from your chairlift seat.

Forest Services Interpretative Talks

A 30-minute presentation given by a forest service volunteer covers volcanoes, geology, ecology, and cultural history of the region. This program is highly receptive to questions and curiosities of the participating group.

The schedule is subject to change depending on the volunteer. You can check out the up-to-date schedule here.

Lunch at Scapolo’s

Stop by Scapolo’s for a relaxing lunch. This cafeteria restaurant with fantastic views offers a wide selection of lunch foods, from fresh pizzas to Mediterranean salads and bowls, as well as flatbreads, wraps, hot sandwiches, and a full drink menu including cocktails, beer and wine.

Ziplining Tours

With an exciting zip line journey on the Northwest’s fastest, steepest, and highest-elevation zip adventure, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. This thrilling, twin-line three-stage trip begins at the tree line’s peak at an elevation of 7800 feet and drops nearly 1440 feet.

Downhill Mountain Biking Trails of Mt Bachelor’s Bike Park

With 13 trails, Mt. Bachelor is a mecca for mountain bikers. The ski area’s Bike Park offers an array of downhill and cross-country trails, with something for everyone – from beginner to expert.

There are also two shuttle services that run daily during the summer season, the Pine Marten Express and the Village Shuttle. The Pine Marten Express picks up riders at the West Village Base Area and drops them off at the Pine Marten Lodge, while the Village Shuttle goes between all of Mt. Bachelor’s lodges.

Chairlift Up to a Dining Experience with a Sunset

For a dining experience that goes above and beyond the usual, head to Pine Marten Lodge on Friday and Saturday evenings through September 3. You’ll arrive at the Pine Marten Lodge, which features a wonderful view as well as a culinary special occasion served at 7,800 feet. A Sunset Dinner at Pine Marten Lodge is one you won’t soon forget whether you’re dining with family, friends, or that special someone.

Stay with Mt Bachelor Village Resort to Make the Best of Your Central Oregon Getaway!

When it comes to choosing the perfect Central Oregon getaway, there’s no better place to stay than Mt Bachelor Village Resort. Located just minutes from all the best that Bend and Sunriver have to offer, our resort is the perfect basecamp for exploring all that this beautiful region has to offer. Enjoy the Mt Bachelor Summer chairlift for scenic rides and access to hiking and mountain biking trails, or take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service to explore the nearby Deschutes River. After a day of adventure, relax in one of our spacious villas or unwind in our on-site spa. No matter how you choose to spend your time, Mt Bachelor Village Resort is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Book your stay today!

Mt. Bachelor is not just for skiing and snowboarding. Head to the mountain this summer for a gravity-defying adventure over 13 miles of downhill trails at Mt. Bachelor Bike Park. 

Bike Park Info 

The Mt. Bachelor Bike Park is Oregon’s premiere lift-served mountain bike park that features a combination of a hand-built single track and machine-built flow trails weaving through scenic volcanic landscapes and majestic Ponderosa pine trees. Whether you are a novice rider or an experienced dirt jumper, we guarantee you will have a thrilling ride! 

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Number of Trails	13
Max Trail Length	3.8 miles
Easier Trails	3
More Difficult Trails	5
Most Difficult Trails	4
Extreme Trails	1

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Buy Tickets Early & Save 

Choose from a variety of options – Single Day All-Mountain, Single Day Little Pine Bike Park, and Multi-day. The earlier you buy, the more you save. Purchase a Single Day All-Mountain ticket online more than 72 hours in advance and SAVE 10% OFF your standard online ticket rate.  

Need to Rent a Bike? 

The Mt. Bachelor Bike Rental Center offers everything you need to hit the trails safely. Offering bike rental packages, which include protective equipment, to a la carte bike accessory rentals, the friendly and knowledgeable crew will get you outfitted and ready to ride!  

Reserve your bike rentals online more than 72 hours in advance and SAVE 10% OFF your standard online rental rate. 

Important Information for Bikers Under 18 

A parent/guardian signature is required for all bikers under 18 years of age. If you will not be accompanying your child to Mt. Bachelor Bike Park, please print and sign the Mountain Biking Season Pass Release and have your child bring it to the mountain. 

Where to Stay? 

Ready to plan a summer vacation filled with memories and adventures you will never forget? A stay at Mount Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging will provide you with the perfect home base for all your Central Oregon adventures. We offer an amazing selection of vacation homes, ranging from cozy cabins to spacious homes that can accommodate large groups, and pets, too! Book online or call our Reservations Team at 888.752.2220 to book your stay. We hope to see you on the mountain soon!  

Experience Mt. Bachelor like never before with an exhilarating zip line ride on the Northwest’s fastest, steepest, and highest-elevation zip adventure. This scenic, dual-line, three-stage tour begins above the tree line at the top of Pine Marten lift at an elevation of 7,800 feet and drops nearly 1,4000 feet. Get ready to soar this summer! 

