Kayaking over Clear Lake, Oregon, you would have no idea what lies underneath. From above, you experience calm, clear water in the peaceful setting. But just below the water’s surface, an underwater world awaits.
Clear Lake is an oasis surrounded by forested fir trees that tower above and blanket the shores in shade. The lake itself is calm, open, and quiet. No motorized boats are allowed. The only noises you will hear are from nature and the occasional playful child.
The Clear Lake Oregon water temperature is cold. The waters are fed by snow runoff from Mount Washington. Therefore, you will not find too many people braving the frigid temps to take a dip. Although, I would find swimming in the lake a bit eerie with what is hidden underneath.
Not so far underneath the surface of the water is a not so hidden underwater forest. The crystal clear waters of the lake allow you to see the trees that became locked beneath the water many eons ago.
The trees became trapped approximately 3,000 years ago when volcanic activity turned the then forest into a lake. The cold water temps play a large role in the preservation of the underwater trees.
Where is Clear Lake, Oregon?
Clear Lake, Oregon is along Highway 126 in the Willamette National Forest. The closest town is McKenzie Bridge. The lake is 86 miles northeast of Eugene, about a 90-minute drive from Corvallis, and a little over an hour drive from Bend.
For Clear Lake Oregon directions from Eugene, you will need to drive through Springfield and access Highway 126. Clear Lake will be on the right-hand side after approximately 71 miles.
From Bend, take highway 20 towards Sisters to the junction of Highway 20 and 126. Once on Highway 126, Clear Lake, Oregon will be on the left after just over 5.5 miles.
Directions to Clear Lake from Corvallis are as follows. Take Highway 34 to Highway 20 in Sweet Home. Take Highway 20 over the mountain and then take a right onto Highway 126 at the 126 and Highway 20 Junction. Then Clear Lake turnoff will be on your left in a little over 5.5 miles.
Is Clear Lake Open?
Clear Lake is open all year, although weather and seasons will affect the activities you can do at the lake. Cabins and boat rentals are open and available year round. Cabin reservations are highly recommended all times of year, especially in the summer.
The restaurant is not open during the winter months, and power is only available in the cabins from 7 am to 10 pm in the winter. The lodge is only open from 11 am to 3 pm in the winter months.
During the summer, spring, and early fall, Clear Lake lodge is open 7 am to 7 pm. The restaurant is open 7:30 am to 5 pm Thursday through Sunday. Boat rentals are available for a full day of 12 hours, or a half day of 5 hours.
Currently, on 8/30/21, Clear Lake is still open with some COVID-19 restrictions. Cabin rentals are still available with extra cleaning and sanitizing. All public spaces at the lake are also being cleaned and sanitized more often. Masks are required in the lodge, as is social distancing.
Can I Rent a Kayak in Clear Lake, Oregon?
Yes! Kayak rentals are available at the lodge. Clear Lake Oregon boat rentals are available for full and half day for either kayaks or row boats. A full day is 12 hours, while a half day is 5 hours.
A small rowboat with a capacity of 4 people costs $35 a day, and $17.50 for a half day.
A large rowboat with a capacity of 5 people costs $45 a day, or $22.50 for a half day.
Kayaks cost $30 a day, and $15 for a half day.
Reservations are not taken for rental boats, so be sure to arrive early if you are hoping to rent a boat on the weekends, especially in the summer.
Outside boats are allowed, for a $5 launch fee. But all boats must be non-motorized.
The boat rentals come with life jackets, oars, and the use of their kayak launcher. The kayak launcher makes boarding and launching the kayak much easier by holding the kayak still and slightly out of the water as you board it.
Boat rentals can be purchased in the lodge, or on busy days, from the window on the back side of the lodge. Life jacket returns are located behind the lodge through a slot in a fence next to the rental window.
What Makes Kayaking Clear Lake in Oregon so Special?
Kayaking in Clear Lake Oregon is an experience unlike any other. During our trip, we headed out to the bigger side of the lake first. Once you get a few hundred feet from the lodge and crowds, the noises fade and all you can hear are the sounds of nature.
On this side of the lake, we paddled along the shores and saw a couple underwater trees in the clearer water. On the far side of the lake, the water becomes clearer again, and schools of fish in varying sizes can be seen.
The experience on this side of the lake mimics an experience you could have on most lakes in Oregon, but it is still enjoyable. Once we had sufficiently explored this side, we backtracked to the lodge, and past it to the other side.
Here, in this smaller section of Clear Lake, in Oregon, you will see all the wonderful things the lake is known for. The water suddenly becomes crystal clear, and often, you can see all the way to the bottom.
While you are here, test the water temperature with your hand and you will understand why the underwater trees have lasted so long.
Not long after paddling past the lodge, you will begin to see underwater trees. They are simply everywhere. A very short one is even located directly next to the boat launch.
The experience of paddling through the clear water with underwater trees beneath you is exciting, and a little eerie. Many of the trees come so close to the surface you could reach and touch them. Although, I was not brave enough to do so.
Common Clear Lake Oregon Questions
What is the Elevation?
Clear Lake Oregon’s elevation is 3,012 feet. The lake is 148 acres total.
How Deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake has an average depth of 50 feet but has a max depth of 174 feet.
Can You Swim in Clear Lake?
Clear Lake Oregon swimming is allowed. And during a hot day, it may feel good. But visitors are told to be aware of the low water temperatures. During the early summer, the cold water could cause shock to many.
Location
Along Highway 126 with the closest town being McKenzie Bridge.
Trip Length
Half to Full Day
