Even though I was a bit tired from our adventure at Fish Lake, I had already made the decision to kayak Clear Lake. So, we loaded our vehicles and drove about 2 miles south on McKenzie Highway from Fish Lake.
So, first and foremost – parking! Plain and simple: they don’t have enough parking. So, if you can ride with others and take fewer cars, that will be a better plan! There are a limited number of parking spaces located close to the launch point, so those are all things to take into consideration. Of course, traveling to kayak on a weekday is so much better than a weekend.
But, first and foremost, let’s talk about Clear Lake for a minute.
Clear Lake has a long history of being a popular recreation spot in the high Cascades. It was discovered in 1859 by a party of men who were searching for a route over the Cascade Mountains. They had followed an Indian trail down Hackleman Creek and after considerable scouting found Fish Lake and then Clear Lake. Clear Lake is about 142 acres in size and lies at an elevation of 3,012 feet, with a maximum depth of 175 feet. It is one of the clearest and coldest lakes in the Cascades.
I visited Clear Lake last year and so I already knew what to expect. However, it’s so incredibly beautiful and different than anything else around here. In fact, it’s just flabbergasting! In the more shallow depths of the water, you will quickly notice just how clean the water is – as far down as you can see.
I’ve always thought it looks like nature’s swimming pool. If the water wasn’t so dang cold, I would jump right in. Last year I remember seeing fish swimming below my kayak. No fish this year, at least where I could see them. At any rate, the water quality in the entire lake is this clear. It’s truly magnificent. You can see it more in front of the boat docks and to the left. Traveling right, out into the main body of the lake, the water is just too deep to see anything. This water quality reminds me a lot of my trip to Blue Heart Springs, Utah, last year.
Despite, or maybe in addition to Clear Lake’s stunning water quality, the views all around the lake are absolutely stunning. Everything is so green and so healthy! Both Fish Lake and Clear Lake are only a few places I’ve kayaked where I haven’t seen any garbage as I’m traversing the water.
Just out of the corner of my eye, I spotted this yellow beauty. It is a Western Skunk Cabbage. It was at least 10-12 inches in height. I thought it was beautiful! The photo to the right is a great representation of what the area bushes and other foliage look like at this point in the year. They are just beginning to gain their greenery – very beautiful indeed.
You have traveled as far as south as you can go when you come to the foot bridge. It is, however, very photogenic!
However, what you don’t see in my photo is the WARNING sign hanging up behind me. They don’t want you to go under the bridge as about 10 feet after there is a steep rocky drop – enough to damage you and your kayak. But, despite the posted danger, it’s absolutely gorgeous and serene here! One of my favorite places to visit!
I love kayaking in these wildlife settings. We only saw a few ducks and one Bald Eagle. But, mother nature’s displays of grandeur are truly amazing.
I understand that kayaking both Fish Lake and Clear Lake may be too much in one day for many people. But, I just want to highly encourage you to go check out Fish Lake first – while it’s still around. And then, journey down the road to Clear Lake (PS. There is great fishing at Clear Lake for those who are interested and they have both row boats and kayaks for rent).
Sun is in our forecast a lot more often now – go go go!!!
2024 – KAYAK TRIP #21
