Capitol Lake

Capitol Lake Review

Capitol Lake, a broad, flat expanse of shallow brown water, was formed in 1951 by damming the mouth of the Deschutes River. The former mud flats are now covered with some 30 feet of water; salmon can be seen ascending the fish ladders in autumn. Surrounded by parks, the lake serves as a magnificent reflecting pool for the capitol building. Head across the street and a block east of the main lake parking lot to find a gathering of squirting summertime fountains that make a perfect cooling-off spot on hot afternoons.