Deep Creek Lake Information

Deep Creek Lake lays in northwest Maryland in Garrett County in the Allegany Highlands region of the Appalachian Mountains. It covers 3,900 acres with 69 miles of shoreline, an average depth of 25 feet, and a maximum depth of 75 feet. Deep Creek Lake is the largest of Maryland’s inland lakes. Its region is west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or the Allegheny Highlands.

The State of Maryland owns Deep Creek Lake. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages Deep Creek Lake, its shoreline, and the adjacent Natural Resource Management Area and State Park. The Youghiogheny River, commonly called the Yough, and Deep Creek feed Deep Creek Lake. Garrett County is an outdoor playground with high rolling hills, world-class rivers, and mountain peaks and slopes, with 90,000 acres of public land.

Deep Creek Lake is a vacation destination laying in an extremely rural area. It is three hours from Baltimore, Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area, two hours from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, four hours from Columbus & Cleveland, Ohio, and 45 minutes from Morgantown, West Virginia, and Cumberland, Maryland. MD 495 and US 219/Garret Highway provides highway access to Deep Creek Lake.

History of Deep Creek Lake

The Youghiogheny Hydro Electric Corporation planned to harness the power of Deep Creek, a tributary of the Youghiogheny River, for hydroelectric power generation early in the 20th century. The corporation constructed a 1,300–foot dam and completed the Deep Creek Dam in 1925. Brookfield Renewable Power (BRP) owns the dam and hydroelectric plant and the State of Maryland owns Deep Creek Lake.

Evidence dating back to about 1,000 years ago shows Monongahela Native Americans inhabiting the Deep Creek Lake region. Indigenous people traversed the Youghiogheny River in canoes for centuries, dating back 10,000 years. The banks of the shallow river provided productive hunting. They used the river as a trade route and for strategic battle maneuvers.

The Youghiogheny River and a 22-year-old George Washington played roles as a prelude to the French and Indian War. Washington commanded 150 troops in the British Regiment of Virginia, and was on a mission to capture France’s Fort Duquesne, at what was called “the forks of the Ohio” in present-day Pittsburgh. Washington wanted to use the Youghiogheny River to reach the fort quickly and avoid building miles of road across the mountains.

After making it from Virginia through today’s Maryland to Turkeyfoot in today’s Pennsylvania, where the confluence the Youghiogheny River, Casselman River, and Laurel Hill Creek meet, Washington wrote that the Youghiogheny River “can never be made navigable”. In 1863, the Confederate Army found that a Union soldier was recuperating in an Oakland hotel. The Grey fired a cannon ball down the rail line toward the hotel from the Second Street crossing in Oakland, seven miles southwest of Deep Creek Lake, but there was no Union soldier there.

In 1872, Maryland carved Garrett County out of Allegany County, with Oakland as the county seat. Through the decades, fishing and camping on the banks of the Youghiogheny River continued to draw visitors. The shallow depth of most of the river limited boating to a few select areas. Rocks and snags often punctured the hulls of wooden canoes. Garret County was home to the coal mining industry, farming, logging, and moonshining. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&0) came to the county in 1884.

The Oakland, Maryland, B & O Station played a role in the Agricultural Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, the Transportation Revolution, and the development of the resort economy in Garrett County and on the Youghiogheny River. During the early 1900's, Garrett County lost economic prosperity as the coal mining, timber, and tourism industries fell off. Deep Creek Lake in 1925 brought a revival in tourism.

Today, tourism remains a significant component of the Garrett County’s economy. Specialty manufacturing, construction, professional technical services, and the public sector are a growing part of its revenue generation. Deep Creek Lake sees 1.4 million visitors annually. The little towns of Oakland and Deer Park, within a few minutes drive from the southern end Deep Creek Lake, are steeped in the culture of the Allegheny Highlands.

Fishing Deep Creek Lake

Predominant game species in Deep Creek Lake include largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed crappie, perch, chain pickerel, northern pike, sunfish, trout, walleye, and yellow perch. Deep Creek Lake offers a year-round fishing destination, with ice fishing in the winter months. Deep Creek Lake has plenty of access points for shoreline and boat anglers, plus quite a few fishing charter services.

