Cultus Lake (Oregon): Difference between revisions

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Cultus Lake lies at the base of the Cultus Mountain. The lake itself is natural and is {{convert|211|ft|m}} at its deepest point and about two miles long. Several species of fish inhabit the lake including [[rainbow trout]], [[Lake trout|mackinaw]] and [[brook trout]].
Cultus Lake lies at the base of the Cultus Mountain. The lake itself is natural and is {{convert|211|ft|m}} at its deepest point and about two miles long. Several species of fish inhabit the lake including [[rainbow trout]], [[Lake trout|mackinaw]] and [[brook trout]].


The lake also has a [[stream|creek]] running into it inhabited by younger fish, a popular [[fly fishing]] spot. Two miles south is a smaller lake called [[Little Cultus Lake]] and the lakes are divided by Cultus Mountain.<ref>{{cite web
The lake also has a several [[stream|creeks]] running into it inhabited by younger fish. The largest is Winopee Creek which enters through the marsh on the northwestern side<ref>[http://aol.research.pdx.edu/atlas_pages/AOL_062.pdf Cultus Lake - Atlas of Oregon Lakes]</ref>, it is a popular [[fly fishing]] spot. Two miles south is a smaller lake called [[Little Cultus Lake]] and the lakes are divided by Cultus Mountain.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/recreation/fishing/lake-reservoir/cultus.shtml
|url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/recreation/fishing/lake-reservoir/cultus.shtml
|title=Cultus Lake
|title=Cultus Lake
|date=
|date=
|accessdate=2006-06-11
|accessdate=2006-06-11
}}</ref> The lake empties to the east via Cultus Creek which flows into [[Crane Prairie Reservoir]].<ref>[http://www.trails.com/topo.aspx?lat=43.80206&lon=-121.80642&s=50&size=s&style=drgsr Topo map of Cultus Creek]</ref>
}}</ref>


The area around Cultus Lake is known for its old growth large [[Pinus ponderosa|Ponderosa Pine]], [[Douglas-fir]] and western [[Western White Pine|White Pine]], sometimes rising to {{convert|120|ft|m}} tall. However, according to the U.S. Fish and Wild Game Service, the large pines are being weakened by competing [[understory]] fir trees and [[Mountain pine beetle|pine beetle]] attacks. If the trend is not reversed, there will be a shift in tree species (and tree size) from pines and Douglas-fir to white-firs.
The area around Cultus Lake is known for its old growth large [[Pinus ponderosa|Ponderosa Pine]], [[Douglas-fir]] and western [[Western White Pine|White Pine]], sometimes rising to {{convert|120|ft|m}} tall. However, according to the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]], the large pines are being weakened by competing [[understory]] fir trees and [[Mountain pine beetle|pine beetle]] attacks. If the trend is not reversed, there will be a shift in tree species (and tree size) from pines and Douglas-fir to white-firs.


The Service is recommending the selective [[thinning]] of white fir understory trees around selected ponderosa and western white pine to increase light, and the availability of [[nutrient]]s, allowing the selected pines to grow more vigorously and increase their resistance to bark beetles.<ref>{{cite web
The Service is recommending the selective [[thinning]] of white fir understory trees around selected ponderosa and western white pine to increase light, and the availability of [[nutrient]]s, allowing the selected pines to grow more vigorously and increase their resistance to bark beetles.<ref>{{cite web

Revision as of 06:21, 4 March 2013

Cultus Lake
LocationDeschutes County, Oregon
Coordinates43°50′16″N 121°51′36″W / 43.83766°N 121.86006°W / 43.83766; -121.86006
Basin countriesUnited States
Max. length2 mi (3.2 km)
Max. depth211 ft (64 m)
Map
Interactive map of Cultus Lake

Cultus Lake is a lake in Deschutes County, Oregon. Formed by a glacier, it is located in the high Cascade Range in the Deschutes National Forest. The name is from the Chinook Jargon, and means variously bad or worthless, or simply "in vain".[1] In the early 19th century, the lakes in this area abounded with beavers. The earliest explorers to this area were primarily on a quest for furs.

Description

Satellite Image of Cultus Lake
Image of Cultus Mountain. Taken from Little Cultus Lake

Cultus Lake lies at the base of the Cultus Mountain. The lake itself is natural and is 211 feet (64 m) at its deepest point and about two miles long. Several species of fish inhabit the lake including rainbow trout, mackinaw and brook trout.

The lake also has a several creeks running into it inhabited by younger fish. The largest is Winopee Creek which enters through the marsh on the northwestern side[2], it is a popular fly fishing spot. Two miles south is a smaller lake called Little Cultus Lake and the lakes are divided by Cultus Mountain.[3] The lake empties to the east via Cultus Creek which flows into Crane Prairie Reservoir.[4]

The area around Cultus Lake is known for its old growth large Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-fir and western White Pine, sometimes rising to 120 feet (37 m) tall. However, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the large pines are being weakened by competing understory fir trees and pine beetle attacks. If the trend is not reversed, there will be a shift in tree species (and tree size) from pines and Douglas-fir to white-firs.

The Service is recommending the selective thinning of white fir understory trees around selected ponderosa and western white pine to increase light, and the availability of nutrients, allowing the selected pines to grow more vigorously and increase their resistance to bark beetles.[5]

Management policies

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the lake for the natural and hatchery production of rainbow trout and brook trout. They also manage the natural production of Mountain Whitefish and lake trout.[6]

Amenities

Cultus is a recreational lake and is also popular for water skiing, sailing, jet skiing and boating.

The lake has a resort with 23 cabins, a lodge with a restaurant and store. There are also three other campsites for people to set up tents or park RV's.

See also

References

Media related to Cultus Lake (Oregon) at Wikimedia Commons