Where National Wild & Scenic McKenzie River Starts – Clear Lake – Central Oregon – 4K

My goal of these wilderness trail videos is to 1) show reverence for the beauty of the land, and 2) give YOU actionable trail information that can assist you in planning your own hike here.

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Willamette National Forest, Clear Lake Area, Circumnavigating the approximately 5 mile Shoreline Loop all the way around the lake. The hike starts at the Day Use Area of Clear Lake Resort and I recommend going counterclockwise south down to the southern edge of the Lake where you cross a bridge and see the start of McKenzie River as Clear Lake is the source of that river. The hike then goes by Coldwater Cove Campground and goes North up the East side of the Lake which is Volcanic Lava Fields and my favorite section of the hike. The NE corner has Great Springs, probably the most famous part of the hike. You then cross Fish Lake Creek and Ikenick Creek, both by bridge, before returning back to the trailhead to compete the loop The elevation is around 3100 ft and is a relatively flat area with some natural machinations in the Forest Trail of about 200 - 300 feet of elevation gain. The sky was dark grey clouds, mostly overcast, foggy misty and it hailed and rained a bit. This was hiked on 5/30/2022 and there were of NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway and well paved roads until the parking lot, so it was a very easy and safe driving route. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive, however do watch for road conditions, particularly snow/ice depending on the time of year.