Up to 10 people • 8 hours • Dogs and Fishing Allowed!
Grab friends, the dog, and a rod for a relaxed pontoon rental on Elk Lake—no boating license required for drivers 21+. Enjoy on-site dining, shaded seating for up to 10, and easy access to quiet coves and fishing flats just west of Bend.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–8 hours
Fitness Level
Low: suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks to/from dock and basic balance aboard the pontoon
Wildlife
History
Elk Lake is part of the Cascade Lakes recreational corridor near Bend, a longstanding destination for Central Oregon outdoor recreation.
Conservation
Pack out all trash, avoid fish cleaning on site, and keep boats 30 feet from shore to protect spawning habitat and shoreline vegetation.
Elk Lake Resort
Up to 10 people • 8 hours • Dogs and Fishing Allowed!
Elk Lake Resort is a lakeside outfitter at Elk Lake near Bend, Oregon, offering seasonal watercraft rentals and winter motorized adventures. The resort’s summertime inventory includes a 2021 Sportfish 22 DLX pontoon designed for up to 10 guests with comfortable seating, shade, and no boating license requirement. Guests check in, sign a waiver, and launch directly from resort access points.
Day Docks are available as onshore or floating options for gatherings, grilling, and lakeside relaxation, all with views of Mt. Bachelor. Non-motorized rentals include kayaks for solo or paired paddling through hidden coves, paddleboards suitable for calm mornings or sunset paddles (dogs permitted on paddleboards), and classic canoes for two-person exploration along tranquil shorelines.
When snow arrives, Elk Lake Resort operates a fleet of snowmobiles for a range of skill levels and offers a Snowmobile Ride & Dine Package that pairs a scenic snowcat transfer with a guided snowmobile route and a lodge lunch. Reservations, equipment rentals, and required waivers are handled at check-in. The resort serves as an access point to Elk Lake and nearby Cascade scenery, providing straightforward options for day trips, group outings, and seasonal recreation without extraneous requirements.
Pontoon Capacity
Up to 10
Spacious 2021 Sportfish 22 DLX pontoon
Location
Elk Lake, Bend, OR
Lakeside access near Mt. Bachelor
Seasonal Offerings
Summer & Winter
Paddles and snowmobile options
Tours Offered
7 Experiences
Pontoon, docks, paddles, snowmobiles
Reserve pontoons, docks, paddlecraft, or a snowmobile Ride & Dine package — check availability and secure the preferred date for an Elk Lake adventure.
Check in at the Lodge
All drivers must check in at the Lodge to sign waivers and get a quick safety walkthrough before launching.
Keep dogs leashed on property
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed on docks, beaches, and resort grounds to protect wildlife and other guests.
Bring a fishing license
Fishing licenses are not sold on site—purchase Oregon permits in advance to avoid missing fishing time.
Pack sunscreen and layers
High-country sun and sudden breeze make sunscreen and a light windbreaker essential for comfort on the pontoon.
Life jacket (personal)
Although provided, bringing a personal life jacket ensures fit and comfort for kids or small dogs.
Sunscreen & hat
Protects skin from strong high-desert sun reflected off the water during long afternoons on the pontoon.
summer
Waterproof phone bag
Keeps cameras and phones dry during splashes, shore visits, or light rain.
Layered windbreaker
Light wind and cooler mornings on the lake make a packable jacket useful almost any season.
spring