The best bass angling takes place during the warmer months of the year along the shoreline. Docks are the main form of structure from April through the end of November because docks are removed in the winter months. Over 20 species of mostly native submerged aquatic vegetation flourish in Deep Creek Lake, oxygenating and providing natural filtering of water, reducing wave energy to help stabilize the shoreline, and providing essential habitat for fish.

When BRP releases water from the power plant, it impacts different parts of Deep Creek Lake’s businesses, citizens, and ecosystem. The power plant receives more revenue for each release during peak electrical demands. The releases offset the higher temperatures in Deep Creek and low water levels in the Youghiogheny River benefit cold water fish and the whitewater rapid recreation economy. In 2021, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began building fish structures at 125 locations.

Water releases in hot and dry years can result in some property owners unable to use their boat docks during significant portions of the boating season. There are several fishing hot spots, and the lake’s six marinas and one state park have boat ramps for a fee. Areas around the US 219 bridge and the Deep Creek State Park provide productive hot spots for anglers.

A stretch of rip-rap on the east side of the southern end of the bridge attracts walleye, yellow perch, and an occasional pike. The honey hole off the shore on the north side of the US 219 bridge offers a deep water pocket, bordered on either side by sharp drops with rocky and sharp edges, which attracts walleye hunting along the bases, and you may find a pike. About 2,500 feet north of the north end of the 219 bridge off the shoreline, another hot spot is productive.

Off of the shoreline near Shingle Camp Hollow on Marsh Hill Lane on the northeastern side of Deep Creek Lake, is an area with a large, sharp drop-off from 20 feet down into water and some standing timber and rocks on the lake bed, attracting crappie and large bluegill. If your fish finder can find the timber, probe deep for walleye and perch. This spot is hot year-round for these species.

A small notch in the shoreline of Marsh Run Cove, on the northern end of Marsh Hill Road, has deep water in the middle with a gradual drop-off along the southern edges. There is some deeper water and shallow flats in the middle of the main cove. Near here, there are some humps that rise to 10 feet and are just a stone’s throw from 40-foot-plus depths. On the flats, anglers might find weed beds holding bluegill, pickerel, or pike, with yellow perch along the deeper edges, depending on the time of year. This is a populated area that can be difficult to fish in the middle of the day in summer.

The Deep Creek Lake State Park has long stretches of banks for shoreline fishing. Near the Glendale Bridge, sheer drop-offs on either side drop below 40 feet are productive for crappie, and sometimes yellow perch and walleye. There are two more hot spots for within 2,500 feet with 20, 30, and 40-feet depths that attract bass, bluegill, crappie, and yellow bass year round. These hotspots are well known, but are only the tip of the iceberg for honey holes when fishing Deep Creek Lake.

In the winter, the Deep Lake ice fishing adventures begin. Deep Creek Lake is the most popular destination in Maryland and beyond for ice fishing. The primary ice fishing targets at Deep Creek Lake are bluegills, yellow perch, and walleye, but anglers occasionally pull largemouth bass, crappie, and trophy northern pike through the ice. Deep Creek Lake is a part of the Maryland DNR designated off-road vehicle (ORV) trail system. Only registered snowmobiles are permitted to use the trail.

Snowmobile permits are available by mail or at any DNR Licensing Service Center during normal business hours, the Deep Creek Lake State Park Headquarters, the Discovery Center in the park, and at New Germany State Park, 14 miles northeast in the Savage River State Forest. Snowmobiles may operate at night if equipped with working headlights and taillights. Snowmobiles can access the lake at the Deep Creek State Park boat ramp or with permission from a private landowner with a dock permit.

Check out experienced local pro guides on our Deep Creek Lake Fishing Guides page.

Boating Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake boasts six marinas for boat and personal watercraft rentals in seasons when the lake is open. Boaters can visit quite a few establishments on the waterfront with courtesy docks for a bite to eat or a cold beer or cocktail on the north side of the lake on a hot day. Deep Creek Lake sees a lot of summer visitors and becomes crowded with boats, especially in the middle of the day.

In an area that is populated with boats and/or persons to allow unlimited skiing, speed limits of six knots are in effect and skiing is not allowed. These areas are posted with white signs or buoys with speed and hours restrictions stated within an orange circle. It is the operator’s responsibility to avoid these areas while water skiing or towing a similar device. Deep Creek Lake has a boater regulation policy.

