Walton Lake

Facility · Oregon ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Ochoco National Forest (NF) · Open Access

5,159 ft
Elevation

This lake is a blue sparkling jewel hidden within mostly old growth ponderosa pine forest. A small dam impounds spring-fed water that seeps from surrounding sloped meadows. Quaking aspen and tall willows add habitat diversity to make this place especially attractive to wildlife and humans alike. A dirt trail, not suitable for wheel-chair visitors, encircles the lake for a variety of scenic views.

Caution: Expect lots of human company on weekends and summer weekdays.

Motorized boating is limited to eletric motor only. The boat launch is available near the day use area.

Also, see Walton Lake Campground and Walton Lake Trail (#809)

View a map of Walton Lake Campground and hiking trail

Nearby attractions also include Walton Sno-Park

Getting there

From Prineville, Oregon:

Travel east on Highway 26 for 16.1 miles to County Road 123.

Turn east onto County Road 123 for 8.5 miles until it turns into Forest Service Road 22.

Continue east on Forest Service Road 22 for 6.6 miles to Forest Service Road 2220.  

Turn north onto Forest Service Road 2220 for 0.2 miles to Walton Lake.

Total Distance: 31 miles.  Estimated Time: 45 minutes

44.43567, -120.33431 · 44°26'8.4"N 120°20'3.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in4.22.92.92.72.41.50.70.70.81.83.34.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Walton Lake

Can you reserve a site at Walton Lake?
No. Walton Lake is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Walton Lake

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.