By:
Submission
Camping outside campgrounds is permitted in many parts of the Mt. Hood National Forest. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days and up to 28 days total in a calendar year. If you are uncertain whether an area is open, please contact a Forest Office.
Absolutely beautiful! I've done dispersion camping (pack in-pack out) here. The sites were big and spacious. There was a designated fire "ring" made of stones. There are no amenities, so you need to keep your expectations in check. There are, however, the most beautiful views. It's usually always quiet here, so you really feel like you're secluded. T-Mobile doesn't get service up there, so you truly are "off-the-grid" - at least until you get back on Hwy 26. The water is clear and clean - plenty of fish stocked in the lake. Note - on the "permit" campgrounds, there are benches and actual steel fire rings.
Clear lake is beautiful this year. The water is high, there is lots of wildlife, and generally a much less busier lake compared to other lakes on Mt.Hood. I kayaked, hiked around, and watched the sunset. Great for dogs, good place for kids to hike around, and there is a view of Mt.Hood if you hike to the other side of the lake or you kayak across.
We just visited for a few hours so don't know how the camping goes here. We enjoyed time on the water without motorized boats or jet skis, laughing at how the wind and current seemed to be changing constantly and feeling lucky to enjoy it all with bald eagles soaring above most of the time. One warning: the restroom facilities were the worst I've ever seen, which speaks to the folks who visit as well as those who are supposed to be maintaining! Otherwise, seemed pretty great!
