Today’s kayaking adventure occurred at one of my favorite places – Clear Lake. But, my trip was even more special because I had the honor of being a tour guide for a couple of paddle boarding ladies who had never been there before! Perfect!!
First thing first! Clear Lake is located on the McKenzie Highway approximately 4 miles from its intersection with Hwy 20. If you want a good parking space, some “quiet” time, and you don’t want to deal with the wind that always seems to kick up in the afternoon – get there EARLY! We arrived at 8:30am and that is the time I recommend. (Of course, if everyone starts showing up that early, I’m going to have to go even earlier – Ha!)
Clear Lake is absolutely beautiful. On the west side of the lake is a beautiful forest setting. The trees are magnificent as well as all of the other foliage. The east side is lava rock. And yet, the plants have found a way to grow through and around it all. It really is amazing!
Of course, one of the biggest reasons folks flock to Clear Lake every year is to see the beauty and clarity of the water. It really is stunning. The water is absolutely clear! You can look over the side of your kayak and you can see straight down to the bottom. In fact, in many places, it looks like a huge swimming pool.
Aren’t those photos amazing! I’ve been to lakes around the Bend area and most of those are clear as well. But, there’s just something different and special about Clear Lake.
Another part of your kayaking adventure is checking out all of the foliage that is unique to this part of Oregon. I especially loved this plant that was growing on both sides of the lake. I have no idea what it’s called, but it had the most beautiful little flowers. And there were other flowering plants as well.
One of the thoughts I always have when I’m kayaking in Oregon, is just how beautiful the scenery is all around us. I’ve found that since I’ve started kayaking, I really notice the plant and animal life that I never took the time to see before. As Oregonians, we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area!
Let me back up for just a second. When you begin your paddling excursion at Clear Lake, you can go north or south. If you’ve never been before, let me offer a helpful suggestion – go south first (to the right). The reason, as I mentioned already, is that the wind always seems to pick up as the day progresses. And it always seems to blow from the north. If you’re not a strong paddler or you’re on a paddle board, you may not enjoy paddling into the wind. So, from the boat launch area, go to the right!
As we continued our southward journey, off in the distance you can see the snow capped mountain tops. They are absolutely gorgeous and really add to the scenery!
At the far south end you will begin to see a foot bridge that spans over the lake. It is near this point that you will also notice hanging from a wire above, a sign that warns folks to not go any further – danger ahead. Well, I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I don’t always do what I’m supposed to – let’s just leave it at that.
And so, under the sign I paddle and then I am able to capture a better photo of the foot bridge.
This photo turned out so great because of the bright sunshine. The reflection of the bridge on the water was really something. It is at this point that you will begin to hear crashing water. Up ahead a short distance in this photo, the water from Clear Lake careens downward and it is at that spot where the McKenzie River begins. Yes, Clear Lake is the first source of water for the McKenzie River.
Note: Do NOT attempt to paddle down to the mouth of the river if you’re not a very experienced kayaker as well as a very strong paddler. Don’t ever try it for the first time by yourself. The warning sign is up for a reason. I’m a rebel – that’s my excuse. Ha! Seriously though, this is not my first time doing this. Please use an abundance of caution.
When you turn around and begin to paddle back to the foot bridge, on the left side there is a water level measuring stick. The first picture below is when I was there earlier this year on March 22nd and the second picture is from today.
It’s kind of cool to look at the difference in the water level from March to June. Once the rain stops and the snow has all melted, the water level drops quickly.
Every time I’ve been to Clear Lake, after going as far south as I can, it is on the right side (and the furthest north) where I always see the most waterfowl. Well, today was no exception. They were everywhere. But, the Canadian Geese specifically, seemed much more “tolerant” of the kayakers today. And so, I was able to capture some great photos. But, the Wood Duck (I think that’s what it’s called?) with its babies was so fantastic to watch!
As you approach the north end of the lake, there is a very large log laying out in the water. Today – it was populated with Canadian Geese and they were incredibly brave as I approached.
It looked to me as though they were sunbathing! What a life!
It is here that most people turn around. Don’t! Keep paddling! You go around this log and then the waterway goes back a bit further. What I especially love about this furthest direction to the north is just how incredibly beautiful it all is!
It doesn’t matter if you’re there in March or in August – it’s always so green and so incredibly beautiful! I love to paddle just as far as I can and then just sit there for awhile – absorbing the beauty, the sunshine, the entire package! It is here that I can take a big deep breath and feel any stress or concerns just melt away!
Well, our journey was coming to a quick end. We paddled back to the launch site. Now, this is why I said to get there at 8:30am. When we returned and walked up to our vehicles, it was PACKED! The parking lot down closest to the water, where we were parked, was full. The next parking lot you see as you begin the drive out of the park was full. And then, the only other place to park is along the side of the narrow road going back up the hill and to the McKenzie Highway. There were a ton of cars. But, I have actually seen it even busier than today. Just know that during the summer months, it’s always busy!
We left Clear Lake and stopped at Fish Lake to eat lunch. I pulled up a photo so I could share with my kayaking friends what Fish Lake looks like when there is water and what it looked like today.
You can read all about my trips to Fish Lake here on my website. If you’ve never been kayaking at Fish Lake – put it on your “to do” list. It opens March 1st and only has water until early to mid June. Go as soon as you can to the opening day and there will be a lot more area you can navigate.
One last photo before I say good-bye. This is the “resort” at Clear Lake looking north and the row boats are available for rent. They also have kayak rentals! See, now you don’t have a single reason to not go check out Clear Lake! You will be glad you did!
Thank you for reading!
2025 – Kayak Trip #10
Thank you for all that information! I have been wanting to go to clear lake with my paddle board for a few years now, ever since I heard how extremely clear it is. Hope to go yet this summer.
Awesome website!!! Loving your descriptions and pics of your trips!