Past Activity

Clear Lake & Koosah Falls

Start date: 10/26/2024
Start time: 8:30 AM

Description:

We'll park at Koosah Falls and head south to Carmen Reservoir, cross the McKenzie river, and pass Koosah and Sahalie on their north sides. Then we'll cross back over the river and take the trail to Clear Lake. We'll circle the lake counter-clockwise (hitting the lava field during the cool of the morning) and stop for lunch when we all agree we're hungry.

Some years it has poured rain on us when we did this hike in October, and other times it's clear and crisp. Either way, we'll have a great time as long as you come prepared for the weather. Remember - there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.

Some of us may stop at Takodas on the way home, so be sure to discuss this ahead of time with your driver.

Event Leader: Kathie Carpenter
Event Leader Phone: 541-505-2370
Event Leader Email: kathiec@uoregon.edu
Assistant Leader:
Event category: Trips
Area Type: Mountain
Departure Location: Amazon Park, 28th & Hilyard entrance parking lot
Rating: Moderate
Roundtrip total drive miles: 160
Season: 2024
Permits Required:
Event Status: Passed
Supplies and Equipment Required: Lunch, water, poles if you use them, layers for the weather.
participant prerequisites:
Conditions:
Total Distance: 8
Member Fees: —
Elevation Gain: 600
Non-Member Fees: 5
Committee: Trips
Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

This jewelbox of a hike is 9 miles of exquisite views along the wild and scenic McKenzie River and the turquoise-hued shores of Clear Lake. The weather was beautiful and although the fall foliage had already peaked, there were still enough golden vine maples to light up the darkly forested stretches of the trail. <br />
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One caution is that a bridge on the northwest side of Clear Lake has washed out, and although we all crossed over safely, the river rocks were quite slippery and uneven.<br />
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This is always a wonderful hike and the camaraderie and good cheer of the group made it even more memorable.