Reminder: Dogs not allowed at Scout Lake

The Sisters Ranger District wants to remind people that even a friendly Fido doesn’t always fit with recreating at a popular swimming area like Scout Lake.

Scout Lake is one of the most visited swimming areas on the Deschutes National Forest and one of the few recreation sites where dogs are not allowed because of safety and sanitary issues. Unfortunately, many people are ignoring the “No Dogs” rule.

The two primary reasons that dogs are not allowed in the swimming area are sanitation and safety concerns related to the high numbers of people, including young children, who visit the lake. Sanitation is a concern because no outlet exists for the small lake and water quality becomes an issue, especially later in the season as the water warms.

With an increase of dog related issues at the lake, the Sisters Ranger District is placing special emphasis on increased patrols and enforcement for the area.

Therefore, if you plan to go, the Forest Service encourages you to leave your dog at home or visit another lake where dogs are allowed. Suttle Lake, located near Scout Lake, offers four day use areas where dogs are welcomed. Visitors with dogs are reminded that leashes are required in all developed recreation sites.

People to know may be fined $100 if they bring onto or possess a dog in a swimming area where dogs are prohibited (36 CFR 261.17(k)).

Background

During peak season, July through Labor Day Weekend, the beaches at Scout Lake are literally elbow to elbow, beach towel to beach towel, and even a well-behaved dog in that environment can cause conflicts.

Scout Lake is one of the few recreation sites on the Deschutes National Forest where dogs are prohibited, and “dog friendly” areas abound throughout the forest. The safety of all visitors is important and a constant challenge at Scout Lake is enforcing the “No Dogs” rule, which has been in place for many years.