Oregon's Serene Lake In The Cascade Mountains Offers Scenic Camping And Hiking Trails

From glittering lakes to deep, old-growth forests, Oregon's Cascade Mountains are full of scenic gems for visitors to explore. While some of them – including Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States – are natural wonders, others are artificial. However, they're no less of a destination for avid hikers or campers looking for a relaxing getaway. Serene Carmen Reservoir, formed by a dam on the McKenzie River, lies deep in the Willamette National Forest. Despite being just 30 acres in size, it's a hidden gem nestled among some of the Cascades' natural wonders, all linked by one of the most beautiful trails.

Formed in 1963, Carmen is one of three reservoirs near the headwaters of the McKenzie River
and is part of the Carmen-Smith chain of reservoirs used to generate carbon-free electricity. In addition to power generation, the reservoir sits at the heart of a beautiful outdoor recreation area that has recently been upgraded by the operator, the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB), and the Willamette National Forest over the past several years. Local news channel KVAL reported that $10.8 million was spent to upgrade the lake's day-use area, campground, and several trails, providing more opportunities for outdoor fun.

The reservoir is tucked between Eugene and Bend in the heart of the Cascades along the scenic McKenzie Pass-Santiam Scenic Highway, a gorgeous 82-mile road circling Central Oregon. Long-distance gateways for the region are Eugene (EUG) and Redmond (RDM) airports. Both airports offer direct flights across the Western United States and rental car facilities, and are less than two hours from Carmen Reservoir. 

While there are stunning coastal hiking trails along the Oregon Coast, the Cascades more than hold their own and offer a beautiful contrast of scenery and colors for hikers. Walks along the crystal-clear, blue, and spring-fed McKenzie River –- similar to the Ichetucknee River in Florida, which feeds one of Florida's best state parks –- are breathtaking. These jaunts also pass through a diversity of natural environments, including lava beds, old-growth forests, and thundering, under-the-radar waterfalls. 

While two of these natural gems along the McKenzie River, Koosah Falls, plunging 70 feet, and Sahalie Falls, dropping 100 feet, are largely reachable by car, take the short Water Falls Loop Trail to see the waterfalls and towering conifers up close. The trail is family-friendly, well-maintained, and has restroom facilities. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a few snacks for your walk or even a picnic.

Hikers eager to see more of central Oregon can take a 10-mile round-trip trek from Carmen Reservoir to stunning Tamolitch Falls, also called Blue Pool, where the river resurfaces after being buried for miles by a lava flow. AllTrails describes the trail as "moderate," and it is rougher than the paths leading to Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls. Bring a sturdy pair of boots for this trek. Once you reach the end, swimming or cliff jumping is allowed at Blue Pool; however, be advised that fatal jumping accidents have occurred here in the past. The water temperature hovers around 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and you're far away from cell phone and emergency services. Longer hikes continue along the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail.

Whether you need a break from the trail or the road, Ice Cap Campground at Carmen Reservoir has basic amenities, including wheelchair-accessible vault toilets as well as picnic tables and campfire pits at each of the 21 campsites. Nine of the campsites are specially designated for walk-in tent camping, while the other 12 are suitable for 20-foot trailers. Campsites are reservable on recreation.gov for $25 per night (at the time of writing), and the campground is open from May 15th to October 10th. Recent reviewers on recreation.gov note the campground has a picturesque, quiet setting and is in earshot of the McKenzie River. 

Other reviewers note the campsite's water pump may not work, and if it does, they described it as a "leaky, creaky museum piece that requires real force to get a trickle going." As a backup, it's a good idea to bring a water filter if you need to source water from the river. There are no showers. Tent campers looking to clean up after a day on the trail, consider grabbing this portable camping shower on your next Costco run.

If you're looking for a serene afternoon on the water, you'll likely find it at Carmen Reservoir. The lake has a boat ramp for personal watercraft (motorized boats are not allowed), and plenty of space to paddle the day away. If you are hitting the water, bring along your rod and reel. The lake is known for fishing and is regularly stocked with meal-size trout. Campers who would rather stay on land can take in the beautiful scenes at the recently upgraded Carmen Reservoir Day-Use Area, which has a new picnic area and pavilion.