Hosmer Lake in Oregon

Trip Overview

Hosmer is one of my favorite paddle trips. This report is just to update the previous 2005 review. I had been traveling to Hosmer and the Cascade Lakes for years as a fisherman but now the kayak generation has taken over as Bend, OR has grown up. It used to be a mecca for flyfishermen in their pontoon boats, but that has all changed on the weekends. It seems like hundreds (exaggeration) of kayakers descend on this beautiful body of water and love it to death. Parked cars go all the way up to the main highway on occasion. So be warned!

My wife and I have 13 and 14 foot kayaks so we can explore the region's lakes. Even with more people around than I like, I have to say that the small lake kayaking or canoeing is superb. It offers a large flat water pond feeling with excellent fishing and good wildlife viewing. Best of all, the lake has an inlet that allows one to go upstream to a small waterfall. There is a camping area that allows tents or small RVs up to about 28 feet.

All in all one of my very favorite lakes. Just be prepared for crowds on the weekends.

Accommodations:

Camping on about 15 sites for tents and RVs. Does provide water, table, and fire pit. Primitive camping.

Fees:

Day permit if you don't have a Federal Pass ($5).

Directions:

Head up to the Cascade Lakes Highway out of Bend, Oregon past the ski resort and keep going beyond Devil's Lake. A great drive or bicycle trip.