Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin

Star4.15
8 reviews
FOREST RD 42, ZIGZAG, OR 97049, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$180/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from just befor...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin
$180.00 - $180.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee for the cabin during peak season is $180. Additional $20 charges apply for weekends and holidays. Rates may not reflect discounts, taxes,...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
503-630-5721clm@clm-services.com
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 8 reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationhiking

"Reviews are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.67. Positive feedback highlights the historical significance, scenic location, and amenities like firewood and heating. Negative comments mention maintenance issues, intermittent warm water, and high costs."

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Campground Map

FOREST RD 42, ZIGZAG, OR 97049, USA

Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin

FOREST RD 42, ZIGZAG, OR 97049, USA

Driving directionsFrom Sandy, Oregon, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Road 42). Turn right on Skyline Road and travel south for 8.3 miles to the intersection of Forest Service Roads 42 and 57. Continue on Forest Service Road 42 for a quarter-mile. The Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger's Cabin is on the left.
Roads are accessible, though snow conditions may impact travel. The cabin is open from just before Memorial Day weekend through October each year. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
Nearby places
Sandy, OR (40 miles)
Wapinitia, OR (15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearest store is in the town of Wapinitia, 15 miles away on Highway 26.

Best Time to Camp at Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin

Summer transforms this mountain retreat into an outdoor paradise, with warm days perfect for hiking and crystal-clear nights ideal for stargazing. Early and late season visitors should prepare for possible snow conditions that can add a magical winter wonderland element to the experience, though road access may require extra planning. The peak season brings comfortable temperatures and optimal conditions for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in OR

Summer described as outdoor paradise with warm days for hiking and clear nights for stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through October; early/late season visitors should prepare for variable conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Opens just before Memorial Day; spring access is limited and early season conditions can be harsh.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility closed in winter; not available for winter recreation.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 07, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from just before Memorial Day weekend to October each year.

About Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin

Step back in time at Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin, where the craftsmanship of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps lives on in every hand-hewn detail. This architectural gem showcases the best of Depression-era artistry with its towering rock chimney, pristine knot-free paneling, and intricate hand-wrought ironwork. Nestled among towering evergreens, the cabin serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures while offering a rare glimpse into America's conservation heritage.
Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin provides a unique lodging option as a single standalone cabin with historical significance. Primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping are not applicable.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Access codes provided upon registration.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of activities are available at Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin and its surroundings. Guests can enjoy fishing at Clackamas Lake, swimming, non-motorized boating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Nearby Timothy Lake offers picnicking and power boating opportunities.
HikingThe area offers diverse hiking options, including the 2.2-mile Miller Trail and access to the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans 2,650 miles from Canada to Mexico. There are additional trails leading to Little Crater Lake and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. A Northwest Forest Pass or Mt. Hood Recreation day-use fee is required for nearby trails.
FishingClackamas Lake is ideal for fishing, with species like cutthroat, brook, rainbow, and German brown trout. Timothy Lake, located 3 miles away, also provides fishing opportunities.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed at Clackamas Lake, though no designated swimming areas or safety measures were specifically mentioned.
BikingMountain biking trails are available in the surrounding area, providing scenic routes for riders.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted on Clackamas Lake, while power boating is allowed on Timothy Lake.
Wildlife viewingThe area hosts a variety of wildlife, as mentioned in authoritative sources: "A variety of wildlife make its home in the area as well."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSnow conditions may impact travel; critters in cabin walls may cause disturbances (per user reviews).

Weather at Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin

Reviews

4.2
8 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.67. Positive feedback highlights the historical significance, scenic location, and amenities like firewood and heating. Negative comments mention maintenance issues, intermittent warm water, and high costs.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the cabin's rustic charm, historical significance, scenic surroundings, and amenities like firewood and a functional stove. One user stated, "Sweet location, with meadow views,...
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Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include high costs, dim lighting, intermittent warm water, critter noises at night, and maintenance issues. One user noted, "It may be a neat historical artifact, but it doesn't justify...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests are advised to bring additional battery-powered lighting due to dim propane lamps and bedding due to critter noises. One reviewer recommended, "Bring your own battery lighting just in case."
Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer is the most popular season for visiting, with guests appreciating amenities like firewood during cold August weekends. Critters in the walls and maintenance issues were...
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Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Sweet location, with meadow views, trees, hiking and lots of local activities." "Warm water [was] intermittent but found ops for quick shower and doing some dishes." "Critters in the walls ran all...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews do not apply as the cabin is the sole lodging option.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-related reviews are not provided.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the cabin, as noted in authoritative sources: "Horses, domestic livestock and pets are not allowed on the premises."
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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