Off Highway 26 in the Hood River Ranger District, Clear Lake Day Use is a lakeside spot for picnics and fishing. Turn onto Forest Road 2630 roughly 38 miles east of Sandy and it leads to the lake, which has both a campground and this day-use area. The site is wheelchair accessible.
Despite the name, Clear Lake isn’t a natural lake. It’s a reservoir that holds water for farm irrigation outside the forest, operated under a long-term permit, and it tends to get shallower as summer goes on. Plan your fishing trips with that in mind.
Photos
Things to do
- Picnicking
- Fishing
Getting there
From Sandy, OR
- Follow Highway 26 east for about 38 miles and go right on Forest Road 2630 and follow to Clear Lake Campground and Day Use Area.
From the Forest Service
Rules and restrictions
10 mph speed limit for motorized boats on the lake.
All fees
$10/day/vehicle
Passes and permits
The only recreation pass accepted in lieu of fee payment is the $30 Annual Northwest Forest Pass.
Season details
May 22, 2026 to September 30, 2026
Ranger office
Hood River Ranger District
Address: 6780 Highway 35 Parkdale, OR 97041
Phone: 541-352-6002
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)