I’m so glad I followed that random hunch. Because after a short, easy hike, I was rewarded.

Big time.

Teal blue water, views of the Cascade Mountains, water warm enough that even I wanted to swim: Lucky Lake is a gem. And it’s just 45 minutes from Bend or a half-hour from Sunriver in the Deschutes National Forest and Three Sisters Wilderness.

With so many hikes and lakes near Bend, Oregon and Sunriver, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. (It’s a good problem to have: Which gorgeous mountain lake should you explore today??)

But if you’re looking for a family-friendly, dog-friendly, easy hike to a breathtaking spot, your choice is as clear as that alpine lake water.

Cash in your good fortune that you’re in Oregon and hike Lucky Lake.

Hiking Lucky Lake near Bend, OR

The 2.5-mile out and back hike to Lucky Lake is the best kind of easy: the incline is gradual, the trail is well maintained, and the payoff at trail’s end will make even hot kids forget their complaining.

(Not that I have any experience with that.)

The hike to Lucky Lake starts at a trailhead also used for the Senoj Lake Trail. You can park at the main trailhead by following the short paved road off the Cascade Lakes Highway and bearing left.

If that lot is full, or you want to shave a half-mile off your hike, take your first right to the alternate parking lot. (This is also the lot with the vault toilet. There are no other toilet facilities at the trailhead or along the hike.)

The hike gains a mere 400 feet or so, climbing gradually. Young kids and people with limited mobility should have little trouble.

The trail is well maintained: Any fallen logs have been cut so you won’t have to scramble over any obstacles.

The walk up is dusty, as are most Cascade Lakes hikes near Bend. Expect to leave a cloud of dust in your wake. It’s just one more reason to leave plenty of space between you and other groups!

While the weather at Lucky Lake can get hot, trees keep much of the trail shaded. Thank you trees!

Stop-worthy Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway hike

As you reach the trail’s crest, you’ll see blue through the gaps in the trees ahead. The air immediately feels fresh and cool. You’ve made it to gorgeous Lucky Lake!

An undeveloped swimming area sits directly in front of where the trail Ts here. You can head straight to the water or do as I did and continue walking along the lake’s perimeter. You can go either left or right to find a private swimming spot.

For the best views of Broken Top, South Sister and Middle Sister, take a left at the T. I love the way the peaks play peek-a-boo as you walk—visible one moment, then hidden behind the Three Sisters Wilderness tree line the next.

Scramble down from the path at any point to dip into the water. The pine forest here is easy to walk through. (If you have mobility limitations, your best bet for maintained trails to the water is the area directly in front of the top of the trail, where it Ts.)

Fallen logs line the shore of most of Lucky Lake. Take a seat and dangle your legs in, or lounge on them to dry off after your swim.

I was surprised at how (relatively) warm Lucky Lake is. I’m used to the feet-numbing chill of most Cascade lakes. And I’m usually a weenie about cold water—I have a really hard time warming up once I get cold—but even I enjoyed a swim here!

The lake bottom is a bit muddy, but stand still a moment and the water becomes clear again. It’s also quite shallow so an adult can touch the bottom for yards into the lake.

Backpacking and camping at Lucky Lake, OR

I haven’t stayed overnight at Lucky Lake yet, but it’s a great spot for backpacking and dispersed camping.

(Dispersed camping involves setting up and staying overnight where there is not a developed campground. Dispersed camping is allowed in Oregon State Forests, including the Deschutes National Forest, year-round and doesn’t require a fee.)

The short trail makes Lucky Lake a terrific spot for families who want to test out backpacking. I passed several families who were backpacking in for an overnight stay. Kids as young as 7 or 8 were packing in their supplies!

All camping at Lucky Lake is dispersed. That means there are no amenities such as running water or toilets.

Several camping spots have been cleared out, though, making it easier to set up. It’s better to camp at one of these places instead of clearing a new area. That leaves the surrounding landscape intact.

I saw some fire pits around Lucky Lake camp sites, but you’re not supposed to make a fire within 100 feet of the water. Check for burn bans before you spark a fire, even from far away. When I recently visited in August, all fires were banned. (Propane stoves were still ok.)

As with all dispersed camping, Lucky Lake campers must adhere to leave no trace principles. Everything you pack in must be packed out. And since there are no toilets, take care of your biology business properly: Bury poo 6-8 inches in the ground at least 200 feet away from water sources.

(Fun fact, at least as far as poo facts can be fun: These are called cat holes!)

Lucky Lake trail details

To get to Lucky Lake, drive south from Bend on the Cascade Lakes Byway. Just after you pass the turnoff for Lava Lake, you’ll see a sign for the Lucky Lake Trailhead. You’ll turn right off the highway.

The Lucky Lake Trailhead will pop up in google maps, but you’ll want to download the map before you leave home in case you lose service in the Cascades.

From Sunriver, drive west on Conklin Road / National Forest Road 40. It’ll take you about a half-hour.

Dogs are allowed on this trail—just make sure to pick up after them and pack out their waste.

I’m pretty sure that by this point, you don’t need a whole lot more convincing that Lucky Lake should be on your list of things to do in Central Oregon. I know we’ll be back as soon as we can.

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