Clear Lake

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LOCATION: 3 miles south of Hwy 20/126 junction

ACCESS: From McKenzie Bridge, travel east on Highway 126 for 18 miles to Clear Lake.

FACILITIES: There is a small resort on the west side of the lake and Coldwater Cove Campground is located on the southeast side of the lake. Boat launches are available at both locations.

ACTIVITIES: Clear Lake is popular for fishing, canoeing and boating. No motors are allowed on the lake. The Clear Lake Loop Trail is open to both hikers and mountain bikes. A self-guided interpretive hike begins at the day use area of Coldwater Cove Campground, where trail guides are located.

SERVICES: Linn County Parks operates the Clear Lake Resort under special use permit. It features cabins, boat rentals, boat launch, and a restaurant. The nearest gas is located in McKenzie Bridge

ABOUT the LAKE: Clear Lake, the "lake born of fire", is the headwaters of the McKenzie River and was formed 3000 years ago when lava from Sand Mountain reached the river and backed up water to form the lake.

The original forest that had lined the river banks was submerged. Remnants of some of these submerged trees still stand under 120 feet of water and are visible from the trail and by boat. The nearly freezing temperature of the lake makes it unsuitable for swimming.

A picnic shelter, built by the Civilian Conservation Corp, is situated at the day use area near the resort.

Osprey and bald eagles, and native cutthroat trout call the lake home. Non-native rainbow and brook trout are also found in the lake.

(Data provided by the US Forest Service (Willamette National Forest)