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. Fishing, canoeing and boating are popular activities.

Clear Lake is popular for fishing, canoeing and boating. Anglers cast for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Power boating is not permitted, which makes for calm waters. A boat ramp and fish cleaning station are located in the campground. Boat rentals are available at an adjacent resort. 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.

The campground offers single and double-family campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, trash collection and drinking water are provided. No hookups are available. A general store and restaurant are located at the resort next door.

The campground sits at the south end of the lake at an elevation of 3,100 feet. 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. Cold Water Cove sits in the midsection of the Cascades mountain range.

The campground is near the Big Lake Trail Area, as well as Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. The falls are impressive sights, with foaming water gushing over two thick flows of ancient lava.