Any adventurer who makes their way to Bend, Oregon should always find time to leave the city and enjoy the quiet wilderness around them. The surrounding areas outside of Bend feature sprawling campgrounds and flowing rivers. For a more relaxing and serene area, make your way over to Little Cultus Lake. Also known as Deer Creek, Little Cultus Lake is a 175-acre lake with smaller campgrounds featured along the coast.
Recreation at the Lake
Little Cultus Lake in Oregon is perfect for a quiet getaway during the warm summer months. You and your family can enjoy lake activities such as swimming and wading in the water; the lake features a gentle slope so children of all ages can enjoy the water at a comfortable depth. There are multiple boat docks found around the lake to launch from. Fishing is abundant at the lake, with some of the best rainbow and brook trout fishing in the area. Most fish caught are typically 11 to 17 inches in length, making for the perfect catch. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails found surrounding the lake. Each trail features a different skill level, so beginners and experts both can find a trail that is perfect for them.
Planning Your Camping Trip
There a few details you need to know before planning your camping excursion on Little Cultus Lake. First off, staying at the lake campgrounds requires a $16 fee for all vehicles. The campgrounds are open from mid-May to mid-September each year and are closed all remaining months. The campgrounds do not feature electricity, so make sure to bring a generator if electricity is needed. Firewood can typically be easily found close to each camp site.
Finding Little Cultus Lake
You can find Little Cultus Lake in Oregon directly southwest of Bend. The easiest and fastest way to get there is along US-97, which takes approximately an hour to drive. The campgrounds are only open during the summer season, so make sure you plan accordingly. Reservations for the campgrounds can be made online at www.recreation.gov.
Places to Eat
Although it is fun to bring a picnic along to the lake, or enjoy camping food, you may want to relax and eat a nice meal at a restaurant at the end of a day. Fortunately, there are a lot of eateries in the area. There is something for you whether you are vegan, a foodie or a meat and potatoes sort of person.
Sol Verde
1040 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97701
If you do feel like eating at the lake, you can stop by this popular food cart for some fantastic New Mexican comfort food. Be sure to try their new Mexican style stacked enchiladas that come with green chili sauce or their gigantic breakfast burritos. You can also get a jar of chili to take with you back to your rental home.
The Original Pancake House
1025 SW Donovan Ave, Bend, OR 97702
If you find yourself craving a traditional American dinner, complete with starch syrup and endless cups of coffee, you will want to check out this fun and casual restaurant. Be sure to try the coconut waffle that comes with tropical syrup and powdered sugar or a bowl of fresh, homemade granola.
Ariana Restaurant
1304 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97703
If you are in the mood for something a bit more sophisticated, you may want to check out this innovative and relaxing eatery. Open nightly for dinner, the menu features expertly prepared entrees and appetizers that are beautifully presented and paired with the finest of imported and local wines. Don’t pass up the tempura eggplant that comes with a tangy chili sauce or the almond cake with wild huckleberries.
Things to Do
Once you are done enjoying the lake, you may want to explore some of Bend’s other attractions. Be sure to check out the High Desert Museum, where you will meet and learn about many of the animals that are indigenous to the area. You will also learn about the history of the Pacific Northwest and the Native Americans who once called the area home.
You can take a trip down the Bend Ale Trail, where you can sample many of the town’s local brews. If you are not a beer person, you can enjoy a walk downtown where you will find many a local art gallery featuring some of Oregon’s most famous and talented artists. If you are in the mood for some exercise, take a mountain bike ride on anyone of the many trails that surround our beautiful city.
Planning Your Summer Getaway
For a relaxing time during the summer, look no further than a trip to Bend, Oregon. Start planning for your summer getaway by browsing through our rental properties. Each rental comes with luxury amenities and home features that will make you feel right at home. Our rentals are just a short drive away from Little Cultus Lake and other outdoor activities. Book your next Bend getaway online today.
