Near Clear Lake Loop
Stars over Clear Lake
Near Clear Lake Loop
Above Clear Lake
Near Clear Lake Loop
Clear Lake colors.
Near Clear Lake Loop
Early Fall on the McKenzie Bridge Trail, September 2015
Near Clear Lake Loop
The beautiful blue waters of Clear Lake.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Clear Lake Loop

5.0 (7 Ratings)
This trail is a great hike with stunning fall colors as it loops around a gorgeous blue lake!
4.6
mi
Distance
285
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyLakeSpringViews
Access Issues
Non-motorized boats only on the lake.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.62mi
Distance
285ft
Elevation Gain
289ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
3,088ft
High Point
3,020ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
You can hike this trail in either direction. The elevation gain/loss is minimal, and the tread is well compacted and fairly wide. The trailhead starts at Clear Lake Resort just off OR 126. The west side is forested and shady. The east side is more open with vine maples and black lava. Some portions of this east side are paved with asphalt, and there are benches located at vistas along the whole loop. There are also some massive old-growth Douglas firs. This trail is absolutely fabulous in the fall when the vine maples glow against the black rock and blue lake. This trail is shared with mountain bikes so keep your eyes peeled.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail (No. 3507)

Hike Route

The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail (No. 3507)

Waterfall
extreme
24.18 mi
+946 ft
Santiam Wagon Road Trail: McKenzie River Trailhead

Hike Route

Santiam Wagon Road Trail: McKenzie River Trailhead

Views
easy
3.38 mi
+353 ft
McKenzie River Trail: Carmen Reservoir to Tamolitch Pool

Hike Route

McKenzie River Trail: Carmen Reservoir to Tamolitch Pool

Waterfall
easy
3.32 mi
+195 ft
Crescent Mountain

Hike Route

Crescent Mountain

Views
moderate
8.84 mi
+2,354 ft
McKenzie River Trail: Trail Bridge to Tamolitch Pool

Hike Route

McKenzie River Trail: Trail Bridge to Tamolitch Pool

Views
easy
3.6 mi
+277 ft
Pacific Coast Trail: Mount Washington Wilderness

Hike Route

Pacific Coast Trail: Mount Washington Wilderness

Views
strenuous
12.65 mi
+2,165 ft
Contributors
Marlys Underwood