Hikers explore a sunny Clear Lake

On the trail around Clear Lake...

It is both humbling and invigorating to hike around 3,000 year-old Clear Lake on a sunny, fall day.

Dick Spray led the COCC Sisters group from Sahalie Falls to the Clear Lake loop trail. This is a little over one mile and uses part of the old Clear Lake Road. The road went from Belknap Hot Springs to Lava Lake and is quite bumpy and difficult to navigate.

"My father used chains on his car tires to traverse parts of these roads in summer," said Spray.

A half-century ago, there was a proposal to build a hydroelectric project by the City of Eugene and develop Clear Lake, Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Fortunately, this did not come to pass and the natural beauty of the area may be enjoyed by all today and in the future.

Moving along the trail, the hikers crossed Highway 126 and entered the trail around Clear Lake (about five miles). The group chose walking around the eastern side of the lake and crossed small bridges, traversing lava rocks dotted with multi-colored vine maples.

The trail meanders below Coldwater Cove campground, a popular summer retreat, and past the small boat launch area at the campground. Motors are not allowed on the 148-acre lake. Rainbow and brook trout provide good fishing.

Forested trail portions offered old growth Douglas fir, many hundreds of years old, and Western white pines and hemlocks, adding to the forest's beauty.

Along the way, glimpses of the underwater forest covered with clear blue-green water made for breathtaking views. Water temperatures are generally in the 30s and 40s.

Reaching the headwaters of Clear Lake at Big Spring the group stopped and admired the clear, blue spring water. Shortly thereafter it was lunchtime on a sunny slope overlooking the lake.

After lunch, the group hiked around the forested western end of the lake trail through patches of bear grass, bunchberry and Oregon grape. The resort area was quiet, with the restaurant and cabins deserted after a busy summer.

Heading back along the western side of the lake is a completely different feel than walking the eastern, lava encrusted trail. The forest offers various hues of green with sunlight slipping through to change the views at different times of the day. Peek-a-boo views of Mt. Washington, Sand Mountain and the Three Sisters are added bonuses.

The hikers stopped at the footbridge where water leaves Clear Lake and forms the headwaters of the McKenzie River. Again the verdant, clear colors are beautiful to behold.

Re-crossing the highway, the trail took the hikers back to Sahalie Falls.

Clear Lake was formed when Little Nash Crater erupted about 3,000 years ago. The area lies just off Highway 126 about 3.7 miles from the junction after turning off Highway 20.