The Perfect Oregon Lake Escape You’ve Probably Never Heard Of 

Waking up in the morning, stepping out onto your porch, and looking out over completely calm water, trees for miles, and clear skies is a sensation that can’t be paralleled. Unfortunately, it exists in very few places that aren’t crowded, expensive and overbuilt. If you’re looking for a lake vacation far, far away from the crowds of Tahoe or Big Bear, consider a subtler option: Suttle Lake, Oregon. 

Stay

Courtesy of Suttle Lodge

Set on a 253-acre lake in the middle of the Deschutes National Forest, The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse is one of the rare places where the food is nearly as memorable as the place itself. Whether you visit the lake for a meal, a day trip for hiking and swimming, or an overnight stay, it’s a beautiful and relaxing destination option with endless things to offer.

I’ve visited Suttle Lake with my own family, and what stuck with me most was how much space there is. Families with children, couples, dogs, and even the occasional wedding all somehow fit cohesively into the mix. The grounds at Suttle Lodge are totally dog friendly, as well. It’s not so remote that you can’t easily visit other areas of the state—Black Butte Ranch, a popular vacation spot, is only 25 minutes away by car. In other words: solitude is easy to achieve, but so is a friendly, communal vibe, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Eat and Drink

Courtesy of Suttle Lodge

The Michelin Guide-recognized lodge at The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse combines simple cabins with a restaurant that is reason enough to make the trip, making Suttle Lake just as appealing to people who come to eat as to those who come to paddleboard. Beyond the range of activities at the Suttle Lodge, the Boathouse serves amazing lakeside food (my family and I still think about the crunchy vegetable plate), and its Skip Bar has alpine-inspired food and drinks, including smoked trout dip, albacore tataki, and strip steak. Start your morning with a mustard egg sandwich from the Boathouse, pick up snacks to enjoy on the dock during the day, and make sure you’re back at the lodge in time for dinner, because the nighttime menu is even better.

Do

Courtesy of Anya Shah

At Suttle Lake, there is always some sort of activity, so no two days need to look the same during your stay. You can spend the day swimming in the surprisingly comfortably warm lake water, hiking through the surrounding pine and fir forests, or renting canoes and paddleboards. In the evening, join a Thursday lawn concert if you want a little company (or sign up for Friday morning yoga class!). Personally, I loved renting paddleboards and pool floaties to spend the day on the lake, then stretching out on the dock and tanning into the afternoon.