There are a few swim beaches at Deep Creek Lake. The best two beaches are at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Most of the beaches around the lake are small. On much of the shoreline at Deep Creek Lake, vegetation grows down to the water from surrounding hills, and other parts of the shore are rocky. Boaters should take water shoes to explore the shores of the lake.

Maryland DNR Boating Regulations Specific to Deep Creek Lake:

Vessels may not exceed 26 feet in length, except pontoon boats, which may not exceed 30 feet.
Vessels must be muffled so as not to exceed the state noise level limit of 88 decibels.
Engines may not exceed the manufacturers’ recommended capacity or a displacement of 550 cubic inches, whichever is less.
Houseboats are not permitted.
Parasailing is not permitted.
No garbage, sewage, or other waste materials may be discharged into the water.
Aircraft are prohibited on both the lake and buffer strip unless prior approval has been obtained from the Department of Natural Resources.
Hovercraft and personal watercraft may not be operated on the lake between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from July 1st through Labor Day.

Shop or sell a boat on our Deep Creek Lake Boats for Sale page.

Plan your trip to Deep Creek Lake by calling one of the marinas today on our Deep Creek Lake Marinas page.

Deep Creek Lake Real Estate

The Deep Creek Lake is the largest marketplace for lake property in Maryland. Usually, about 100 lake homes and lots are on the market at any time. Deep Creek Lake homes have price points that range anywhere from $60,000 to $3 million. There are four small airstrips surrounding the lake, but the major airports are in Baltimore, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.

Deep Creek Lake restaurants and bars are mostly on the northern and eastern side of the lake. Oakland, Maryland, seven miles southwest of the southern edge of Deep Creek Lake, has a Walmart Supercenter, but Morgantown, West Virginia, at 45 miles west, is the nearest city with shopping and services. No school districts serve the Deep Creek Lake region.

The State of Maryland owns and protects a buffer strip of land that surrounds Deep Creek Lake. The Maryland DNR regulates any cutting of trees and the general use of the buffer strip to protect the natural integrity and beauty of the lake's shoreline. The DNR does not allow permanent structure construction on the buffer strip.

Lakefront Access refers to property that borders the buffer strip of land owned by the state of Maryland. The property owner may cross the buffer strip to access the water. The distance between a lakefront house and the water can vary. The owner of this type of property does not have to cross a road to get to the water's edge.

Split Lakefront Access means that a property borders the buffer strip, but there is a road between the house and the water. Property owners usually own the land on the their side of the road and must cross the road to get to the lake.

Lake Access means the property owner is deeded access to a common area that borders State of Maryland property. The owner of this type of property may be able to walk or may have to drive to the access area from their house.

A Buffer Strip Use Permit is an annual permit issued to a lakefront property owner or homeowner’s association that owns a Lake Access Common Area. This permit gives these owners the ability to place a specific type of boat dock on the waters of Deep Creek Lake in front of their property.

There is an annual fee for these permits. All docks must be removed by December 1st of each year. Water releases from Deep Creek Lake’s hydroelectric plant in hot and dry years can cause some property owners loss of use of their boat docks during significant portions of the boating season.

To find your dream home, explore our Deep Creek Lake Homes for Sale page.

Deep Creek Lake Rental Cabins and Vacation Homes

From tiny homes to rustic cabins to cozy cottages to spacious vacation homes, you will find them at Deep Creek Lake. Because people can own private property that adjoins Maryland DNR shoreline property, there is a cornucopia of vacation home rentals at Deep Creek Lake that will supply almost any need for a great vacation, summer or winter. Deep Creek Lake is crowded during the summer season, so it is recommended to book your rental early.

All properties around Deep Creek Lake vary in slope, distance, view, and accessibility to the lake. Please ask for specific details on your desired property rental. Lakefront means there is no road between you and the lake, and refers to any property that borders the DNR buffer zone around the lake. The lake front can vary up to 200 yards away, in which it may be level or with stair steps, from the waterfront. The Wisp Resort also offers vacation home rentals on the northeastern tip of Deep Creek Lake.

Find the perfect vacation home on our Deep Creek Lake Cabins page.

