Here is my review of clear lake for row boat use! We got here at 930 am. Found the pay box at the entrance $9, no cash. There is an option to pay at the bottom which we should have done because they take the national park passes there (see picture). We were able to find parking in the main lot and there were a few people there. We weren't sure how the process of renting the boats or availability of life jackets. There is a shop that sells food, snacks, drinks, ice cream , and desserts. They also have a selection of fishing items, shirts, jackets. We paid for the boat - $60 for the large boat all day. The life jackets were plentiful and available. My husband rowed most of the time because I am not a good rower. We made it from the dock to the start of the river that you can't go past which is good since you could hear the rapids. The way to the left was a lot calmer and clear. We had a blast out on the lake. You could see down near the shallows but not in the middle of the lake. Make sure to bring sunscreen because there isn't much shade. The facilities are great!! Two bathrooms in the shop. Large tables to sit and enjoy a hot cooked meal or ice cream. I am so glad we were able to make a morning on the lake super easy and stress free! Next time I'm thinking of renting a kayak or a stand up paddle board. That would be fun! If you are in the area make sure to stop by early. As we were leaving, the parking lot was filled up so make sure to get there early! I hope my review and pictures help you plan for a successful visit to Clear Lake! read more

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A beautiful setting for the perfect romantic getaway or family weekend escape. The cabins are cozy with gas stoves and heaters and the boat rentals are very affordable is you want to connect with the water. We enjoyed a wonderful hike around the lake which took us through forests, lava fields, and springs with wooden bridges. The views were amazing! read more

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Absolutely Beautiful 5 bucks to use the boat ramp for any water toy but worth it food was good water is very cold read more

Clear Lake - The lake - Hiking Near Me - Sisters, Oregon

Super awesome stop on the way from bend back to Salem. On the river there is a cute little store and you can rent row boats and kayaks. The half day rental for a row boat is only $17.50! There was about 10 other people on the water, but the water and area remained so calm and smooth. You'll see scuba divers. So many ducks. Some fishes in the water. You can ride by the shore and see all the lava rocks. The water is CRYSTAL clear. You can see right to the bottom. I've never seen anything like it. Definitely worth a stop or a plan to come to see this lake! read more

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This lake is pretty cool! Make sure to pack plenty of layers. The sun in warm, but the wind and/or shade is freezing. The portal potties cost them a star.... It was so bad. The wind was kicking up a lot of dust, sunglasses will help too! The lake has a million places to set up and cook out. The surrounding short hikes are pretty neat, perfect kids. Wasn't busy at all for us today. read more

This is my absolute favorite place to visit in Oregon. It's beyond gorgeous! My husband and I have been camping in this area many times. We've rented boats, hiked around the lake, and enjoyed nature at its finest here. My husband and I rented a boat once and this was where he proposed to me, out on the lake. This area is quiet, peaceful, serene. It's the head of the McKenzie river as well. So whenever we enjoy views of the river or Sahalie Falls, we think of this area as well. There are cabins you can rent here. Although I have never rented one, so I have no opinion on that portion. I usually camp in one of the several campgrounds nearby and then drive to the lake for a day trip. Will I return? Many, many times! I highly recommend it, as the area is beyond gorgeous, and it's an amazing opportunity to get in touch with nature and enjoy it. read more

I've gone scuba diving here a few times and love it! The lake is situated about 20 miles west of Sisters, Oregon and is spectacularly clear as the name would suggest. They stock this lake with trout and the last time I was there, fishermen/women were limiting out, so they must have just stocked it recently. There are plenty of hiking trails around the lake, so it's a must see and experience kind of place if you're an outdoorsy person. Camping here is great as well. You can book a cabin or do it up rustic and pitch a tent. Cabins are booked in advance up to a year, so if you can plan that far ahead, I'd suggest you do so. There are 4 modern cabins that have full kitchens and bathrooms and showers in them and go quickly. The other cabins have a burner in them so you can cook meals, but do not contain restroom facilities, so you'll have to rough it with the other campers. The lake is quite cold, so if you're a scuba diver, then I highly recommend being Dry Suit Certified. The water temp ranges from 34 degrees to a balmy 43 in the summer :-)... Access down is pretty easy, but if you're towing a boat or have a larger vehicle, the turns can be quite tight. No motors are allowed, so be aware of that if you have a boat. The prices are reasonable as well and during peak summer season, the cabins range from $64.00 -$99.00 per night (pending on the cabin style). Boat rentals are $15.00/hour or $30.00/day. Overall Rating: 95% Price: 5/5 Access: 4/5 Hiking: 5/5 Scuba Diving: 5/5 read more

