If you want a guaranteed “good” photograph, it’s best to do your research and find that trophy shot that is really good, easy to execute, but also knowing that it is not going to be unique. Welcome to Sparks Lake along the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway.

Sparks Lake is 21 miles and 40 minutes from Bend. There are 10-15 lakes along this byway with some just a pull up and some needing a multi-mile hike. Sparks Lake is easy to get to, but the last 1.6 miles is unpaved, deeply rutted, and according to the Forest Service, rarely graded. After a bone jarring ride up to the lake, the photo composition is obvious from the boat launch.

There has been a severe drought here in Oregon, so the lake was low, but the photo was still there. Just line up South Sister and Broken Top and click. It is known as a sunrise location, but we were there mid morning just before the wind kicked up. If the wind is up, there is no reflection and if there is no reflection, there is no photo, so get there early.