Lodging, Snow Skiing, and Winter Seasons at Deep Creek Lake

Visitors flock to Deep Creek Lake’s inns, hotels, and motels during the winter for its outstanding ice fishing, ski slopes, winter hiking trips, snowmobiling jaunts, snowshoeing adventures, and snow tubing fun, Take in the holiday spirit in Oakland, with sleigh and carriage rides, treats with Santa, dining and shopping specials, and a tree lighting ceremony at Oakland’s A Great Small Town Christmas event.

The Wisp Resort

The Lodge at Wisp offers 6 different room types among 169 guest rooms to accommodate guests and groups of all sizes during four seasons at Deep Creek Lake. Deep Creek Lake sees 100 feet, or more, of snow annually. On Wisp’s 137 acres of skiing terrain, the elevation at base is 2,415 feet, and the elevation at summit is 3,115 feet.

Wisp strongly recommends all guests to purchase tickets a few days in advance online for downhill skiing and snowboarding on its three terrain parks. If you plan to purchase tickets on the day of, you will have to do so in person at the ticket stand, and there is no guarantee that there tickets will be available for you or your group.

For other lodging options in the winter season, there is the Inn at Deep Creek at the western end of the US 219 bridge, and the hotels and motels in Oakland, McHenry, Mountain Lake Park, and Grantsville, Maryland, are within an easy ten-minute drive to Deep Creek Lake. Visitors need to check for availability and make reservations during all four seasons.

Camping Deep Creek Lake

There are only two campgrounds at Deep Creek Lake, one for tents and a few RV sites, and the other for RVs with a few tent pads.

Deep Creek Lake State Park comprises over 1,800 acres and abuts Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area with its 3,900-acres, man-made lake, and Discovery Center. The Deep Creek Discovery Center is an educational and interpretive center where visitors learn about the flora, fauna and cultural history of the Allegheny Highlands. This park’s mile-long shoreline has two swim beaches with 20 miles of hiking and biking trails and 112 campsites.

The park offers 86 primitive sites and 26 electric sites with 15- to 50-amp hookups, plus two mini cabins, and one yurt. The park is open year-round for day-use, and the campground is open from April 15 to December 15. Campground amenities include three bath houses, free boat trailer parking, a dump station, freshwater fill-up, free access to the day-use area and boat launch, and overnight dock slip use. Pets are allowed in designated loops. Find the Deep Creek State Park at 898 State Park Road, Swanton, Maryland.

The Double G RV Park offers 160 RV sites that are big rig-friendly, plus a few tent pads. The park allows pets and has a pet area, 15- to 50-amp electric hookups, and a dump station. The park meters and bills the electric separately, but includes water, sewer, cable, & Wi-Fi and free use by immediate family in its fees. This park is open for unlimited use from May 1st to October 31st and is located 1/2 mile from the far northeastern arm of Deep Creek Lake at 76 Double G Drive, McHenry, Maryland.

Double G’s amenities include a playground, a camp store, gravel RV pads, a horseshoe pit, a laundry facility, a pavilion, restrooms and showers, sunflower purchases during blooming season, and a volleyball court, plus each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. This park also provides indoor and outdoor automobile, boat, RV, and trailer storage. The Double G RV Park requires a two-night minimum/two-night deposit on weekends and three-night minimum/three-night deposit on holidays & holiday weekends.

Check out our list of campgrounds and RV parks for your family adventure on our Deep Creek Lake Camping page.

Hiking Deep Creek Lake

The closest trails to Deep Creek Lake belong to Deep Creek State Park. These trails are canine-friendly. Some trails cross into the hunting areas. In hunting season, hikers and mountain bikers are advised to wear hunter orange.

Beckman’s Trail

Beckman’s Trail begins easy and becomes moderately challenging. It is a 1.7-mile loop that passes a mossy rock garden. Beckman’s Trail links up with the Brant Mine Trail, which combines gorgeous foliage with history at the Brant Coal Mine and Home Site.

Brant Mine Trail

Brant Mine Trail is a moderately challenging 2.5-mile, out-and-back trail. Hike or mountain bike back in time to visit the Old Brant Mine, and the staff at Deep Creek Lake State Park can explain the history of the mine to hikers and history lovers.

Cherry Creek Loop Trail

Cherry Creek Loop Trail is a moderate 3.0-mile hike marked with yellow blazes. It passes through multiple ecosystems from lake-level to near the top of Meadow Mountain. Park at the Cherry Creek parking lot. A waterless toilet facility is available in the parking lot.

