Clear Lake Loop Hike

Overview

Three thousand years ago a lava flow dammed the McKenzie River and created Clear Lake, which certainly lives up to its name. This pleasant hike takes you on a loop around the lake (also an excellent snowshoe in the winter). You can head south past the picnic shelter to hike this trail counter-clockwise, but this description will take you clockwise. From the parking lot in front of the store, walk down the road past the cabins. Just beyond cabins 19 and 20, at the point where the road curves up the hill, you will find the trail heading off along the lake shore. You will get glimpses of the lake through the trees, and soon it is more marsh than lake. At 0.9 miles, cross a bridge over Ikenick Creek, and then bear right. You are now doubling back on the other side of the marsh, but soon you will reach a view looking south to the store with the tops of the Three Sisters poking up in the distance on a clear day. The trail curves back north again and, at 1.7 miles, you will cross Fish Lake Creek. You are now on the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Soon the lake comes back into view. At 2.25 miles, the trail heads inland to skirt around Great Spring, the source of the McKenzie River. The water percolates up from the lava rock below and forms a small beautiful pool before flowing out to the lake beyond. Shortly after the spring you will pass by the store where you started, just right across this narrow section of Clear Lake. The trail leaves the trees behind and enters an area of lava. This stretch can be hot in summer, but is very pretty in autumn when the scattered foliage turns color. You will reach a section of trail that was once paved, but the pavement is now crumbling and eroding. Pass the boat launch at Cold Water Cove Campground, and continue south. Soon the trail curves west around the southern shore of the lake. At four miles, you'll reach a junction where the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail continues straight towards Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. To complete the loop, turn right.

Trail Stats

Photos

400px-ClearLakeLoopMap

400px-ClearLakeLoopMap

400px-Clearlakewillamette

400px-Clearlakewillamette

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