Clear Lake
- Hike
- 4.6 mi round trip
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
Entry fee: Resort boat launch $5 per watercraft (Linn County). Clear Lake is a lake cove in Linn County, Oregon.
Closures and warnings
Lake water is nearly freezing (about 35 to 42F snowmelt-fed). Linn County and Travel Oregon state the lake is unsuitable for swimming; scuba diving is done with specialized gear. As of September 28, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Water type | Lake cove |
| Current | None |
| Water clarity | Ultra-clear water; submerged forest visible; visibility often tens of feet. |
Access
| Hike | 4.6 mi round trip |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | Off Highway 126 in Willamette National Forest; 4WD recommended for winter access to the resort. |
| Parking | Day-use lot near Clear Lake Resort and Coldwater Cove; overflow along the road when the lot fills. |
| When it fills | Arrive early on summer weekends; day-use lot fills. |
| Fee | Resort boat launch $5 per watercraft (Linn County); USFS day-use parking often free at the Forest Service day-use area |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | USDA Forest Service (Willamette National Forest) / Linn County Parks (Clear Lake Resort) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Showers | Yes |
| Drinking water | Yes |
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Clear Lake Resort: cabins, yurts, boat rentals, restaurant; CCC picnic shelter at day-use area. |
- Clear Lake Resort boat ramp boat launch, $5 per watercraft (Linn County) : No motorized boats on the lake.
Rules
| Camping | Allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is Clear Lake open?
Lake water is nearly freezing (about 35 to 42F snowmelt-fed). Linn County and Travel Oregon state the lake is unsuitable for swimming; scuba diving is done with specialized gear. As of September 28, 2026.
Can you swim at Clear Lake?
No, swimming is not allowed at Clear Lake. No current is reported here.
How long is the hike to Clear Lake?
It's a 4.6 mi hike round trip. The road in is paved. Off Highway 126 in Willamette National Forest; 4WD recommended for winter access to the resort. Parking: Day-use lot near Clear Lake Resort and Coldwater Cove; overflow along the road when the lot fills. Arrive early on summer weekends; day-use lot fills.
Do you need a reservation for Clear Lake?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Clear Lake?
The fee is Resort boat launch $5 per watercraft (Linn County); USFS day-use parking often free at the Forest Service day-use area.
What facilities are at Clear Lake?
Restrooms, showers, drinking water, picnic sites, and a boat launch. Clear Lake Resort: cabins, yurts, boat rentals, restaurant; CCC picnic shelter at day-use area.
What are the rules at Clear Lake?
Camping is allowed.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Clear Lake is inside Willamette National Forest .
Sources
4
- https://www.linncountyor.gov/parksrec/park/clear-lake-resort (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / hazardNote, access.amenities)
- https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/destinations/lakes-reservoirs/clear-lake-area/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs waterbodyName / waterClarityNote / swimmingAllowed)
- https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/destinations/lakes-reservoirs/trip-clear-lake/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.hikeDistanceMi, swimmerNotes.current / boatLaunches.note)
- https://superwatertrails.com/2023/12/28/clear-lake-linn-county/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.fee / boatLaunches / parkingPattern / hazardNote temps 35-42F)
More: Oregon swimming holes