Zip Line Tour Stages 

Stage one

Stage one starts near the unloading area of the Pine Marten lift. You will drop 225 feet in elevation as you descend towards the Skyliner lift. Enjoy stunning views of Tumalo Mountain and Paulina Peak in the distance while flying over ravines and ridges below. 

Stage two

Stage two will angle you back toward the Pine Marten while dropping an additional 263 feet. Marvel at the stunning views of South Sister and the Cascade Lakes as you soar through the forests. 

Stage three

Stage three is the grand finale of the tour and features the thrilling “Broken Top Drop.” Enjoy the rush as you fly down the mountain side with an 866-foot vertical plunge spanning 3,443 feet.  

How to Book Your Mt. Bachelor Zipline Tour? 

To book your ZipTour reservation, visit the Mt. Bachelor website or call Mt. Bachelor directly at 541-382-1709 

ZipTour Pricing 

Standard rates apply to all reservations made 72 hours or more in advance. Reservations booked within 72 hours of the tour date are subject to Last Minute Pricing. Standard rate: Adults (13+) – $114 / Youth (12 & under) – $89 / Last Minute: Adults $124 / Youth $99. 

 If weather interrupts operations, tours will be rescheduled or fully refunded. 

Who Can Ride the Zipline? 

• Guests must be a minimum of 10 years old and 48 inches in height, and maximum weight and height is 260 lbs. and 82 inches. Guests will be required to step on a red/green scale to confirm weight requirements are met. 
• Children between the ages of 10 – 15 must be accompanied by an adult but must be able to participate independently of the adult. 
• Guests who are pregnant or may be pregnant should not ride. 

• Persons who have recently had surgery or who suffer from chronic back, neck and/or spine problems are strongly advised not to ride. 
• Learn more about Mt. Bachelor’s ZipTour requirements, check-in process, and safety tips online. 

Stay at Mt Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging  

Ready to plan a summer vacation filled with memories and adventures you will never forget? A stay at Mount Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging will provide you with the perfect home base for all your Central Oregon adventures. We offer an amazing selection of vacation homes, ranging from cozy cabins to spacious homes that can accommodate large groups, and pets, too! Book online or call our Reservations Team at 888.752.2220 to book your stay. We hope to see you soon! 

There is nothing better on a hot summer day in Central Oregon than taking an exhilarating ride down the Deschutes River. This blog post is all about Sunriver white water rafting, so whether you are looking for a family-friendly adventure, or a thrilling excursion through intense rapids, the Deschutes River has something to offer everyone. Check out our list of the best whitewater rafting tour companies near Bend and Sunriver to help you choose the adventure that is right for you! 

Whitewater Rafting Tour Companies near Bend and Sunriver, Oregon: 

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Sun Country Tours

Sun Country Tours has been running whitewater rafting excursions in Central Oregon since 1978. Their most popular trip is the Big Eddy Thriller, a fun 3-mile trip down class I and III rapids designed for the whole family – young kids don’t even have to paddle! Sun Country Tours also offers trips down the Lower Deschutes, the McKenzie, and North Umpqua. On Wednesdays in July and August, you can book a Raft ‘N Brew tour (21 and older only). This popular tour takes you down the Big Eddy, and ends with a complimentary beer tasting on the Sun Country Tours patio. Each week they partner with a different local craft brewery, and 50% off the proceeds from the tour go to Mt. Bachelor Play Forever Fund. No matter which trip you choose, we guarantee a splash-tastic time! 

Ouzel Outfitters

Only have one day to play? Ouzel Outfitters offers half day, full day, or custom trips to cater to your needs. The one-day trip down the Deschutes River is one of the most popular excursions. Visitors can enjoy navigating through class III rapids, swimming, rock jumping, and more. Half-day trips include a snack and a selection of sparkling water, and full-day trips include a delicious lunch. Ouzel Outfitters aims to offer an unforgettable adventure with a splash of class.  

River Drifters

River Drifters offers experienced, friendly guides, top-quality gear, hearty meals, and unmatched value. Whether you are a beginner or experienced rafter, you can find the perfect trip that meets your skill level, time commitment, and your comfort level for adventure.  

Bend Whitewater Park

Conveniently located on the Deschutes River near the Old Mill District, the Bend Whitewater Park offers tons of on-water fun. From tubing and kayaking to surfing and rafting, you can enjoy a wide range of activities here. The Whitewater Channel of the park offers four different wave features with varying levels of difficulty. The unique combination of natural and innovative, man-made features helps create ideal conditions for a whitewater rafting trip. 

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Who Can Ride the Rapids?  

Sun Country Tours has an age minimum of 6 years old, and can also accommodate disabled guests. River Drifters has a minimum age of 4 years for the Deschutes tours, and Ouzel Outfitters welcomes guests starting from 6 years old. We recommend contacting the companies directly with any questions or concerns, as the knowledgeable and helpful staff will recommend the best tour for you and your family or group.   
 

