Lake Hefner
4.7(675)google
4.7(37)yelp
LakeOutdoorHikingNature
Overview
Lake Hefner is a reservoir in northwestern Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was built in the 1940s to expand the water supply for the city of Oklahoma City, It is named after Robert A. Hefner, who served as mayor of Oklahoma City from April 11, 1939, to April 8, 1947, but was originally named the "Bluff Creek Reservoir." It also serves as a major recreational destination, as it is surrounded by 9.5 miles (15.3 km) of multi-use (bicycle, skating and pedestrian) trails. Stanley Draper was influential in securing the funding to develop the lake.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeSpectacular from June to September during pleasant summer evenings (6:30 PM to 8:30 PM). The fierce plains heat drops, and gathering near the iconic East Wharf Lighthouse provides a legendary vantage point for capturing vibrant sunset colors mirrored across the massive urban lake.
Getting ThereConveniently situated in northwest OKC. Driving is highly efficient; travel north on the Lake Hefner Parkway (OKC-74 N), exit onto Hefner Rd, and merge onto the loop drives. The popular East Wharf restaurant row features extensive, complimentary paved customer parking bays.
Travel Tips
- The 10-mile Bert Cooper paved trail rings the perimeter; park only in designated marked stalls at Stars and Stripes Park or Hefner Park, as parking on the lakeside turf or blocking trail access triggers towing.
- The dog park on the northeast shore operates on a strict membership-exclusive locked gate system; traveling pets without local electronic access keys are barred, and must remain on a 6-foot leash.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Fierce wind shears whip the iconic Lighthouse point at dusk, creating an ideal sailing photo window; never scale or climb over the slippery shoreline riprap boulders due to immediate deep-water fall hazards.
Reviews
Positive
- A beautiful grand lake on the northwest side. The iconic East Wharf white lighthouse paired with stunning water sunsets is incredibly photogenic.
- Features over ten miles of paved flat bike and walking trails. Well-signed with ample trash bins and picnic benches—a paradise for driving and running.
- The East Wharf strip houses upscale lakeview seafood restaurants and bars. It is orderly, and dining on the deck with the lake breeze offers a premier vibe.
- Accessing the lake park for walking, fishing, and lighthouse sunset views is entirely free, making it a masterclass in high-value, zero-cost recreation.
Heads up
- Oklahoma is notorious for heavy winds; the open lake has zero natural shelter, making the lakeside winds intensely fierce and uncomfortable on gusty days.
- Outside the East Wharf dining strip, miles of trails along the west and south banks lack public flush restrooms or water stations; facilities are uneven.
- During weekend sunsets, core lots around the lighthouse fill up completely, forming long car queues and forcing illegal curb parking on narrow lanes.
- Being an open body of water, certain seasons bring suffocatingly high densities of lake midges and bugs, which can heavily disrupt your running or stroll.