The Crosscut Trail

Crosscut Trail is a moderate 1.0-mile trail marked with green blazes. It passes over the rockiest contours of the mountain. Combine it with the upper eastern leg of the Cherry Creek Loop (yellow blazes) for a short side-hike. Park at the Cherry Creek parking lot.

Lookout Trail

Lookout Trail is a moderate 1.75-mile trail marked with blue blazes. It was built to challenge skilled mountain bikers, but it makes a great moderate hike. This rugged, yet short, route includes rocky and steep terrain. Visitors must use the Beckman’s and/or Indian Turnip Trail to access this connecting trail.

Discovery/Sensory Trail

Discovery/Sensory Trail is a short, easy 1,000-foot trail marked with yellow rope. Start at the Discovery Center to explore nature via smell, sound, and touch.

Indian Turnip Trail

Indian Turnip Trail is a challenging 4-mile loop for hikers and mountain bikers with experience. Indian Turnip presents tricky rocky terrain and a few steep inclines. You can start this hike back at the parking lot, or pick it up from Beckman’s Trail.

Meadow Mountain Trail

Meadow Mountain is a moderately challenging, popular 3.9-mile loop. Pick it up from the rockier Beckman’s Trail, or start from the entrance by the parking lot. It is accessible year-round.

Snakeroot Nature Trail

The Snakeroot Nature Trail is an easy, mostly flat 0.25-mile trail marked with green blazes.

The Thayer Trace Trail

Thayer Trace is a difficult 3.0-mile trail marked with purple blazes. It descends into Meadow Mountain and ascends on a connector trail between Deep Creek Lake State Park and Savage River State Forest. Trail users may begin at the Ranger Station via the Indian Turnip Trail.

Hunting Deep Creek Lake

Maryland hunting seasons offer fantastic waterfowl and fur-bearer hunting. Maryland has white-tailed and sika deer, black bear, and wild turkey hunting. Deep Creek Lake State Park provides a 551-acre designated hunting area that is marked with managed hunting area signs.

Hunters can park at the Ranger Station, on various pull-offs on State Park Road, and at the Cherry Creek parking lot. The park asks hunters to please recognize all hunting regulations and seasons. Remember to keep all weapons unloaded until you are within a designated hunting area. Hiking and mountain biking trails traverse parts of the hunting area. Be alert and respectful of trail users who are recreating in the area.

Hunting licenses may be purchased at the Ranger Station at 2-398 Herrington Lane, Oakland, Maryland.

Deep Creek Lake State Park Hunting Policy:

General hunting permitted in the 551-acre designated hunting area.
No firearms hunting until October 15,
Spring turkey hunting is permitted during listed seasons.
Hunting permitted Monday through Saturday.
Offer provisions for hunters with mobility impairments.

Waterfowl hunting is allowed at designated sites on Deep Creek Lake with reservations required and a Special Goose Season in November. Hunters may enter or remain on park property outside of the regular posted hours if they are engaged in legitimate, authorized hunting activity.

Hunters can apply for a Maryland hunting license online for residents or nonresidents. Migratory bird, deer archery, deer muzzleloader, and furbearer hunters need to purchase an additional stamp. The Maryland DNR allows for different game species in different counties that can change year to year. Hunters can be sure of what they can hunt legally by contacting the DNR before every hunting season.

Things to Do at Deep Creek Lake

The restaurants and bars with boat-up courtesy docks on Deep Creek Lake are around its northern arm by the US 219 bridge and the MD 495 bridge on the east side of the lake.

The Lodestone Golf Course at the Wisp Resort offers two 18-hole courses, a putting green, and a tee area. It closes every Wednesday at 5:00pm and re-opens Thursdays at 11:00am during golf season.

The Thousand Acres Lakeside Golf Club offers an inexpensive 9-hole Par 36 golf course, pro shop, memberships, golf passes, and public access for players of all abilities, subject to availability. Find it at 500 Lakeside Club Drive, Swanton, Maryland.

The Wisp Resort

The Wisp Resort is open year-round and offers activates for all four seasons. In the spring, summer, and fall seasons, Wisp offers The Flying Squirrel Canopy tour provides amazing tree-top views, agility challenges, and five breathtaking zips from 180 feet to over 400 feet.

