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Big Lake Day Use Area
The day use site is located in the Big Lake Campground on the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass.
Big Lake is very popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating and is a hub of activity in the summer months. Enjoy views of the lake with the beautiful Mt. Washington as a backdrop. The area is surrounded by alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine.
The campground is located adjacent to the Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area (area is unavailable) and is a popular campground for OHV enthusiasts.
Nearby Patjens Lakes Trail offers easy access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness.
At a Glance
| Area Amenities: | Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water |
|---|---|
| Fees: | $8 per vehicle, per day |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Passes: | No passes honored. |
| Operated By: | American Land & Leisure |
| Information Center: | McKenzie River Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From McKenzie Bridge, OR, travel east on Highway 126 for 29.5 miles to Santiam Pass. Turn heading south on Big Lake Road #2690. Follow Big Lake Road for 3 miles to Big Lake Campground on the north side of Big Lake.
General Notes:
Fire rings, paved boat launch, NO firewood
Close to:
- Big Lake Campground
- Big Lake Trail Area
- Sand Moutain Lookout
- Big Lake West Campground
- Mt. Washington Wilderness
- Pacific Crest Trail
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Day Hiking
Picnicking
Reduced service after mid-October until snow or until end of hunting season (whichever occurs first)
| No. of Sites | 5 |
| Reservation Info | No reservations. Sites are available on a first come, first served basis. |
| No. of Accessible Sites | None |
Boating - Motorized
Boating - Non-Motorized
Swimming
Waterskiing
Amenities
| Picnic tables: | |
|---|---|
| Toilets: | Vault/flush |
| Drinking water: | Piped |
Highlights
- Download the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App!
Planning your next national forest adventure? There's an app for that! The Pacific Northwest Forest Service Recreation App Now Available on Android and iOS Devices - Accessible Adventures Videos
See accessible adventures at Detroit Lake & the McKenzie River Valley
- Recreation Passes
Location