Oregon’s lakes are peak #pnwonderland: clear-blue and shockingly cold, placid and pristine, superlative and world-renowned. While there are so many beautiful lakes to escape to when a case of wanderlust (or The Mondays) strikes, today we’re visiting a favorite that never fails to turn our proverbial frown upside down. In Cascadia, Oregon, Clear Lake is the source of the famous McKenzie River, formed more than 3,000 years ago when volcanic lava flow blocked a stream bed. True to its name, Clear Lake is as transparent as glass, with visibility to the bottom more than 100 feet down in some spots. The perfect place for a long, languid float or afternoon paddling trip, there’s almost nothing a day on Clear Lake in Oregon can’t cure.

So let's start this off like a fairytale:
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Nested in the high Cascades of Central Oregon, there is a lake that is breathtakingly beguiling and unbelievably beautiful.
This is Clear Lake, and it's wholly deserving of this name.
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The lake covers 142 acres and lies at an elevation of just over 3,000 feet, and it is one of the most pristine alpine lakes in Oregon.
One of the reasons the lake remains clear and pristine is by limiting boat traffic to muscle power (read: good, old-fashioned oars and elbow grease!) only.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
There are very few contaminants introduced into the lake, keeping it clear and ecologically sound. This is an excellent destination for kayaking and canoeing, and fishing, and the lake is rife with several varieties of trout, in fact!
Clear Lake is especially lovely in the autumn.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
It is during that time when the bold oranges and golden yellows of the surrounding forests frame the lake in vibrant fall foliage.

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In fact, the autumn colors along the McKenzie River Trail make for a totally enchanting fall day hike!
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
The Clear Lake Loop Trail is a five-mile loop that's the perfect day hike. It's considered easy and accessible for hikers of all abilities.
Year-round highlights of this hike include multiple waterfalls, lava fields ...
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... old-growth forest, and, of course, the cerulean wonder of Oregon's Clear Lake.
Whether you enjoy the lake from a boot or from foot ...
Donna Jackson/Google Local
... Clear Lake is one of those rare places that always, always provides soul-filling, life-affirming rest and relaxation.
Keep this in mind when you spend the day at Clear Lake.
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And be sure to leave no trace so that others can bask in this pristine Oregon oasis for years to come as well.

Grounding, soul-filling R&R awaits at this lovely lake in the Beaver State. You can learn more about it on the USDA Forest Service website.

When was the last time you spent an afternoon at Clear Lake in Oregon? What was your favorite part? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

While you’re in Central Oregon, be sure to check out this stunning scenic overlook that is sure to delight and inspire!

If you’re still in the mood for more Beaver State adventures, take a look at this video about beautiful Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock:

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More to Explore

More Adventures in Oregon

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 18, 2023

Where can we find historic homes in Oregon?

  • The John and Susanna Ahlf House in Grants Pass is named after the husband of this German immigrant who eventually became one of the most successful businessmen in Oregon’s Rogue Valley.
  • The Silas A. Rice House in Condor was built in 1884 and now serves as the Gilliam County Historical Museum.
  • The Captain John C. Ainsworth House in Oregon City dates back to 1851 and once belonged to John C. Ainsworth, the founder of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company.

Read on to learn about some of the many other exciting historic homes in Oregon.

Where can we find small towns in Oregon?

  • Coburg is known for its annual Golden Years parade drawing folks from all over the state.
  • Cottage Grove has been named one of the most charming towns in Oregon.
  • Depoe Bay is the quintessential Oregon beach town and where the movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was filmed.

Read on to learn about some of the many other charming small towns in Oregon.

Where can we find campgrounds in Oregon?

  • The Unity Lake State Recreation Site in Unity is popular because it is close to numerous historical sites and wilderness areas.
  • The campground at the Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor in Pendleton is surrounded by an old-growth forest, rushing waters, wildlife, and more.
  • The Fall Creek State Recreation Area in Eugene encompasses six parks with loads of camping spots for tent and RV stays.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful campgrounds in Oregon.

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Clear Lake, Oregon 97759, USA