Cold Water Cove - Willamette NF (OR)

Cold Water Cove Campground offers stunning views of turquoise-colored Clear Lake and 3,000-year-old lava fields, making it an ideal location. On clear days, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Three Sisters and Mount Washington. The campground sits at the south end of the lake at an elevation of 3,100 feet, in the midsection of the Cascades mountain range. A mix of maple, alder and Douglas fir trees cover the area. Some sites have limited views of the lake, and all sites have privacy from neighboring campers. Clear Lake is popular for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and row boats. Anglers cast for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Power boating is not permitted, which makes for calm waters. The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail passes through the campground and runs along Clear Lake; the trail stretches 26 miles and is open to hikers and mountain bikers. This campground provides 34 campsites — 31 singles and 3 doubles — that accommodate vehicles 18 to 50 feet in length depending on site. No sites are directly on the shoreline of the lake, but several offer views of the lake. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring, and trash collection is provided. No hookups are available. Drinking water is available at two handpumps, one in the campground and one in the boat launch area, and there are four double vault toilets. The boat launch area includes a launch for canoes or small non-motorized craft, a small fish cleaning station and a picnic site, plus an extra vehicle, or overflow, parking area. Campfires are allowed until and unless otherwise posted, but fire bans are common during summer months. Clear Lake is the headwaters for the McKenzie River and is renowned for its cold, clear water and preserved grove of underwater trees. Rowboats and kayaks are available to rent at nearby Clear Lake Resort, where there is also a restaurant and lodge. The McKenzie River National Scenic Trail runs along one side of Clear Lake, and a connecting trail offers a loop hike around the lake. Trails also connect the campground to short hikes to Sahalie and Koosah Falls, spectacular waterfalls located within a mile of the campground. Also close in proximity are the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway and Mt. Washington Wilderness. There may be no cellular service, or very limited service, at the campground.