Clear Lake
McKenzie Bridge, OR
A spring-fed lake so cold and clear that a forest drowned by lava about 3,000 years ago still stands underwater. A 5.5-mile trail circles the shore, and rowboats can be rented at the north end in summer.
Clear Lake is a lake in the Oregon Cascades near Route 126, east of McKenzie Bridge and about 140 kilometers (86 miles) north-east of Eugene. It is the source of the McKenzie River and lies at 3,012 feet (about 918 meters). Around 3,000 years ago volcanic activity flooded a forest here: upright trunks, well preserved by the cold water, still stand about 30 meters (100 feet) down. The lake is 15 meters (50 feet) deep on average and 53 meters (175 feet) at most, with water temperatures of about 2 to 6 °C (35 to 43 °F) year-round.
The Clear Lake Loop is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long and links the Clear Lake Trail with the McKenzie River Trail. No motorboats are allowed on the lake; Clear Lake Resort rents boats and cabins, and its restaurant is open from about late May into fall. Cold Water Cove Campground has 34 sites with a picnic table and fire ring. At the south end about 950,000 liters (250,000 gallons) per minute flow out, tumbling farther downstream over Sahalie and Koosah Falls.
- Nearest town
- McKenzie Bridge, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.3700, -121.9950
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
© U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region · Public domainSahalie Falls
© CharlesRondeau · Pixabay Content LicenseTamolitch Blue Pool
© U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region · Public domainDee Wright Observatory
© U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region · Public domainProxy Falls
Campsites nearby
- Big Lake CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Clear LakeTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Sevenmile Horse CampCampsite11 mi from Clear LakeTentsCaravansToilets
- Patio RV ParkMotorhome stopover17 mi from Clear LakeMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Trout Creek CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Clear Lake · 24 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Sheep Springs Horse CampCampsite18 mi from Clear Lake · 11 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Cold Springs CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Clear LakeTentsCaravansDrinking water
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in McKenzie Bridge, OR, at GPS 44.3700, -121.9950. It is about 23 mi from Sisters.
Can you camp near Clear Lake?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cold Water Cove Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 65 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass loop from Eugene.
What is there to see near Clear Lake?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sahalie Falls (1 mi), Tamolitch Blue Pool (7 mi), Dee Wright Observatory (12 mi) and Proxy Falls (14 mi).
When is the best time to visit Clear Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)