Clear Lake Loop Trail

McKenzie River Resources A Day on the McKenzie Sahalie Falls

The Clear Lake Loop Trail, a five mile trail around Clear Lake, in the Central Cascade mountains of Oregon, offers hikers a scenic day trip experience for taking in the sights and sounds of the area.

Clear Lake receives the distinction of serving as the headwaters of the McKenzie River, and it was formed from volcanic eruptions a couple of thousand years past.

There's no debating the lake's clarity. On good days, it's easy to see the petrified trees sitting on the lake's bottom, and remains clear today, due partly to a ban on motorized boats.

The loop trail is part of the larger McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Situated at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet, the trail often has snow through much of May. Local flora and mushrooms are easily spotted along the trail from late spring through early fall. No permits or day use fees are required to use it.

Map View Larger Map

Directions: Located close to the crossroads of State Highway 126 and State Highway 20, Clear Lake is easily accessible from Interstate 5 (I5) from the southern Willamette Valley's population centers in Salem, Albany or Eugene.

The map in the box provides more detailed highway information.

Visitors to the immediate area might also enjoy a visit to Sahalie Falls, located approximately two miles south of Clear Lake, on Highway 126.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels