Paddling the Cascade Lakes: Guided Kayak Tour from Bend, Oregon
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours (total); ~2 hours on water
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — able to sit and paddle for about two hours and walk short distances on uneven shore.
Overview
Leave Bend behind for a high-country paddle through the Cascade Lakes — volcanic-formed coves, clear water, and expert naturalist guides lead families into bays only reachable by kayak. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare.
Paddling the Cascade Lakes: Guided Kayak Tour from Bend, Oregon
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The morning opens cold and bright; the Cascades stand as a hard, snow-lined horizon while the lakes below reflect a sky that seems almost too blue. You push a tandem kayak off a pebbled shore and the water takes you, cool and deliberate, into narrow coves carved by lava flows and glacial retreat. Guides from Bend — part naturalist, part storyteller — steer the group into quiet fingers of water where osprey wheel overhead and river otters slip like shadows between submerged logs.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early to Check In
Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before departure at the Wanderlust Tours office to complete waivers and get fitted for gear.
High-Elevation Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses — UV is stronger at 4,000+ feet and reflection off water intensifies exposure.
Pack a Dry Change of Clothes
Expect to get wet on the lower half; bring a dry set of clothes and shoes for the drive back to Bend.
Respect Wildlife Viewing Distance
Keep a respectful distance from otters and birds; noisy approaches can stress animals and end the viewing opportunity.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- River otter
- Osprey (and occasional bald eagles)
History
The Cascade Lakes sit on land shaped by repeated volcanic eruptions and Pleistocene glaciation; Indigenous peoples of the region used these waterways seasonally for resources and travel.
Conservation
The area is managed for recreation and habitat — stay on watercraft, pack out waste, and follow Leave No Trace to protect fragile shoreline vegetation and aquatic life.
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Adventure Hotspots in Bend, OR
Recommended Gear
Swimsuit and Quick-Dry Layers
Wear or pack quick-dry clothing for swims and splashes; a warm top for chillier mornings.
summer specific
Waterproof Phone Case / Dry Bag
Protect electronics and small items from spray and accidental immersion.
Sunscreen & Wide-Brimmed Hat
High-elevation sun and reflected glare make robust sun protection essential.
summer specific
Sturdy Water Shoes or Sandals
Provide grip on wet, rocky shores and comfort during short walks or launches.
summer specific