Several lakes around Central Oregon provide a veritable paradise for folks who like their water recreation with a bit of vroom. From skimming the surface at high speeds on water skis to taking the party lakeside on a pontoon boat to a pleasing family experience with cruising, fishing, and pulling the kiddos around on tubes off the back of a runabout boat.

Boating Bend, Oregon, comes with several easy-to-reach lakes and reservoirs that allow motorized watercraft and include jaw-dropping views, resorts, and tons of summer fun for the whole crew! From clear and calm lakes speckled throughout Central Oregon to high desert reservoirs, you’re sure to find a liquid playground for your inner sailor.

Elk Lake and Paulina Lake dole out spectacular mountain scenery and various boating options. Elk Lake is located along the Cascade Lakes Highway, you can set sail on a pontoon, sailboat, or motorboat. Or check in with Elk Lake Resort for available rentals.

Paulina Lake is part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and loads you up with stunning views and boating options such as pontoons and small motorized lake boats. Rentals are available at Paulina Lake Lodge. Both lakes have a 10mph speed limit as they’re often used by kayakers, paddleboarders, and other non-motorized craft.

If you want to open up the throttle and let her rip, Lake Billy Chinook and Cultus Lake are the perfect spots. Lake Billy Chinook is an oasis in the desert with three rivers feeding it to create seemingly endless miles of boating joy. This haven of summer fun is the perfect place to bring your wave runners, water skis, deck boat, or even spend the weekend sleeping lakeside in a houseboat. Cove Palisades Resort and Marina offer rentals, be sure to reserve well in advance.

Cultus Lake is a gem for those looking for high-speed fun on the water and jaw-dropping views of the Cascade mountains. Located along the Cascade Lakes Highway, Cultus is a utopia for a revved-up joyride on your jet skis, water skis, or motorized boat. Check in with Cultus Lake Resort for rentals.

For boat rentals in Bend, Central Oregon Rentals offers various motorized options to get you cruising. And be sure to know before you go by checking out regulations, water levels, access, and seasonal closures.