Clear Lake Loop

Clear Lake Resort
4.8
8 Reviews
Clear Lake Loop
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Details

Distance
4.72 miles
Elevation Gain
633 ft
Route Type
Loop

Features

Groups
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Lake
Forest
Bathrooms
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About this place

Added by Hillary Murphy

This little known spot provides hiking trails, row boats, and even cabins to stay the night in. It's one of the best lakes to visit in Oregon!

Once you arrive at Clear Lake, I suggest to start the relatively flat hike around the lake. You'll walk through a beautiful forest with peek-a-boo views of the stunning lake. The hike around the full lake may take a few hours, so if you're not staying the night, make sure you have enough time to rent a row boat and row around the lake. If you are staying the night in one of the cabins or camp, enjoy all of the wonderful views and take your time around the lake. You will even get to hike over old lava beds, which is really cool to experience.

After hiking, or if you don't want to hike, rent a row boat. This is the highlight of the trip! You could also bring your own kayaks or canoes if you have them. The water at clear lake more than lives up to its name. Walk out on the dock and take a look at the water - its bound to be unlike anything you've ever seen before. The lake is primarily fed by snow runoff from nearby Mount Washington and the surrounding areas. The runoff filters through underground caverns for more than 20 years before emptying into Clear Lake, creating the clarity that you will see.

Enjoy the lake and watch the sunset! Pack something to eat and some good beverages to truly maximize your experience on the lake. Take your time and enjoy!

FYI the lake is near freezing temperatures all year, so don't even think about swimming in it.

NOTE: 

If you're looking to stay overnight, you can reserve a cabin online

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    Leave No Trace

    Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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    Hassan McClary
    10/11/2025
    Paid parking and it fills up fast.
    Great Conditions
    Bathrooms
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    Brandi Grider
    11/4/2020
    Easy, beautiful hike all the way around!
    Did this hike in 11/1/2020 and it was a perfect way to start November! The weather was beautiful and the trail was easy to ...
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    Laura Schalk
    6/5/2019
    lovely hike
    lovely hike with occasional views of a stunning lake with beautiful colors. on a clear day, you can see a nice view of ...
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    Gabi Robledo
    5/7/2018
    Super clear and blue!
    I can see how the lake gets its name, it's pretty crazy how clear and blue it is! I hiked the loop yesterday but ...
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    Spencer Williams
    4/11/2017
    A nice hike, but the water.....
    The hike around the lake is nice, similar to many other hikes in the area. But what is really amazing is the clarity of ...
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    Josh Latham
    2/9/2017
    A Gem Of The Cascades With Easy Access.
    Gorgeous area with a nice trail. When you're finished, rent a boat and paddle the lake... You'll thank me later.
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    Scott Sichler
    10/5/2016
    Lovely area
    Great pictures. We stayed here at the Cold Water Cove Campground. We enjoyed hiking around the lake and to the nearby waterfalls. Epic moutain ...
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    Sarah Gooch
    8/14/2016
    Nice spot to relax
    I stopped here after exploring the nearby falls. The lake is calm and peaceful and there were several people out on the water ...
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