Goodbye Crater Lake, So Long Trillium Lake: Between Eugene And Klamath Falls Is An Alpine Lake To Camp And Fish

Michael Reep/Google MapsCrater Lake's pristine alpine scenery and deep blue water make it a beautiful setting for trout fishing, mountain hikes, or sleeping under the stars. But those impressive views and wealth of outdoor activities also make it a very popular destination. According to the National Park Service (via OregonLive), more than 630,000 people visited Crater Lake in 2025, and it's particularly bustling from June through September. Trillium Lake in Mt. Hood National Forest offers similarly stunning scenery, along with fishing and family-friendly camping, but it too sees hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. In fact, summers are so packed that a shuttle service was discussed in 2026 to alleviate congestion in the campground parking area. For travelers who don't want to contend with crowds, there's another lake in Oregon to consider: Timpanogas Lake, a remote destination hidden within the Willamette National Forest about 50 miles north of Crater Lake.

Timpanogas Lake sits 5,300 feet above sea level, nestled between Cowhorn Mountain, Sawtooth Mountain, and Diamond Peak. This puts it at a lower elevation than Crater Lake, and it's also significantly smaller, with just under a mile of shoreline and a surface area of 38 acres. It does, however, serve an important role for the region, acting as the headwaters of the Willamette River's Middle Fork. Hikers know it as a gateway to the High Cascades, with 23 miles of trails in the surrounding basin, including the Timpanogas Lake Trail you can pick up right in the campground. It's a relatively easy hike from Timpanogas Lake to Sawtooth Mountain's Indigo Lake, and longer trails connect it to the summit of Cowhorn Mountain and the Diamond Peak Wilderness area. The lake itself is the main draw for anglers and canoers, while the small nearby campground is a secluded alpine escape anyone can enjoy.

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There are technically two lakes here (Upper and Lower Timpanogas Lakes), with the campground and roadway access found on the strip of land between them. Both lakes can be productive fishing spots for anglers. The area is especially known for cutthroat and brook trout fishing, though you can also catch largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and coho salmon. Like with all public waters in Oregon, you will need an Oregon angling license to fish here. An annual license is the most cost-effective if you're planning other fishing trips in the state, but short-term licenses are also available through the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife website.

You can get out on the water at Timpanogas Lake, though certain watercraft are restricted. For example, motorboats of any size are prohibited, but you're free to use human-powered craft like paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. Or, if you want to ditch the boat, swimming is allowed in the lakes, too. Over at TheDyrt, one past visitor said the lake is "great for paddle boarding and fishing," and that going for a swim is "super refreshing."

Fish aren't the only animals that live around Timpanogas Lake. The Willamette National Forest is home to a wide range of species, including bald eagles, Roosevelt elk, bobcats, and black bears, so you might see an exciting variety of wildlife during your trip. According to past visitors, you'll definitely see plenty of mosquitoes, which are drawn to high-elevation lakes in the summer. "Lots of bugs but worth every bite," reads one review on Google. You can fend off some of the buzzing nuisances by bringing highly effective insect repellent like Ben's 30. The mosquito swarms typically taper off in the fall, so if you want to avoid the bugs, plan your trip for September or October. Just be prepared for cooler temperatures and mornings that dip below freezing.

The Timpanogas Campground is typically open from June through late October (depending on the weather) and has 10 campsites plus a rustic cabin. The cabin is reservable online, while the other sites are first-come, first-served. As for amenities, the campground is fairly primitive. The cabin has heat via a wood-burning stove, and all campsites have access to pit toilets and a pump for potable water — but there is no electricity, and you'll need to bring all your supplies with you (including firewood). The road into the campsite, Forest Road 2154, is narrow and unpaved for the last few miles, which may be an issue for larger vehicles like RVs. A 5-star review on Google notes that "most [campsites] are along the edge of the lake with amazing views," though you'll most certainly have to contend with bugs in the summer.

Timpanogas Lake is about a 2.5-hour drive southeast of Eugene, or roughly the same distance north from Klamath Falls. Visitors from outside driving distance can fly into the Eugene Airport, which is small but offers commercial flights from many West Coast cities. The closest town to Timpanogas Lake is Crescent Lake Junction, about 20 miles east. Its Odell Sportsman Center sells a few groceries and sandwiches, along with camping and fishing supplies. There are also a couple of restaurants and lodging options like the Willamette Pass Inn and Hoodo Crescent Junction RV Park if you don't want to camp.

Planning a longer trip through Oregon? You'll find several other lakes to check out while in the area. Crescent Lake, near Crescent Lake Junction, is a popular fishing spot with a beach and multiple campgrounds. Meanwhile, Summit Lake offers berry picking and kayak-in camping less than 5 miles north of Timpanogas Lake. It's also a trailhead for one of America's longest hiking trails, the Pacific Crest Trail, opening up even more Cascade Mountain landscapes to explore.