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Boat dock Clear Lake, Oregon📷 Bonnie Moreland, CC0

Clear Lake

McKenzie Bridge, OR

Nature

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.

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass loop from Eugene – Side View of Proxy Falls, Willamette National Forest (23566623609)© U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region · Public domain
242
Scenic byways

McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass loop from Eugene

197 mi8 stops2 days

Nearby

Rapids above Sahalie Falls-Willamette (23834025541)© U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region · Public domain
Nature

Sahalie Falls

McKenzie Bridge, OR
Editor's pick
Nature

Tamolitch Blue Pool

McKenzie Bridge, OR
Biking Group and Couple at Dee Wright Observatory, Willamette NF (23527539059)© U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region · Public domain
Editor's pick
Views

Dee Wright Observatory

Sisters, OR
Side View of Proxy Falls, Willamette National Forest (23566623609)© U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region · Public domain
Nature

Proxy Falls

McKenzie Bridge, OR

Campsites nearby

  • Big Lake CampgroundCampsite
    6 mi from Clear Lake
    TentsCaravansDrinking water
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Sevenmile Horse CampCampsite
    11 mi from Clear Lake
    TentsCaravansToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Patio RV ParkMotorhome stopover
    17 mi from Clear Lake
    MotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Trout Creek CampgroundCampsite
    18 mi from Clear Lake · 24 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking water
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Sheep Springs Horse CampCampsite
    18 mi from Clear Lake · 11 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking water
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Cold Springs CampgroundCampsite
    19 mi from Clear Lake
    TentsCaravansDrinking water
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

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)