Clear Lake (Linn County)

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Clear Lake (Linn County) in the Willamette National Forest is a favorite for many Oregonians. Of the many lakes in Oregon given the name of Clear Lake, this one stands out for its truly mesmerizing clear blue turquoise waters. Historically, Clear Lake was formed by a lava event 3000 years ago which blocked the flow of the McKenzie River and inundated the existing forest. Today, this lake has an average depth of 80 ft. and is so clear and devoid of any additional plant life or nutrients that it is deemed “ultraoligotrophic” (Atlas of Oregon Lakes, 1985).

You will see many kayaks, SUPs, rowboats, and canoes on the water. With a visibility level down to 50 ft. deep, standup paddleboarding in particular provides an exciting (and maybe even a little unnerving) viewpoint deep into the underwater forest and the fish swimming around below.

Overall, Clear Lake is an easy paddle but it would not be ideal for first-timers or someone who is likely to fall into the very cold water.

Good to Know:

• The water is very cold here (35-42F), as it is fed directly from snowmelt. It is not suitable for swimming.
• Best months to visit are June-October.
• Arrive early on summer weekends to get parking in the day use lot. Otherwise, be prepared for a longer walk from the overflow parking along the road shoulder.
• No motorized boats are allowed on the lake.
• Cellular reception is poor here.

Put-In Locations:

Clear Lake Day Use Area

• Parking fee: none
• Launch type: shore
• Restrooms: flush
• Open: access to cars opens up when the snow melts, sometime in May
• The McKenzie Ranger district of the Willamette National Forest division manages the Clear Lake Day Use area. There is shoreline access from the trails leading from the free day use area next to the resort. When the small parking lot fills up, cars will park along the side of the main road leading away from the Day Use area.

Clear Lake Resort

• Parking fee: none (launch fee, see below)
• Launch type: dock, boat ramp
• Restrooms: flush
• Open: year-round
• It is managed by Linn County Parks and located on the north end. They charge a launch fee of $5 per watercraft to launch from the docks or boat ramp. You can also rent one of their rowboats or kayaks. The Clear Lake Resort is open year-round (even the rowboat rentals) but 4WD is recommended for access during the snowy winter season.

Coldwater Cove Campground Day Use

• Parking fee: $8 day use fee or NW Forest Pass or equivalent
• Launch type: boat ramp
• Restrooms: vault
• Check here for the seasonal dates.
• There is a day use lot and boat ramp located at the far end of Coldwater Cove Campground. The paved parking area can hold about 20 cars. The day use area does not have a lot of space for groups on land.

Driving Directions:

Additional things to do:

Hike the 5-mile trail around the entire lake to really take in the diversity of the landscape and visit the Great Springs pool.

You can drive/hike to the Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls, the outflow of Clear Lake, which were also formed by the same lava flow.

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Check Before you go:

• Maps and Suggested Routes: Download or print out a map before you go from the SWT Planner App. As a premium member, you can access an ever-growing library of paddling-related maps and suggested routes.

• Weather: Check the weather forecast for the area.

• Inspect your watercraft. You can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by wiping off any vegetation or debris from your watercraft and making sure it is dry each time before entering a new waterway.

• PFD, Whistle, and Waterway Access Permit: In Oregon, all paddlecraft 10′ or longer (including SUPs, kayaks, and canoes) require a permit. You can purchase the permit online.

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Beware that the routes and information on this site are just general guides and the best path may vary based on water level, obstructions, experience level, equipment, and other conditions. Paddlers are responsible for providing their own safety. Super Water Trails does not assume any liability.