Clear Lake (Linn County, Oregon)

Clear Lake
North end of Clear Lake with its source, Mount Washington, in background
Location	Linn County, Oregon, United States
Coordinates	44°21′38″N 121°59′33″W / 44.36056°N 121.99250°W / 44.36056; -121.99250Coordinates: 44°21′38″N 121°59′33″W / 44.36056°N 121.99250°W / 44.36056; -121.99250
Type	natural lake
Primary outflows	McKenzie River
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	148 acres (0.60 km2)
Average depth	50 ft (15 m)
Max. depth	175 ft (53 m)
Water volume	11,800 acre⋅ft (0.0146 km3)
Residence time	0.5 mo
Shore length1	3.2 mi (5.1 km)
Surface elevation	3,012 ft (918 m)
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Clear Lake is a mountain lake 86 mi (138 km) northeast of Eugene, Oregon, United States in Linn County. It has two main bodies connected by a bottleneck. The lake is primarily fed by snow runoff from nearby Mount Washington and the surrounding areas. The runoff filters through underground caverns for more than 20 years before emptying into Clear Lake. The lake is also fed by two small creeks, which may dry up seasonally, along with Great Spring, the source of the McKenzie River.

Clear Lake is the headwaters of the McKenzie River, which is the sole source of drinking water for Eugene.

Clear Lake is reported to be one of the most exceptional freshwater dive spots in the United States. Submerged 100 feet (30 m) deep in the lake is a stand of upright trees that were killed approximately 3,000 years ago when volcanic activity created the lake. The trees are remarkably preserved due to the cold year-round water temperatures of between 35–43 °F (1.6–6 °C).

Clear Lake is circled by Clear Lake Loop Trail, a hike loop made up of Clear Lake Trail and McKenzie River Trail that is 5 miles (8.0 km) long. An accompanying trail guide prepared by Willamette National Forest tells visitors about Clear Lake and the neighboring lava field and forest.