Mckenzie River Trail from Clear Lake

ByMichael Goatbells

On my way back from Camp Sherman, a standard early morning stop (for the day) is Clear Lake Resort on Mckenzie River trail. Parking at resort is same price as upper trailhead (several miles upriver) – your permit – but so much safer. I stopped at the resort at 05:30 and was hiking around the lake by 5:45 (downriver only on the west side – the upriver section past the resort is BORING as it goes around a creek!).

One observation: raptors were fewer than last year the very same week of April – don’t know if weather / migration related or if we suffered losses – both bald eagles and osprey were lacking (only 1 eagle and 1 osprey seen this year total – last year daily at least).

The Route

Started at the resort and headed downriver around the west side of the lake and then around to the east side to catch sunrise. After putzing around sunrise, I headed back down to the river and then downriver around the falls returning on the Waterfalls loop section.

Trail conditions were great – nothing to get in the way or slow down.

Sunrise on the lake

Sunrise hit Clear Lake perfectly and I was on the east side of the lake with sun at my back

A lone goose had this section of the lake to themself.

McKenzie River

Of course I had to travel down and around the 2 waterfalls, and since I was very early … few peeps to get in the way. The Mckenzie was raging and looked really cold.

Data Geek Cellar

  • Shoes: Altra Lone Peak WP Boots (needed for the lava flows)
  • Pack: Gossamer Fast Kumo 36
  • Upper Layers: 2 (base layer, Patagonia light weight)
  • Upper shell: none
  • Trekking Poles: Yes – Gossamer Gear
  • Approximate Times: 05:45 to 11:45
  • Carbon ratio: For all Camp Sherman hikes – 12 driving karma, 20.25 actual hiking time – 94 hours banked YTD
  • Notes:
    • Photos: high
    • Speed: medium
    • Difficulty: easy