Trailgrams: Trail blazin' around Sisters

The height of summer is a good time to take the 4.8-mile Clear Lake Loop.

Why go?

The scene, the wonderfully enchanting intermittent combination of topaz and turquoise water mixed with old growth conifers and ancient lava flows.

When to go?

Pretty much any time works but best when snow is off the trails. And in the summer, like most all Central Oregon hikes, start early in the morning to get a good parking spot and to beat the heat.

What to expect?

This easy-to-moderate hike keeps you within sight of water about 75 percent of the time, and in the shade around 80 percent no matter the time of day. You'll cross five foot bridges, two of which span almost a hundred feet. One, at the west end of the oval lake, crosses bucolic Ikenick Creek.

Looking downstream, find the farthest tree on the left atop which sits an active eagle nest.

Much of the well-maintained trail in the Willamette National Forest is wide enough to walk side by side. A third of the trail is slightly technical as it passes through remains of lava flows and fused boulders more than eight feet in height.

Majestic Douglas Firs, some topping 200 feet with 30-plus foot circumferences, make it all feel somewhat primaeval. It's a welcome respite from living with miles and miles of ponderosa pines.

Autumn is spectacular when the vine maples turn bright yellow or orange. Summer produces a variety of colorful wildflowers.

At 56 feet in depth, crystal clear to the bottom, the lake will be teeming with kayakers and fisher folks drawn to the stocked rainbow and eastern brook trout and occasional cutthroat trout. No motorized boats are allowed so the peaceful setting is preserved.

Great Spring is roughly at the halfway point. Great Spring is where amazingly clear and extremely cold water emerges from the rocks. Great Spring is the source of the McKenzie River. The pool looks just as clear and blue as Caribbean waters, but much colder! The temperature of the water hovers just above freezing with an average of 34 to 39 degrees year-round.

It is said that for the water to journey from the surface near the Sand Mountain Alignment landscape to the Great Spring can take anywhere from 2 to 10 years to filter from one end to the other.

Getting there

Take Highway 126 west 35.2 miles and follow the signs for Clear Lake Resort. Park in marked, designated areas which include handicap spaces. There is no preferred or recommended direction, clockwise or counterclockwise. Let the sun be your guide.

What you'll need

Surprisingly, you need no permit of any kind. Of course, sunscreen and water are a must. While the trail is easily navigable, leave the flip flops at home. Low hikers are best, but any sturdy walking shoe will do. Walking sticks are rarely seen.

The hike is rated two hours but expect to spend three as you will find yourself stopping often for stunning photo ops, and just to suck in the glorious landscape.