What Should You Wear? 

Weather in Central Oregon can be changeable, so we recommend checking the temperature to dress accordingly. On warmer days, bathing suits, T-shirts and quick-drying shorts are encouraged. On cooler days, light layers of clothing made of synthetic fabrics, or wool to help wick moisture, will help keep you warmer. Wear shoes that can stay on your feet, like river sandals, water socks, or athletic shoes that can get wet. Each tour company will provide you with clothing recommendations and suggestions on what to bring upon booking.  

Planning a Group Rafting Trip? 

All of the tour companies listed above can cater to your group needs to plan an unforgettable whitewater rafting or outdoor experience. Whether you are planning a family reunion, a corporate event, bachelor/bachelorette party, youth/school groups, or any other special occasion you can think of, a customized river adventure is just a call away.  

Stay with Meredith While Hitting the Rapids 

Ready to plan a summer vacation you’ll never forget? A stay with Meredith Lodging will provide you with the perfect home base for all your Sunriver white water rafting adventures. We offer an amazing selection of vacation homes, ranging from cozy cabins to spacious homes that can accommodate large groups, and pets, too! View our collection of Sunriver vacation rentals, or call our Reservations Team at 877.778.9055 to book your stay. We hope to see you out on the water soon!  If you’re looking for

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Float the Deschutes River  

Floating the Deschutes is a favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe makes floating the river easy. Rent tubes for the whole family and reserve a shuttle ride back to your car all in one easy stop.  

Surf’s Up at Bend’s Whitewater Park 

Bend’s Whitewater Park is the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Located near the Old Mill District, this unique water park offers a variety of river recreation opportunities including tubing, surfing, and kayaking.  

Try #LakeLife Water Activities with Your Kayak, Canoe, or Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) 

There are acres of refreshing open water with stunning mountain and forest views in the High Cascade Lakes, or on Paulina Lake. Paulina Lake Lodge is right on the water’s edge and rents kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowboats, and pedal boats. Sparks Lake is one of the first and most accessible lakes along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. Enjoy panoramic views of Broken Top, the Three Sisters, and Mt Bachelor as your paddle through crystal clear water.  

Take a Tour of Favorite Watering Holes with Bend’s Wanderlust Tours 

Wanderlust Tours offers a wide variety of expert-led tours to choose from – Cascade canoe and kayak tours, Moonlight & Starlight tours, and Brews & Views. No matter which adventure you choose, we guarantee a memorable time out on the water! 

Ready to hit the water this summer? Meredith Lodging has you covered with a wide selection of rentals to choose from at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging. You can view our complete collection online, or call our Reservations Team at (888) 752-2220. We hope to see you out on the water soon!  

Ready to kick off the summer, and enjoy an action-packed three-day weekend? Meredith Lodging has you covered with an impressive selection of Central Oregon vacation rentals – from riverfront homes to cozy cabins to spacious homes for large gatherings.  

Check out our list of family-friendly outdoor activities to enjoy this Memorial Day weekend: 

Don’t Miss Dog Day in May at The Village in Sunriver 

All dogs, owners, and dog lovers are invited to The Village at Sunriver’s Annual Dog Day this May 29^th. Drop by from 11am – 3pm to enter your pup in a variety of contests, and to visit local vendors celebrating all things dog!  

Hike the Deschutes River Trail to Benham Falls 

You won’t have to go far to get the whole family outside and moving! Start your morning with a walk or a bike ride on the picturesque Deschutes River Trail. The easy and picturesque amble out to Benham Falls is suitable for all skill levels.  

Explore the High Desert Museum 

Kids of all ages will love learning about the animals, geography, and culture of the high desert through interactive and engaging exhibits at Bend’s High Desert Museum. Highlights include the live animal exhibits and interacting with living history characters at the Miller Ranch, where you can learn about the lives of the early pioneers. 

Discover Tumalo Falls 

No visit to Central Oregon is complete without a hike to Tumalo Falls. This 6.8-mile loop is rated moderate and will reward you with stunning views of the thundering falls. Leashed pups can join in on the fun, too! 

Hit the Downtown Bend Artisans Market 

Enjoy a stroll through this open-air marketplace where you can shop from a variety of stalls, including local artists, farmers, and food vendors. 

Join the Last Party of the Season on the Mountain 

Mt. Bachelor is saying goodbye to the season and hello to summer on May 28^th and 29^th with their Board, Bike, Brew party complete with skiing, riding, biking, food, beer, music, and plenty of fun to be had by all! 

Ready to plan your Memorial Day weekend getaway?  You can view our complete collection of Central Oregon vacation rentals online, or call our Reservations Team at 877.778.9055 to book your stay. We hope to see you soon! In the meantime, follow us on Social and post those vacay pics with #STAYWITHMEREDITH.