Help me find a good lake! (Redmond, Prineville: rent, houseboat, campground)

[DarlingDactyl]

I moved to Redmond in the dead of winter, and now that spring has sprung I'm jonesing for some outdoor activity, preferably near a body of water.
It seems there are a TON of lakes around here, so which ones do you recommend? Anything cool near Redmond? Dog friendly, please

[oregonwoodsmoke]

If you want to hike around a lake with some pretty trees, there is a really good trail that goes all the way around Suttle Lake. Dog on a leash. That's not too far from Redmond.

[boulder2015]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

If you want to hike around a lake with some pretty trees, there is a really good trail that goes all the way around Suttle Lake. Dog on a leash. That's not too far from Redmond.

Concur. Suttle is gorgeous.

[OceanOcean]

Suttle lake is great for walking around. The one behind it (can't remember the name) is fun for a family swimming day because it's a bit warmer.

[leastprime]

Paulina.

[leastprime]

Lake Billy Chinook

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by leastprime

Lake Billy Chinook

Lake Billy Chinook is good for fishing if you have a boat. They dammed 3 steep river canyons to make the lake. Sheer rock walls rise up straight out of the water. It is beautiful. There is a rather small but very nice picnic area with a roped off swimming area. There is a nice state campground with boat docks.

If you fish Billy Chinook you will need a tribal permit to fish the Metolius arm of the lake. Its a good place to picnic or boat, but it is not a great place to hike with or without the dog. You can rent a houseboat in the summer. When weather is nice, you might not be able to find parking.

Paulina Lake is stunningly beautiful. It is a caldera lake, just like Crater Lake. I've been up there riding horses, so there are trails, but I don't remember being able to ride right next to the lake. It's well worth the drive to go and take a look.

Prineville reservoir is also a good place for boating and fishing. There is a very nice campground with hook-ups. I've been there with dogs, but just around the dock area. I have not looked at the trails and hiking aspect. I'm pretty sure they water ski on that lake.

In all lake areas, OP, dogs should be on a leash. It's the law and there are too many people and dogs to allow dogs to run loose. It's also not OK to allow your dogs to harass the wildlife. Even though it is not in town, you still have to scoop poop.

[leastprime]

Lake Malheur (water fowl birds poop on dogs)
Klamath Lake (the eagles will get the dog)
Alvord Lake (sometimes wet, sometimes not)

[ryancouch]

From Redmond, I would recommend Billy Chinook (nice park and swim area) or Prineville Reservoir.