By Alex Paul
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Friday, April 20, 2007 12:00 am
Linn County Parks Director Brian Carroll calls Clear Lake one of Oregon's "crown jewels" and would like to bring the popular rustic resort into the county parks system.
Linn County Commissioners have given Carroll and deputy county counsel Mike Adams direction to negotiate with the board of directors of the Santiam Fish and Game Association, which recently announced plans to disband and sell Clear Lake Resort.
The association - first called the Santiam Fish and Protective Association - was formed in the 1920s. Some 282 families are members, and many are elderly. Fewer and fewer members are taking an active role in work parties to open and close the resort, which includes several rustic cabins, a restaurant and row boats. No motors are allowed on the lake.
"I heard from one of their members a few months ago that this was something they were considering," Carroll said. "I made a contact with the Forest Service (on whose land the resort is built) and asked them to pass it along."
About two weeks ago, Carroll met with the association's board of directors and "we talked about the possibility of us working with them, taking over the resort. They told me from the get-go that they had heard from other people who were also interested."
Clear Lake is three miles south of the Highway 20 and Highway 126 junction. The lake was formed 3,000 years ago when lava from Sand Mountain reached the McKenzie River and backed up water. A forest that once lined the river banks was submerged and is clearly visible 120 feet below the surface of the crystal clear, frigid lake.
"Clear Lake is one of the very special places in Oregon," Carroll said. "It would be a privilege for us to be able to be involved. We would be willing and honored to try to continue the legacy they have provided."
Although the improvements are built on Forest Service property, Carroll is concerned that if the resort itself is sold to a private concern, the general public might eventually be priced out of enjoying the lake.
Currently cabins rent from $36 to $80 per night for association members or $45 to $90 per night for non-members. There are also RV pads with no services.
Alex Paul can be reached at alex.paul@lee.net or 812-6076.