The Cascades are graced with no shortage of lakes in which to play, and readers elevated a nice one to the rarefied air of first place for Where to GO! to recreate in the water: Elk Lake. Surrounded by Deschutes National Forest goodness about 25 miles southwest of Bend, Elk Lake offers stunning views of Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters, and no shortage of H20 in which to recreate by boat, paddleboard or old-fangled swimming. Along with National Forest day use areas and campgrounds, the lake also boasts a population of kokanee for fishing enthusiasts.

Elk Lake Resort, meanwhile, can provide cabins, a restaurant, boat rentals and more.The tried and true Deschutes River landed in second place, many a Bendite’s and tourist’s hot-day destination. Third went to Cultus Lake Resort, while Lake Billy Chinook and Prineville Reservoir garnered honorable mentions.

Contact: 60000 Century Drive, Bend; elklakeresort.net or 541-480-7378.

No. 2: Deschutes River

No. 3: Cultus Lake Resort

Honorable mentions:

Lake Billy Chinook and Prineville Reservoir