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Unlike the reviews posted, we did not camp nor rent any equipment here. Lol Visited the lake after we hiked both Sahalie and Koosah Falls. We just parked and hung around the lake for a good hour or two. We saw a bunch of mountain bikers and family who planned on camping at this one little cottage that seems to be available for everyone. It seems like it's first-come, first-serve. The lake itself is breathtaking! The color is so blue and we even saw someone canoeing. Even if you guys are not camping or renting a boat, check the lake out! It's quite breathtaking! read more

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Wow, this place is spectacular!!! We started our hike by having a picnic at the trail head. We decided to start our hike at the end of the trail head, instead of the beginning. That probably wasn't the greatest idea. The first third of the hike was easy, shady and beautiful. Then we came upon the lava rocks. I don't recommend taking dogs on this trail. Our dog did not like the hot lava rocks in the blazing sun. I'm a wimp when it comes to heat and blazing sun (one reason we moved here from Atlanta), so I didn't appreciate the lava rocks either. It's kind of fun to walk on lava rocks in cool weather, but not so much in very warm weather. Fortunately, there were places to cool off with the water from the lake. It is necessary to walk around 4 1/2 miles to see the most beautiful parts of the lake, since it is located near the middle of the hike. The reason that I think it would be better to start from the beginning of the trail head, instead of the end, is that the first part is more difficult. I was tired by the time we got to the last 3rd of the trail, which was a very leisurely stroll through the woods. I don't like comparing bodies of water in central Oregon, since they are almost all so different and beautiful in their own ways. We look forward to renting a row boat to seeing the petrified forest in the lake. read more

First, I want to say this is not a fancy 5 star resort. The cabins are "rustic". You are in a remote location, so no cell phone coverage, nearest beer is 22 miles away, no tv. This is a place to reconnect with nature. We were looking for an inexpensive get-away, and the beauty of the lake was was a bonus. We stayed 2 nights and had a fabulous time. We rented cabin # 7 middle of Sept, 2015. The cabin was clean and less rustic than I expected. There was a queen size bed (bring your own bedding), a futon, and a 2nd futon up in the loft. We had electricity and propane heat and propane cook top. (bring your own cookware/dishes/etc) No water or toilet in the cabin, but the communal bathrooms were nearby and the water spigot was handy to get to. We were looking for an inexpensive place to stay in, so we were happy to go without water. My only complaint is the bed was saggy, but the staff said they are in the process of getting new beds. I'd give them 5 stars if the bed had been better. The restaurant is seasonal. The weekend we were there, it was their last weekend of the summer. They won't reopen until springtime. We had a breakfast and it was good. We saw their burgers and they looked good. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We rented a rowboat and had a great time. No motors are allowed on the lake, which is great. No noisy boat motors. The lake is a peaceful place. We brought our dog, and she had a fabulous time, barking at the chipmunks, squirrels and ducks. The resort gets it's electricity from generators. During the summer season, the generators are on all the time. Now that the restaurant has closed, they don't need to run the freezers and refrigerators, so they will run the generators only for 6 hours a day. No problem since the cabins have propane and a gas light. Winter rentals are 2 nights for the price of 1, so it's a bargain, especially if you like snowshoeing or X-country skiing. They said the lake doesn't freeze, so you can fish year round. Nearby, you can visit Sahalie Falls and the Blue Hole, a nice 2 mile hike to a fabulous spring. There's mountain biking, and if you have a canoe/kayak, be sure to bring it along. read more

Clear Lake - Cabin # 7, propane cook top, propane heater which has a thermostat. Ladder to the loft. - Hiking Near Me - Sisters, Oregon

The lake itself is beautifull and I am almost sorry for the one star, but the staff at the store / boat rental store were so horrible I would give them negative stars if I could. When I asked to rent a boat they laughed and told me to go outside to wait unless I bought food from them. Later on when I had a boat they actually rented mine out to another family when I docked to eat lunch. The kids in the family were sad when I told them myself and my children had payed for he boat and were still using it. The staff at the lodge told him and his sad kids they were not supposed give their money back even thought it was my boat. Nice way to run a business. Linn county parks and recreation should be embarrassed. read more

I did not camp here, but came for a day trip. There are row boats and kayaks to rent by the hour or for the day at reasonable prices ($35/day for small row boats). The lake is beautiful and spacious, so it does not feel crowded even when many people are there. Unfortunately the water is too cold to swim in for long; I'm a water lover and native Oregonian, so I don't say "it's cold" lightly! It is quite nice to dip your feet in on a hot day, though. I went on a weekend morning (around 10) and was able to find parking after waiting for a few minutes. The store where you rent boats/kayaks has ice cream, snacks, and is also a small diner. I can't speak to the food, but there were plenty of people eating there. Very nice staff! One thing I would recommend is to make sure you have plenty of water when you go out on the lake because you won't want to come back for a while. I will definitely return! read more