Simax Group Camp

Crescent Lake, nestled in a naturally glaciated basin behind a moraine dam, lies east of the towering Cascade Mountain Range. Its brilliant blue-green water, sandy beaches and water temperature are exceptional for a high-elevation lake. Towering lodgepole pine trees provide the backdrop for this area, with mountain hemlock, fir, and spruce also in the mix. Volcanic activity throughout the surrounding area of Deschutes National Forest is evident in its landscape, showcasing cinder cones, calderas and lava flows.

Recreation: At Simax Group Campground, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, sunning, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-roading and fishing are popular with visitors. Hiking on one or more of the trails in the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from lakeside trails to routes weaving through towering pine, fir, and spruce trees, typical for the area. For anglers, Crescent Lake provides the perfect setting to fish from boat or the shoreline. Fish species found in the lake include kokanee salmon, mackinaw, rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. Summer months offer the best fishing.

Nearby: The trailhead to Fawn Lake starts at the northeast end Crescent Lake and is open to hikers and horseback riding. The trail, 4.7 miles one-way, begins in a forest of white fir, Douglas fir and mountain hemlock before making a transition into lodgepole pine, ending at the Crater Butte Trail near Fawn Lake. There are views of Redtop and Lakeview Mountains at Fawn Lake. Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors will also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, which climbs into the clouds on a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain range, weaving through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. A nearby resort on Crescent Lake offers lodging and a general store. Supplies and equipment rentals are available to visitors.