“Hosmer Lake”, Mt. Bachelor

Description

“Hosmer Lake” and Mt. Bachelor

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Oregon’s Hosmer Lake is located along the famed Cascade Lakes Highway about 34 miles from the city of Bend. Hosmer Lakes is stunning to say the least.  Hosmer offers gorgeous mountain backdrops of Mt. Bachelor( seen in the photo here) or South Sister or Broken Top, depending upon the direction you look.  Even at approximately 5,000 feet of elevation, Spring comes relatively early at Hosmer Lake.  Mountain Heather bloom shortly after ice-out on the lake. With 200 acres of remarkably clear water and an abundance of huge Brook Trout, Hosmer is a fly-fishing dream.  As Hosmer has become very popular with paddlers, Fly-fishing has become more difficult.  Mornings are usually the best time to time with hatches and to avoid the SUP and kayak crowds.

Hosmer-Lake Mt. Heather

Hosmer Lake was named after, Paul Hosmer, an intriguing character in Bend history.  Described as a naturalist, humorist, boxer, banjo player, photographer and family man, Hosmer edited and produced, “Pine Echoes” for Brooks Scanlon.  Quick of wit, Hosmer had an indelible influence on the lumber industry and the city of Bend.  He edited “Pine Echoes” for over 40 years and had celebrated feuds with Frank Prince, editor of ‘The Shevlin Equalizer”.  Hosmer was central in an effort to eradicate invasive carp from the waters of his namesake lake.  He passed away in 1962 and “Mud Lake” was formally renamed “Hosmer Lake” in his honor.

The lake is restricted to fly-fishing with barbless hooks only.  Gas powered motors are not allowed on Hosmer.  There two campgrounds, South Campground and Mallard Marsh Campground along Hosmer’s shores.  Brook Trout average 14 inches in length and silver Atlantic Salmon( yes, Atlantic Salmon!) average 16 inches in length.

Other nearby lakes include Elk Lake and Sparks Lake.

Hosmer Lake, the fine art photograph

I worked for over two years to discover this composition and to capture this beautiful photo of Hosmer. I knew I wanted  the snow covered Mt. Bachelor reflected in the shallow waters of Hosmer Lake but the snow was the problem.  As Hosmer is south of Mt. Bachelor, this side of the mountain quickly loses its now on summer.  In some years, the Cascade Lakes Highway, doesn’t open until July, which would leave the slopes of Oregon’s favorite ski mountain sadly barren of snow.  Fortunately, Hosmer can be accessed from the southern end of the highway.  the Mountain Heater seen in this fine art photograph are ephemeral, blooming for only a few days each year.  The first year I tried to capture this image, I was too late for the heather bloom.  I explored the lake via sea kayak for several days before discovering this lovely composition.  Fortunately, on this magical evening, the weather cooperated with the blooming Mountain Heather to allow for this stunning image.  I’m proud to note that this fine art photograph is owned by the Sunriver Homeowner’s association and is displayed in hitter “Hosmer Room”.  Visit here to order your own “Hosmer Lake” fine art photograph.