Little Lava Lake
Lava Lake, Little Lava Lake, and other nearby lakes formed after lava flows from Mount Bachelor altered drainage patterns in the area. Solidified lava flows are visible along the shorelines of both lakes, and the volcanic peaks Broken Top and South Sister can be seen to the north.
Recreation
Fish in the lake include stocked rainbow trout, wild brook trout, and tui chub. Caught trout average 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) and sometimes reach 17 inches (43 cm). In addition to fishing, the lake is used for canoeing, rafting, and swimming.
A United States Forest Service campground is near the lake, and Big Lava Lake, about 1⁄4 mile (0.40 km) away, also has campsites. The Little Lava Lake campground has 13 campsites, two tent-only sites for large groups, and a boat ramp.
Trails in the area offer opportunities for hiking and horseback riding. One trail follows the west side of Little Lava Lake and leads south into Three Sisters Wilderness and on to Williamson Mountain.
Murders
In January 1924 the triple-murder of fur trappers, Edward Nickols, Roy Wilson, and Dewey Morris, occurred near the lake. Their bodies were discovered in Little Lava Lake in April 1924, where they had been deposited under the surface ice. The murders are unsolved.