Top 20 Lakes around Portland
Best lakes around Portland offer diverse recreational opportunities and scenic beauty within a short distance of the city. The region features a mix of man-made and natural lakes, often nestled within regional parks or national forests. These bodies of water provide varied settings for outdoor activities, from tranquil paddling to active water sports. The landscape surrounding Portland's lakes ranges from urban parklands to mountainous forest environments.
Best lakes around Portland
- The most popular lakes is Lake to Lake Trail, Lacamas Regional Park, a trail that features striking scenery from rapid rivers to forests and diverse wildlife. This trail connects to lakes and offers a scenic experience for hikers.
- Another must-see spot is Round Lakes Upper Dam, a man-made monument that holds back Round Lake and Lacamas Lake. This area is popular for fishing and offers access to benches, grills, and restrooms for visitors.
- Visitors also love Vancouver Lake, a large, shallow lake located near Vancouver, Washington. Its calm waters make it suitable for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, with a regional park providing amenities and a sandy beach.
- Portland is known for its man-made lakes, natural lakes, and those within regional parks. These offer a variety of settings for outdoor activities, from urban oases to mountain reflections.
- The lakes around Portland are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 6 photos shared by users.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Round Lakes Upper Dam
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Vancouver Lake
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City of Portland Reservoir Number 5
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Lacamas Lake
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Lake to Lake Trail, Lacamas Regional Park
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Tips from the Community
Round Lake Upper Dam in Camas holds back Round Lake and Lacamas Lake in Lacamas Park. It was built in 1883 for a paper mill; the wooden dam was replaced by a concrete and steel structure in 1935, which raised the lake level by about 12 feet. Today, this area is popular for fishing rainbow and brown trout, bluegill, and bass, while hikers and picnickers have access to benches, grills, and restrooms.
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Vancouver Lake is a large, shallow lake located near Vancouver, Washington. The lake is popular for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing due to its calm waters. The Vancouver Lake Regional Park is located on its western shore and provides amenities such as picnic areas, open fields, restrooms, and a sandy beach for relaxing. The park is a great spot for birdwatching, as the area is home to diverse waterfowl and other wildlife. While swimming is permitted, water quality can vary, and advisories are posted as needed.
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Vancouver Lake's sparkling waters and raw shoreline offer a rustic nature experience just outside of the city.
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Round Lakes Upper Dam is an old dam that was built to provide power for a paper mill. There is currently a project in the works to create a fish passage.
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At Lacamas Lake, you can breathe in pine-scented air as you follow peaceful Heritage Trails. Surrounded by mature trees, this scenic lake is the perfect spot for kayaking and admiring nature. The park's well-maintained landscape features beautiful ferns, water lilies, and wildflowers.
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Vancouver Lake's sparkling waters and raw shoreline offer a rustic nature experience just outside of the city.
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City of Portland Reservoir Number 5 is one of the water reservoirs at Mount Tabor that no longer supplies drinking water. Though they are important assets to the City of Portland and are undergoing a maintenance project, the City of Portland Reservoir Number 5 resembles a small castle, and the view of downtown from the east end of the reservoir is great, especially after sunset when the lights are all on.
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City of Portland Reservoir Number 5 is one of the water reservoirs at Mount Tabor that no longer supplies drinking water. Though they are important assets to the City of Portland and are undergoing a maintenance project, the City of Portland Reservoir Number 5 resembles a small castle, and the view of downtown from the east end of the reservoir is great, especially after sunset when the lights are all on.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes near Portland are best for families?
For a family-friendly day out, Blue Lake Regional Park is an excellent choice, offering a large water splash play area, playgrounds, and picnic facilities. Henry Hagg Lake also provides multiple swimming areas and a wide range of water activities suitable for all ages. In the Mount Hood National Forest, Timothy Lake is known as a 'family-fun mecca' with ample space for paddling and surrounding campgrounds.
Where can I go kayaking or paddleboarding near Portland?
Many lakes offer great paddling opportunities. Vancouver Lake is ideal for non-motorized water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing due to its calm, shallow waters. Henry Hagg Lake has designated no-wake zones perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Trillium Lake and Timothy Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest also provide serene settings for kayaking and paddleboarding with stunning views.
Are there lakes near Portland with good hiking trails?
Yes, several lakes offer excellent hiking. Trillium Lake features a scenic 2-mile loop trail around its perimeter, suitable for a leisurely hike. Timothy Lake is surrounded by a 15-mile loop trail for hiking and biking. Additionally, the Lake to Lake Trail in Lacamas Regional Park offers striking scenery and connects to lakes. For more options, explore easy hikes around Portland.
Which lakes offer the best views of Mount Hood?
Trillium Lake is renowned for its iconic, postcard-perfect reflections of Mount Hood on its clear, cool waters, making it a prime spot for scenic views and photography. Timothy Lake also provides beautiful vistas of the Mt. Hood National Forest, with the majestic peak often visible.
What are the best lakes for fishing near Portland?
Anglers have several great options. Blue Lake Regional Park is regularly stocked with fish by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Henry Hagg Lake is abundant with bass, crappie, and trout. Trillium Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and Timothy Lake is known for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and brook trout. Vancouver Lake also offers fishing for species like crappie, bass, and catfish.
Are there any lakes near Portland that are less crowded?
While popular spots can get busy, Vancouver Lake is often less crowded than other options, especially for non-motorized water sports, offering a more tranquil escape. Its large, shallow expanse provides plenty of room.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around these lakes?
The lakes are home to diverse wildlife. At Blue Lake Regional Park, you can spot various birds, ducks, herons, owls, and turtles. Vancouver Lake is a haven for birdwatching, located within the Pacific Flyway and hosting diverse waterfowl. The forested areas around Trillium Lake and Timothy Lake also support a variety of birds and forest animals.
Can I swim in the lakes near Portland?
Yes, swimming is permitted in several lakes. Blue Lake Regional Park has designated swimming areas. Henry Hagg Lake offers multiple swimming spots, including no-wake zones. Swimming is also popular at Trillium Lake. For Vancouver Lake, while swimming is allowed, it's important to check for current water quality advisories due to historical issues with harmful algae blooms.
Are there any lakes accessible by public transport or very close to Portland?
Blue Lake Regional Park in Fairview is the closest lake to Portland, making it easily accessible for a day trip. While not directly accessible by public transport to the lake's edge, its proximity makes it a convenient option for those seeking a quick escape from the city.
What are the best times to visit the lakes near Portland?
The best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and water sports. Early summer at Blue Lake Regional Park is beautiful with blooming water lilies and pink lotus. For stunning reflections of Mount Hood, clear, calm mornings at Trillium Lake are perfect. In winter, Trillium Lake transforms into a snowy paradise for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Are there any lakes with ADA-accessible features?
Yes, Trillium Lake in the Mt. Hood National Forest features an ADA-accessible fishing pier and boat launch, making it more accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
What activities are available at Vancouver Lake Regional Park?
Vancouver Lake Regional Park, located along the western shore of Vancouver Lake, provides picnic areas, open fields, restrooms, and sand volleyball courts. It's a great spot for non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, and also popular for birdwatching.
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