The Wisp Spider Monkey Adventure begins with suiting up in a harness and helmet before climbing the steps to Platform 1 and across the “Swinging Bridge” to the 40-foot “Spider’s Web”, then its onto the “Bridge to Nowhere”. Guests will want to stop and take in the view of Deep Creek Lake off in the distance before they take on the “Tilt & Hop” and the “Silver Surfer”, which is a snowboard on ropes that glides across two ropes to deliver the participant to the “Step Across” where they will have to stride two feet over 20 feet of air. Once over, guests will zip 200 feet back to the starting platform.

The Wisp Chipmunk Challenge Course is a canopy tour that tests children’s athletic prowess and skills within an educational atmosphere. This tour is built for children ages four and up who weigh at least 40 pounds. The Chipmunk Challenge Course is a continuous belay system covering over 500 feet of cable, featuring two zips and six obstacles along the way. Participants will be fitted with a harness and helmet before they begin with a small stair climb to the “Staging Area”, where they will be clipped into the Saferoller® belay system.

There are several requirements at the Wisp aerial adventures with age, size, and weight limits.

Wisp requires advanced reservations for snow tubing and visitors can make reservations online. It is encouraged to arrive early for snow tubing sessions to allow for parking, filling out participation agreements, and redeeming tickets. Tubers can buy tickets for tubing park sessions over the phone. Tubers must be 4-years-old and at 42-inches tall.

Other Attractions at Deep Creek Lake

The Adventure Sports Center International outfits visitors with white water rafting adventures. It is an Olympic-standard white water rafting and canoe/kayak slalom center located on the mountaintop above the Wisp Resort at Deep Creek Lake on the Savage River, McHenry, Maryland. Contact Wisp Resort for information.

The Garrett County Small Town Trail is a collective of eight towns and communities in Garrett County surrounding Deep Creek Lake. One of the trail’s towns, Accident, Maryland, is home to the award-winning FireFly Farms, Creamery & Market, Branch Bender Cidery cider tastings, Deep Creek Lavender Farm, Cove Run Farm’s seven-acre seasonal corn maze, and the oldest standing structure in Garrett County, the Drane House.

The Garrett County Historical Society Museum combines many facets of Garrett County History into three museums with wide-ranging displays and presentations. The Garrett County Historical Museum features a variety of artifacts that will take you through generations of Garrett County History. It is located at 107 South Second Street, Oakland, Maryland.

The Historic B&O Railroad Station, also called the Oakland Station, is among the most exuberant of the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad’s many stations. Built in 1884 for the growing resort clientele, the restored Queen Anne-style station is striking, with its bell-shaped turret and stained glass windows. It now houses a visitor’s center and a handicrafts shop. It is located at 117 E Liberty Street, Liberty Street, Oakland, Maryland.

Plan the perfect day trip or vacation on our Things to Do at Deep Creek Lake page.

Deep Creek Lake Zip Codes

Garrett County: 21520, 21538, 21541, 21550, 21561.

Deep Creek Lake Weather & Climate

Deep Creek Lake sees an average of 48 inches of rain per year, with inches of 102 snow and 229 days of sunshine. The winter low in January is 17 degrees and a summer high in July of 79 degrees. June, July, and August are the most comfortable months for this region. December and January are the least comfortable months.

Keep your eyes on the skies with our Deep Creek Lake Weather Forecast page.

Deep Creek Lake Flora and Fauna

The extensive foliage, availability of water, and a contiguous landscape of mountainous wilderness at Deep Creek Lake creates habitat for various of animals including bobcats, elks, mountain lions, and mule deer, the larger animals that make their home at this lake. A few of the smaller mammals include badgers, marmots, and ringtail.

Bird species include chukar, golden eagles, partridges, screech owls, and wild turkeys. The remote canyons of the Deep Lake region’s wilderness provides sustainable nesting habitat for the Mexican spotted owl, a threatened species.

Common plant species in the region include Ponderosa pine, two-needle pinyon pine, single-leaf pinyon pine, Gambel oak, Dixie live oak, banana yucca, Mojave hedgehog cactus, Utah yucca, Greenleaf manzanita, firecracker penstemon, giant red Indian paintbrush, Fremont cottonwood, single-leaf ash, and Engelmann’s spruce.