Basin countries United States Surface elevation 1,656 m Area 3.152 km² Shore length 16.1 km | Surface area 779 acres (315 ha) Max depth 2.13 m Mean depth 30 cm Cities Bend | |
 | ||
Location Deschutes County, Oregon Type Natural, oligotrophic, with dam Primary inflows Catchment area 37 square miles (96 km) | ||
Sparks Lake is a natural body of water near the crest of the central Cascade Range in Deschutes County in the U.S. state of Oregon. The lake is about 26 miles (42 km) west-southwest of Bend along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway in Deschutes National Forest. Named for a 19th-century rancher, "Lige" Sparks, the water body is a remnant of a bigger lake that has partly filled with sediment and vegetation.
Contents
Map of Sparks Lake, Oregon 97703, USA
Many of the region's mountain peaks, such as Mount Bachelor, Three Sisters, and Broken Top, are visible from the lake. Other lakes in the vicinity include Todd, Elk, Hosmer, Blow, and Doris.
HydrologyEdit
Like many lakes in the region, Sparks Lake does not have any visible outflow. However, the surface level of the lake is below the regional water table; as such, the lake does not technically form an endorheic basin, and thus feeds springs in the surrounding area. The lake and its basin is generally believed to be part of the Deschutes River drainage area, part of the greater Columbia River basin.
RecreationEdit
The United States Forest Service maintains a boat launch at Sparks Lake. The site has a parking area, a lake trail, and dispersed camping at locations accessible by boat. A more formal campground run by the Forest Service is nearby along Soda Creek.
Sparks Lake supports populations of brook trout and stocked cutthroat trout. Fly fishing is the only kind of angling allowed on the lake. Motorboats may be used for transportation, but fishing is allowed from them only when their motors are turned off.