Overview
This site was originally a campground that has been converted to a group site with a 75-person capacity limit. There are 10 individual campsites. Sites #1-4 are back-in, paved surface sites suitable for tents and accommodating of trailers ranging up to 42 feet long depending on the site. Sites #5 -10 were originally walk-in sites less that 60 feet from the main area which can still be utilized for tents. Each individual site has a picnic table and fire pit. There is a paved parking area which can be used for RV parking with capacity for up to 6 RV's There are two double vault toilets, one behind site #1 and an accessible one near the parking area. Drinking water is available from a handpump well at the front of the campground.
Lost Prairie Group Site is located along the Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway and is nestled among the forest in the Cascades at an elevation of 3600 feet. Lost Prairie is only 15 minutes from the McKenzie River National Scenic Trail and Clear Lake. Numerous other trails and lakes are close by as well.
Reservations may be made up to 12 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.
Recreation
Lost Prairie Group Site is close to numerous hiking and boating opportunities. The McKenzie River trail, Iron Mountain, Echo Basin, Crescent Mountain and Browder Ridge trails are all within a fifteen minute drive. Clear Lake, Smith Reservoir and Suttle Lake are all close by and offer boating and fishing opportunities.
Facilities
Lost Prairie Group Site is close to numerous hiking and boating opportunities. The McKenzie River trail, Iron Mountain, Echo Basin, Crescent Mountain and Browder Ridge trails are all within a fifteen minute drive. Clear Lake, Smith Reservoir and Suttle Lake are all close by and offer boating and fishing opportunities.
Natural Features
The group site is nestled in the trees and Hackleman Creek flows through the back of the site. There are many wildflowers blooming in the prairie during the summer.
Nearby Attractions
Lost Prairie Group Site is close to numerous hiking and boating opportunities. The McKenzie River trail, Echo Basin, Crescent Mountain, and Browder Ridge trails are all within fifteen minutes drive. Clear Lake, Smith Reservoir and Suttle Lake are all close by and offer boating and fishing opportunities.
Clear Lake Resort is just down the road from Lost Prairie Group Site on Hwy 126 with a restaurant, boat rentals and excellent hiking. It is unique and well known for its clarity and standing dead trees created by the eruption of Sand Mountain. The West Cascades Scenic Byway and Santiam Pass-McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway are in close proximity to the site. Numerous short hikes to lakes, waterfalls and scenic vistas are along both routes.
Part of the historic Santiam Wagon Road, Lost Prairie is a natural meadow near Hackleman creek where a scouting party looking for a new wagon route across the Cascades became lost. After several days of frustration, one member of the party climbed a tall tree and spotted Sand Mountain to the east, regaining his bearings.
Camp Observer
