The beach at the south end of Van Patten Lake (bobcat)

• Hikes to this destination:
  • Van Patten Butte Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 44.9538, -118.1860
• Elevation: 7396 feet

Description

Van Patten Lake is a small reservoir at the eastern edge of the Blue Mountains above the North Powder River valley. The dam at the north end of the lake was first constructed around 1870 by George Van Patten so he could channel water to power his sawmill, about 10 miles away on Bulgar Flat in the lowlands below. You can see some of the piping below the dam.

The lake is a popular party camp and swimming hole on summer weekends, and it may be quite noisy at those times. There's a nice beach at the south end of the lake, and it is from there that you begin your ascent to Van Patten Ridge and thence to Van Patten Butte.

More Links

• "A quick trip to Van Patten Lake" (Baker City Herald)
• Van Patten Lake - Elkhorn Mountains, Oregon (LaGrandeRide)
• Van Patten Lake Trail (Oh Ranger)
• Van Patten Lake (Baker) (Atlas of Oregon Lakes)

Contributors

• bobcat (creator)