Linn County Parks & Recreation

Lost Prairie Group Campground opens May 15th, 2020

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. There are many wildflowers blooming in the prairie during the summer. Lost Prairie has 4 traditional campsites, two suitable for small RV’s. One Hand pump provides water and there is a newer double CXT toilet on-site and an older outhouse near site 1. The creek can be accessed from the campground easily.

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 restaurant, boat rental and excellent hiking around the Clear Lake. Clear Lake 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.

Source: US Forest Service