One Of Oregon's Best-Kept Secrets Is A Dreamy Outdoor Playground Of Dazzling Alpine Lakes

While Oregon is known for its rugged Pacific coast, bucolic countryside, and picture-perfect college towns — like this quaint spot with hiking trails and unique shops — much of its real beauty lies in its mountains. This is especially true in the volcanic Cascade Range, which cuts a north-south swath across the western part of the state and is home to such iconic peaks as Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, and the Three Sisters.

While those are certainly gorgeous mountains, they're not the only peaks the Beaver State has to offer. Eastern Oregon is also home to some gorgeous rocky rises, as seen in this state park with Switzerland-like views, as well as nearby Anthony Lakes. Situated in the Elkhorn Mountains in the state's northeastern corner, Anthony Lakes is a collection of 15 idyllic alpine lakes and marshes that sit at over 7,000 feet above sea level.

In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Anthony Lakes to hit the deep powder slopes. However, once the snow melts, the area is transformed into a wonderland of hiking trails, bike paths, and plenty of opportunities for camping, horseback riding, kayaking, birding, and hooking into some feisty and fat fish that call the local waters home.

Oregon's Elkhorn Mountains are a cluster of granite ridges and rises with a whopping 26 peaks over 8,000 feet. Sometimes referred to as "the Little Alps," these granite mountains paint a pretty picture complete with snow-capped summits, deep valleys, and vast pine forests dotted with pretty little lakes. The Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort lies smack dab in the middle of this idyllic country, and while during winter it's one of Oregon's premier ski destinations, in the summer it serves as the perfect base for exploring this enthralling region via the system of trails criss-crossing the mountains.

The Anthony Lake Loop is an 8.8-mile circuit path that takes you over two high mountain passes with breathtaking views of the Elkhorns and beyond, while the 23-mile Elkhorn Crest Trail is a stunning one-way ridge route that skirts some of the region's highest peaks, with plenty of vistas, wildflowers, alpine lakes, and local wildlife such as mountain goats.

If you'd rather explore the area on two wheels, there are plenty of trails, though many elect to cruise along the 8 miles of Nordic Ski tracks that double as bike paths (once the weather arms up) at the resort. Expert riders can hit the Dutch Flat Trail for maximum effect — which takes you up to heights over 8,000 feet — though watch out for the granite rock obstacles on the way down.

Anthony Lakes also presents plenty of opportunities for camping. The Anthony Lake Campground is the largest in the area and features primitive sites and a boat launch; the Mud Lake Campground sits opposite the ski area, while the Grande Ronde Lake Campground is tucked into a forest above the little lake it's named for and makes the perfect HQ for kayaking, fishing, or climbing the nearby peaks. There are also a number of yurts for rent, along with the Anthony Lake Guard Station — a two-story log cabin that dates back to the 1930s.

The local lakes also attract plenty of anglers — both fly and lure fishers — who come in pursuit of the rainbow trout which are stocked a couple of times a year, as well as a few brook trout. And if you've had enough of walking, jump in the car and drive along the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway, a 106-mile loop that takes you through mountains, ranchlands, old mining country, and the scenic lakes that give the region its name.

Anthony Lakes is located in a remote corner of the state. It's nearly a five-hour drive from Portland or just under three hours from Boise, Idaho, accessible via Interstate 84. For more of Oregon's outdoor gems, check out the state's most beautiful hikes, according to hikers.