QUICK GUIDE
I haven’t had a chance to create a full, detailed guide to this location yet, but I still wanted to share a little information about this beautiful spot.
Clear Lake is one of the clearest lakes I’ve seen in Oregon, with vibrant blue and turquoise water surrounded by forest and lava fields. This is the Clear Lake in Willamette National Forest that feeds the McKenzie River. You can hike the roughly five-mile loop around the whole lake, take a short walk from the day-use area, or get out on the water in a rowboat or kayak.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy*
- Hike Length: Approx. 5 miles
- Elevation Gain: Approx. 250 ft.
- Hike Type: Loop
- Pass Required: Yes**
- When to Visit: Spring–Fall
- Pets: Dogs on leash
- Kids: Yes*
- Facilities: Toilets & picnic tables
*Mostly gentle terrain, with uneven rocks and roots. Choose a shorter shoreline walk for little legs and keep kids close near the water.
**Forest Service day use: $10 per vehicle or a qualifying recreation pass. Clear Lake Resort also offers separate parking for $9 per vehicle. You only pay for the parking area you use.
Getting there: Clear Lake is off Highway 126, about 18 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge and four miles south of the Highway 20 junction. Follow the signs for Clear Lake Day Use Area, where you can park near the lake and join the shoreline trail for a short walk or the full loop. Check TripCheck before heading out, especially when snow is possible.
My Experience
I’ve been to Clear Lake many times over the years. It’s hands down one of the clearest lakes I’ve seen in Oregon. And beyond just being clear, it has these vibrant combinations of blue and turquoise in the water. It’s in Willamette National Forest, which has some of my favorite lakes, rivers, and waterfalls in Oregon.
The day-use area makes it easy to park near the lake and walk along the shoreline for as long as you want. You don’t need to take on the full loop to enjoy it. You can just have a short look around, spend some time by the water, or explore a little farther. The resort’s docks and boat rentals give you another way to experience the lake, too.
If you’re up for it, the roughly five-mile loop goes around the entire lake. It’s on the longer side, but I’ve found it fairly flat and easy for most of the way. There are still rocky sections through the lava, so it isn’t a completely smooth path.
As you go, you pass some unbelievably clear and blue parts of the lake, cross bridges over the creeks flowing in and the McKenzie River flowing out, and walk through lava fields. There’s a lot of variety for a lake loop. On a clear day, you can even catch views of the Three Sisters along the way.
If you’re ever in this part of Oregon, I really can’t recommend visiting enough. A short lakeside walk, some time in a boat, or the full loop would all be great ways to spend a visit.
And this lake feeds the incredible McKenzie River, which I’ve highlighted multiple times in my guides and social media videos. I still think it’s one of Oregon’s most beautiful rivers. If you visit Clear Lake, I’d definitely make time for Sahalie and Koosah Falls just downstream, too!
Happy exploring 🌿
Trailhead Location
Nearby Locations
