A 3,000-Year-Old Forest Lies Beneath The Surface Of Clear Lake In Oregon
Oregon is home to around 1,400 named lakes, so if you’re looking for a pretty spot to fish, kayak, or just soak in some scenery, you surely don’t have to go far. There’s one lake here that’s so clear that you can see the bottom of it, and it’s home to the remnants of a 3,000-year-old forest. Check out Clear Lake:
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Tucked amongst the trees in the Willamette National Forest, Clear Lake is a little gem in the woods.
3,000 years ago, the Sand Mountain volcano erupted, spewing a huge lava river that burned much of the forest in the area. The lava flowed to the cold McKenzie River, where it came to an abrupt stop. The backup of all that lava created Clear Lake.
Many of the forest's trees were submerged in the new lake, and you can still see them today. Check out these 80-foot-tall tree trunks! They've been perfectly preserved for thousands of years.
As you explore, it will seem as though the lake is just 20-30 feet, because in many cases you can see all the way to the bottom. But in reality - this lake is quite deep! The forest is submerged in about 120 feet of water.
When you visit the Clear Lake Area, you'll find a campground with 34 campsites. Clear Lake Resort is right next door. It offers a restaurant, tackle shop, and grocery...
Learn more about Clear Lake on the USDA Forest Service website. Have you visited Clear Lake? Tell our readers about your trip there, and share your photos in the comments!
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
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