Clear Lake Resort

This place is unbelievably beautiful and there’s so much to do fishing biking hiking or just rowing around in boat. i’ll go back

First things first: Clear Lake itself is amazing. Go there. Just stay somewhere else.
My husband and I recently rented a cabin at Clear Lake Resort. We generally fall on the «budget» side of the travel spectrum, and we were fully aware that our accommodations would be rustic. But for $ 65 per night — or any price, really — we expect a minimum standard of cleanliness. Our cabin (#3) looked adorable from the outside, but the inside was a whole different story.
— The linoleum floor was covered in dirt and looked like it hadn’t been mopped in years.
— Both of the dining chairs were torn up and the stuffing was coming out. Little clumps of dog hair and lint were stuck to the feet of the chairs.
— The walls had mysterious stains and the paint had peeled off in several places.
— The box spring was also covered in dark stains. I can only imagine what created them.
— The only light source was an industrial-​style fluorescent bar, which added to the prison cell ambiance.
— The whole cabin had a disturbing musty smell (not surprising, considering its condition).
In addition to the general filth, the bed was terrible. The thick plastic mattress cover made noise when we made even the slightest movement, which kept me awake half the night — and I’m a pretty heavy sleeper.
It’s a true shame that Linn County is neglecting this property. It has the potential to be something really special. Definitely pay a visit to the beautiful lake (and the awesome hiking trails nearby), but do yourself a favor and find other accommodations.

We stopped at Clear Lake Resort on our way home from Sisters, Oregon to rent a row boat for an hour. Despite being the middle of October, we had a calm sunny day to paddle around the lake. There was no one in the store when we arrived, but one of the employees showed up after a few minutes and we got our boat quickly. We had a blast rowing around the shallower northern end of the lake. If we weren’t limited on time, we could have easily paddled around another hour or two. True to it’s name, the lake is clear, calm, and peaceful. I can’t speak for the cabins or the rest of the resort, but if you want to treat your special someone to a romantic boat ride stop and rent a boat. About halfway through our hour, my wife wanted to take over and row me around. :)

Cabin: We rented a single rustic cabin. Upon entry we were assaulted by the smell of industrial disinfectant so strong we had to let the room air out for about 5 minutes before we could enter. I spilled some water on the floor and when I wiped it up the napkin came back blackened. I don’t know when the floor was last cleaned but I had to borrow a mop before I could feel comfortable with it.
AMENITIES: One double mattress covered protected with a plastic matress cover. One vintage gas fire place for heating the room. Two burner propane stove (propane is provided via hookup to the buliding). One propane lantern fixed to the wall (propane is provided via hookup to the buliding). A dining table with two chairs.
Showers/​Toilets: You get shower coins (just enough for the day — but you can get more from the main building) The water tempearture is preset. You put the coins in and you get about a 10 minute shower. You can turn the shower on and off at the timer as long as you have time left in the shower. Turning it off does not give you more time. Don’t be alarmed if you meet Daddy Long Leg spider or a tiny frog in the shower. The Caretaker sweeps them out regularly.
Boat Rental: Very straight forward. We got there around 3pm and there were still boats to rent. If you’re a worrier rent in the morning for the day. Try to get either an aluminum boat with the padding on the benches or wooden boat. You can look at the boats before you rent
Swimming: It is cold. Without a wetsuit you will get cold very quickly. I was good for a quick dunk and then out. I saw scuba divers the weekend I was there. If you swim (with wetsuit) bring goggles
Hiking/​Biking: Park your car and leave it at the cabin. You can hike and bike from the campground. There is a path around the lake that can take about 3 to 5 hours (hiking) and the same path is used by mountain bikers. Some of it is paved (through the lava flows)
Definitions
Clear Lake Resort = Nicer «campgrounds» by definition a resort is a place used for relaxation or recreation, attracting visitors for vacations and/​or tourism. This is not a spa :-)
Lodge = Main building used for check-​in, boat rental, fishing stuff, souvenirs, soda, ice, junk food,
Restaurant = Kitchen, tables & chairs housed in the Lodge
Bring with you:
Matches
Small tub for washing dishes
Dish towels
Pots, Pans, Knives, Plates, Bowls, Utensils, Cutting boards
Camp Suds
Thick blanket or down comforter to muffle the plastic cover on the bed.
Disinfecting wipes if you’re hyper clean
Towels and toiletries
flashlights
Whatever you need to make camping fun/​tasty
Near by: Sisters is a great western themed town. Many businesses shut down around 5pm or 6pm. It is around 33 miles from Clear Lake Resort but a quick trip when the roads are clear.
Black Butte Ranch, you can park your car and take a ride on their paved bike trail. I didn’t see a charge for it anywhere. This is on your way to sisters.
If you are coming from Portland and take exit 253 off I5 this takes you by Brietenbush so plan a visit. Belnap Hot Springs are closer to Clear Lake Resort in the opposite direction.
Overall, a positive experience. The folks in the «lodge» are friendly and there is a caretaker and ranger near by to help with drama. One family checked out early and asked for a refund because the walking from the people above them was too loud. They didn’t blame the people they just didn’t find it relaxing. So watch out for the bottom floor of the two story cabin.
If you still have questions call and ask.