Comments and Discussion
Sparks Lake Volcanic Journey 6/18/2025
This trip is for the Cascade Lakes Event 2025. Registration will be available to Cascade Lake Event registered members only, on the night before the trip. Signup will be at the event headquarters campsite.
Sparks is one of the glacial fed lakes in the cascades. The volcanic origins of the area will be evident on our paddle with many opportunities to view and pass through interesting lava formations. We will launch from the North East side of the lake and paddle across what will later be a meadow over to some of the inflow streams for the lake. We will then head south to the deeper and rockier end where we will enter into several little finger bays and search for the volcanic tube outflows (you can hear them). We will find a nice sandy beach at the South end of the lake and have lunch.
The water will be cold. There may still be Snow on the ground around the banks. There is a bathroom at the parking lot at our put-in and there are a few sandy beaches scattered around where we can land to find a Green Door (bio break). Much of the lake is sharp lava rock shores and difficult to land on. This should be an easy paddle with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sights. Expect a stunning view of Mt Bachelor. Some Logistics: 1) We want to arrive early because this is a popular spot and parking is limited. 2) We will have to park a ways from the boat ramp. So drop off boats or have wheels. 3) It is preferred that EVERYONE carpool. 6 cars better than 12 cars for parking. 4) You need a North West Forestry Pass or Equivalent for parking. (USGS Senior Citizen Lifetime Pass works). 5) The Dirt road to the boat ramp is very rough Big holes. Low clearance cars probably not appropriate. (I am leaving my Maserati and my Porche at home and brining my Subaru) We will meet at the campsite and then travel to the lake as a group. We will arrange car pools and passengers the night before. Meeting Time: 8:00:00 AM Launch Time: 8:30:00 AM Type of activity: Paddle Trip Put in: Sparks Lake Boat ramp Take out: same Route Alternative for bad weather: None Required equipment: A minimum of 2 liters of drinking water. It may be a warm day. Sun shade hat, sunscreen, lunch & day snacks. Highly recommend to bring sunglasses. This is a level 2 trip, spray skirt is required. (OOPS Rules) It may be cold and cold water, especially in the morning. Have a long sleeve rash- guard shirt. For both insulating layer and sun protection. Be prepared for cold water, temperature extremes and sun exposure.
Minimum Immersion protection: Shorty wetsuit
2776+GW Elk Lake, Oregon (Copy this code into Google Maps)
Photos (Optional):
Oregon Ocean Paddling SocietyPortland, Oregon
