Clear Lake Oregon has been one of my favorite places to visit. Weather your wanting to stop by for a day trip, or your driving to Bend Oregon, it can be a wonderful place to stop.
If your a geology nerd like me, it is fascinating to know that 3,000 years ago, this lake did not exist. After an eruption in about 1,000 B.C, Sand Mountain erupted and pushed lava creating Clear Lake and places like Blue Pool that Oregonians treasure. Paddling around the lake is the best way to see the remnants of the trees that used the be the forest that are now submerged 120 feet underwater.
For good reason, Clear Lake can be a busy place in any season, but especially fall and summertime. On this blog post I will go over the best times to visit, how to plan your trip here, and what you might be able to expect upon arrival.
Where Is Clear Lake?
Located in Linn County, Oregon, Clear Lake is the headwaters of the McKenzie River on HWY 126. Clear Lake sits at 3,012 feet of elevation which means all weather patterns will hit the lake throughout the year. It is special because it is the clearest and coldest lake in the Cascades.
Be mindful of road closures in the summer months. If there are wildfires in the area, sometimes HWY 126 can close.
From Portland: 2.5 hours
From Bend: 1 hour
Things to Do at Clear Lake
Depending on what season you visit, activities tend to differ on the lake. It is essential that you check the weather before visiting so you don’t get disappointed, especially in the winter and spring months. Keep in mind that a Northwest Forest Pass is required or pay the parking fee of $5 upon arrival.
Hiking: If you like to hike, I suggest taking the trail around the lake. It is 4.8 miles long with 239 feet of elevation gain. The trail takes you past the natural spring that feeds into the lake that is only accessible by foot. Wear proper footwear such as hiking boots because the lava rocks can cut your feet.
Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is allowed on the hiking trail around the lake, but be mindful of hikers as you move about the trail. Moreover, it is popular to extend your mountain bike ride as the Clear Lake Loop Trail connects to the 26 mile long McKenzie River Trail.
Paddle: Bring your own boat and hit the water. Keep in mind that the water here is always a cold 30-36 degrees. Don’t have your own boat, rent from the Clear Lake Resort, open 7 days a week from 7am to 5pm. They have tin row boats for $40 a day or $20 an hour. This is so fun an nostalgic, you gotta do it at least once! Moreover, kayaks are available to rent for $20 an hour, which is great. If you bring your own boat, pay the $5 boat launch fee to the park.
Fishing: Clear Lake Resort is a popular place for fisherman to visit. Although, motorized boats are not allowed on the lake, the waters are calm for fishing year round. Cutthroat and Brook trout reproduce naturally in the lake. Additionally, Rainbow trout are annually stocked in the lake.
Scuba Diving: if cold water scuba is your thing, Clear Lake should be on your diving bucket list. With the clear water and forest floor remaining, it would be stunning to dive here and see the once was life below.
Best Time to Visit Clear Lake Resort
What is great about Clear Lake Resort is that it is open in year round. So if you find yourself road tripping to Eugene Oregon or Bend, stop by and take in the beauty.
Fall: might be my favorite time to visit Clear Lake. Fall colors reflected against the water are stunning. Typically the first two weeks of October are when fall colors are going to be in their prime at Clear Lake. Temperatures can range from 35-65 degrees.
Summer: easily the busiest time to visit Clear Lake as it is a popular spot to kayak and paddle board. Arrive early as parking is limited. Smoke and wildfires can often times be abundant in July and August here, so keep that in mind before visiting. Temperatures can range from 65-95 degrees!
Winter: absolutely stunning on a sunny day with fresh snow on the ground! Grab your snowshoes and take the trail around the lake, or just stop by and take in the beauty. Temperatures typically sit below 40 degrees!
Spring: of all seasons, this is the one I often skip. Muddy trails, colder and rainy temperatures. Don’t get me wrong, still beautiful and less crowded! Temperatures can be from 45-60 degrees with lots of rain!
Places to Stay
Clear Lake isn’t the only incredible destination to visit if your going to be along the McKenzie River. Take in the area and stay for a few days to see many of the incredible locations such as: Blue Pool, Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, Cougar Hot Springs and Proxy Falls.
Camping: Ice Camp Campground is open in the summer months and typically books in advance. There are 22 sites, 8 are tent only and only 12 are available to be booked online.
Black Butte Ranch: if your looking for something a bit more upscale, this is the place for you. It is only about a half hour from Clear Lake, with stunning views of mountains along the way.
Cabins and Yurts: Stay at Clear Lake Resort and have direct access to the lake! There are 15 cabins of varying sizes available to rent and 3 yurts.
Belknap Springs : if you enjoy hot springs and a more rustic experience, stay at Belknap, just 20 minutes down the road from Clear Lake.
Pin For Later!
