Bound on all sides by mixed conifer forest, the lake is deep and clear. The west end is best for seeing waterfowl because it's sheltered from the prevailing wind. Link Creek, which empties into Suttle Lake, is shallow and clear enough to view spawning fish. Yellow, orange, or red hues from vine maple proclaim the arrival of autumn in September or October.

The lake was formed and a terminal moraine, which was deposited by glacial ice about 25,000 years ago during the Suttle Lake advance of the Cabot Creek glaciation. The principle surface input to the lake is Link Creek, which flows out of Blue Lake. The outlet of Suttle Lake is Lake Creek, which flows eastward into the Metolius River. The lake covers an area of 253 acres. The average depth of the lake is 44 feet with a maximum depth of 75 feet. The lake has an excellent population of naturally reproducing kokanee, plus brown trout, whitefish, and crayfish.

Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on this body of water. 

Caution: Cabins are privately owned and trespass is prohibited. Campgrounds close for winter as early as October.

For boat launch and day use information see South Shore Boating Site, Link Creek Boating Site , Blue Bay Boating Site, Suttle Lake Day Use Area ,  Cinder Beach Day Use Area and Suttle Lake Resort.