Top 7 Lakes in Baker County
Lakes in Baker County, Oregon, are situated within a diverse landscape featuring the Elkhorn Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The region offers a variety of natural settings, from high-alpine environments to old-growth forests. These lakes provide opportunities for outdoor activities amidst scenic backdrops of rocky boulders, conifers, and mountain views. Baker County's lakes are known for their accessibility and integration with surrounding trail systems.
Best lakes in Baker County
- The most popular lakes is Anthony Lake, a lake…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Anthony Lake
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Black Lake
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Lilypad Lake
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Unity Lake Trail
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Thief Valley Reservoir
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Van Patten Lake
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Fish Lake
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Every time we have enjoyed the atmosphere at Anthony Lake, it has been surprisingly quiet with far fewer people present than expected. The lake has a boat launch and is very accessible for bringing a canoe or other water vessel. A popular place for fishing, the scenic mountains surrounding the lake make you feel truly disconnected from the world in the best way possible. There is a trail around the entire perimeter of the lake that is great for a stroll with pets or children - or even yourself! The lake also has camping, both RV and tent sites available, along with 3 yurts you can reserve to lengthen your stay.
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True to its name, the lake is blanketed with a plethora of lily pads. The lake is just off the side of the Black Lake trail, accessible by the boat launch to Anthony Lake. Come early enough and you might even hear the croak of hundreds of bullfrogs.
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A gorgeous, isolated lake with a very easy hike in order to access. The trail follows the West side of the lake. I believe the lake gets its name from the black soil around and under the lake. Not many seem to know about this gem, so do not be surprised to find yourselves the only ones there. The trail only has one small moderate section - for roughly one fifth of a mile, otherwise it is quite flat or only a moderate uphill as it follows the stream. The trail is very well defined and kid/dog friendly. Pack a lunch or even fishing gear for an enjoyable afternoon.
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Thief Valley Reservoir is a very large body of water outfitted with a boat launch, 10 campsites, and picnic spots. Many people come here for the fishing and wind surfing. From the trail, you can overlook the water with the Eagle Cap Wilderness off in the distance.
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Unity Lake is a popular camping and water-sports destination. Surrounded by wilderness areas, many people call this place a home base over the weekend. The trail itself is a dirt trail that follows the lakes eastern bank through an exposed hillside. There are plenty of diverging paths all along the hillside, so you could really choose any one of them including a path that runs a little higher up the mountain closer to the tree line.
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Located just up a small trail from the "Little Alps", Van Patten Lake is set in a forest of lodgepole pine, grassy fields, and wildflowers. There are not any fees to use the area and traffic is usually pretty light. This lake has mountain views and large flat shores to have a picnic.
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Anthony Lake is located at a lung burning 7,100 feet. Many people flock here in the summer as the large campground stays pretty cool in the warmest months and the scenery offers a nice mix of rocky boulders, conifers, and tranquil views.
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Fish Lake is a picturesque lake situated in an old-growth forest. There is a campground located here making for a great basecamp before heading out to run on the numerous trails spidering out from the lake. There are 3 flush toilets and potable water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find in Baker County, Oregon?
Baker County features a diverse range of lakes, including high-alpine lakes like Twin Lakes, reservoirs such as Thief Valley Reservoir and Brownlee Reservoir, and forest-enclosed lakes like Fish Lake. This variety offers different experiences, from mountain scenery to extensive water sports opportunities.
Which lakes are best for fishing in Baker County?
Baker County is known for excellent fishing. Brownlee Reservoir is particularly renowned as one of the premier warm water fisheries in the Western United States, teeming with bass, catfish, crappie, trout, sunfish, and perch. Phillips Reservoir and Balm Creek Reservoir are also favored fishing locations in the region.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Baker County?
Yes, several lakes in Baker County are great for families. Anthony Lake has a large campground and an accessible perimeter trail suitable for children. Black Lake offers an easy, well-defined trail that is kid and dog-friendly. Thief Valley Reservoir and Fish Lake also provide amenities and activities suitable for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Baker County?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, you can find various outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, with trails like the Elkhorn Crest Trail near Twin Lakes. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including the 'Phillips Lake via Sumpter Stage Highway' for touring bikes or the 'Elkhorn Scenic Byway loop' for road cycling. You can explore more options on the Hiking in Baker County or Cycling in Baker County guide pages.
Which lakes offer camping facilities?
Anthony Lake features a large campground with both RV and tent sites, plus yurts for reservation. Thief Valley Reservoir provides 10 campsites and picnic spots. Fish Lake also has a campground with flush toilets and potable water, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring trails.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Baker County?
Summer is a popular time to visit, especially for high-elevation lakes like Anthony Lake, which offers cooler temperatures. Wildflowers adorn the meadows around Twin Lakes in the summer. Many lakes are ideal for water sports and camping during the warmer months.
Are there any lakes with easy hiking trails suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, Black Lake is accessible via a very easy hike, with a well-defined trail along its west side that is suitable for most. Anthony Lake also has an accessible perimeter trail that is great for a stroll.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes in Baker County?
Many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly. For example, the trail around Anthony Lake and the path to Black Lake are suitable for pets. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
What unique natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are set against stunning backdrops. Twin Lakes are surrounded by old-growth spruce and Douglas-fir, with meadows of wildflowers and views of Rock Creek Butte. Lilypad Lake is uniquely blanketed with lily pads, and you might even hear bullfrogs. The Eagle Cap Wilderness provides a scenic backdrop for Thief Valley Reservoir.
Are there opportunities for water sports like windsurfing or kayaking?
Absolutely. Thief Valley Reservoir is a popular spot for windsurfing due to its vast size. Lakes like Anthony Lake are very accessible for launching canoes or other water vessels. Unity Lake is also a popular destination for water sports.
Where can I find information about permits or parking at Baker County lakes?
Specific permit requirements can vary by lake and activity. For general information on parking and permits, it's advisable to check with the local land management agencies or the specific campground operators. Many lakes, like Anthony Lake and Thief Valley Reservoir, have boat launches and designated parking areas.
What wildlife might I encounter near the lakes?
The diverse natural settings around Baker County's lakes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. Mountain goats are known to frequent the western hillside near Twin Lakes. Birdwatching is also common, especially around lakes with abundant vegetation like Lilypad Lake, where you might hear bullfrogs.
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Still not found your perfect lake in Baker County? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
