The Most Snake Infested Lakes in Oregon

The Beaver State might be best known for its large, toothy rodents (and other iconic mammals of the Pacific Northwest), but snakes are also common in these parts. Oregon is home to 15 species of serpents, in fact. And though no water snakes sneak onto this list, several semi-aquatic varieties like to hang out in and around key bodies of water. The following is a brief dive into the most snake-infested lakes in the state. The goal is not to trigger ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) but to celebrate some overlooked characters within Oregon's rich ecosystems.

Crater Lake

The star attraction of Crater Lake National Park just so happens to be the deepest lake in the United States. It formed 7,700 years ago when a massive volcanic eruption caused the collapse of one of the peaks within the Cascade Mountain Range. Then, due to rain and snowmelt (i.e., Crater Lake's only source of sustenance), the basin, which reaches 1,943 feet at its deepest, was gradually filled. Nowadays, the pure blue waters draw not only hundreds of thousands of annual tourists—keen to photograph the mountains reflecting off the surface and hike the surrounding trails—but also an estimated 19 native species of reptiles, including three of Oregon's four species of garter snakes. According to the National Park Service, genetic analysis is needed to tell them apart, as intraspecies coloration varies quite a bit. For instance, on Wizard Island (located on the west-central part of Crater Lake), they are sometimes solid black due to a condition known as melanism.

Regardless of the species/subspecies, insects and amphibians constitute the bulk of the garter's diet. But if they're feeling particularly bold, they might even snatch a baby mammal or bird when the opportunity presents itself. So fear not prospective hikers/swimmers, for no matter what it looks like (bright, striped, or dark), the snakes of Crater Lake want absolutely nothing to do with humans.

Wallowa Lake

While the term "snake-infested" might be a little hyperbolic when describing Wallowa Lake, this is still a good opportunity to discuss Oregon's sole venomous snake: the western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). More specifically, we'll want to focus on the geographically relevant subspecies known as the Northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus v. oreganus).

Located within Wallowa County and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and bordered by the beautiful Wallowa Mountains, this small ribbon lake is the focal point of Wallowa State Park. The aforementioned audible pit viper makes this gem of northeastern Oregon all the more fascinating. Western rattlesnakes typically lay low near rocks or fallen logs or hibernate in south-facing winter dens, but they are also highly capable swimmers. Aside from their iconic rattle, which vibrates as a warning when threatened, this species can be identified by its broad, triangular head and vertical pupils. Western rattlers also tend to measure between 18 and 36 inches in length, but their color patterns differ based on the habitat in question.

Negative interactions with humans are rare, but the Northern Pacific rattlesnake has bitten its fair share of pets within Wallowa County. Thankfully, cats and dogs tend to recover quite quickly, though it's still best to keep an eye (or a leash) on them and seek veterinary attention if struck.

Lake Billy Chinook

Speaking of rattlesnakes, let us now head over to Lake Billy Chinook in central Oregon, where an imposter snake is known to reside. The gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), aka bull snake, is non-venomous but goes to great lengths to mimic its intimidating peer. Visitors to The Cove Palisades State Park, on the southeast side of the reservoir (also just 40 miles north of Bend, Oregon), are sometimes startled by the gopher snake's coloration (i.e., dark blotches over tan skin) and defensive behavior (i.e., flattening of its head, coiling, shaking of its tail, and striking). But once again, these snakes would much rather stick to their usual business of hunting insects, lizards, rodents, and the occasional rabbit than have to deal with us bipedal enigmas.

Before we move on, another serpent of note in the lake/state park's vicinity is the North American racer, or simply, racer (Coluber constrictor). This slim and swift snake generally prefers warm, dry, and open or bushy landscapes, so it is not likely to join summer tourists for a swim. Nonetheless, those pitching a tent at the local campgrounds or trodding the shoreline trails might come across this fast-dating (get it?) fellow.

Waldo Lake

Let's finish up where we began: the Cascades. Located roughly 80 miles due north of Crater Lake, Waldo Lake/Waldo Lake Wilderness welcomes two key snakes: the common garter (Thamnophis sirtalis) and the northern rubber boa, or simply, rubber boa (Charina bottae). This natural alpine lake is also remarkably pure, thanks to the precipitation and snowmelt that fill its ten square-mile, 420-foot-deep (maximum), glacially-carved basin. Acting as a perfect complement to the pristine waters is the 36,572-acre (98% of which is forested) titular wilderness area spanning from Waldo's north shore.

Such unadulterated habitats are a godsend for all animals, including snakes. The common garter is the most widespread snake in Oregon, and it is able to be set up in shops just as easily in mountain forests as in coastal settings. The subspecies most likely to be spotted in the Waldo Lake region is the valley garter snake (T. s. fitchi). The rubber boa also has one of the widest distributions in the state, though, unlike the common garter snake, it is seldom seen. This is ironic since it belongs to the same family as the boa constrictor and anaconda (i.e., the world's largest snakes). With that said, this constrictor is tiny compared to those cousins - measuring between 14 to 30 inches in length.

Final Thoughts

Snakes and lakes might seem like an unexpected combination at first, but considering the abundant source of freshwater, surrounding vegetation and intermittent sunning spots, it makes perfect sense. Several of Oregon's 15 native snake species are also semi-aquatic, so when push comes to shove, or rather, when slither comes to swim, they are just as comfortable on the surface as they are in the nearby brush. You probably won't run into all that many snakes while enjoying a weekend retreat at these four lakes, but it's good to know what's out there should something slimy catch you off guard!