Clear Lake is West of Sisters, Oregon on the McKenzie Highway. Parking for this hike is located at the Clear Lake Resort.

The dirt trail starts out next to the parking area and winds around the lake. At the beginning you get good views of the peaks of Mt. Washington and North and South Sister. At the South end of the lake you’ll cross a bridge over the headwaters of the McKenzie River. Just past the bridge the Clear Lake Trail meets up with the McKenzie River Trail.

On the East side of the lake you’ll cross a lava flow where the trail is paved most of the way. On this side you will have better views of the lake and hills in the distance. As you get closer to the North end the trail turns back to dirt and it goes past Great Spring. It’s definitely worth a stop to check out how clear and blue the water is. Not too far after Great Spring you will cross a bridge over the now dried up Fish Lake Creek.

Clear Lake is great for seeing lots of water birds. We were able to see Osprey, Cormorants, Canada Geese, Mergansers and Gulls. We also saw a Bald Eagle

Distance: 4 miles (easy)

Elevation: 250 feet (easy)

Pet Friendly: Yes

Good For: All ages

Bathrooms: Yes

Parking Fee: None

Seasons: Spring through fall

Popular: Yes

Warnings: None