Campground · Day Use Area · McKenzie River · Santiam Pass, near Hoodoo
Big Lake Day Use Area
A paved boat launch and swimming beach on Big Lake’s north shore at Santiam Pass — the summer counterpart to Hoodoo Ski Area just up the road, with a reservable lakeside campground next door, Mt. Washington Wilderness views, and a Pacific Crest Trail trailhead close by.
More detail
Getting there & parking+
From McKenzie Bridge, travel east on Highway 126 for 29.5 miles to Santiam Pass. Turn south on Big Lake Road (Forest Road 2690) and follow it 3 miles to Big Lake Campground on the north side of the lake — the day-use area and campground share this access road.
Facilities & accessibility+
- Paved boat launch
- Fire rings
- Swimming
- Vault toilets and potable water at the campground
No potable water is listed for the day-use site itself, and restroom details aren’t specified there — but the adjacent campground has a drinking-water system (filtered from the lake) and vault toilets (three single, two double) if you need either.
Nearby attractions+
Sand Mountain Lookout, Big Lake West Campground (a separate, tent-only, reservation-required facility on the opposite shore), and the Mt. Washington Wilderness are all close by, and a Pacific Crest Trail trailhead is right at hand if you want to stretch your legs. Hoodoo Ski Area, the winter version of this same corner of the pass, is just up the road.
Choose what brings you here
At this day-use area
Fees & passes+
It’s a flat $9 per vehicle per day. Season runs May through September.
Boat launch & water recreation+
The paved boat launch handles both motorized and non-motorized craft, and the lake is a popular swimming spot in summer given its high elevation (about 4,600 feet) keeps things cool. Fire danger can run high in late summer on this side of the Cascades — check current restrictions before building a fire.
Camping here
Reservations & fees+
Most sites book through Recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead (877-444-6777), with some held first-come, first-served via a self-pay kiosk (no refunds). Check-in 2:00 p.m., check-out 12:00 p.m. Season runs May through October. Firewood and ice are sold on-site while supplies last.
As with comparable Willamette NF campgrounds in this district, expect leashed dogs (max 6 ft), a 14-day/60-day max-stay limit, and 10 p.m.–6 a.m. quiet hours — confirm specifics on arrival since they weren’t independently restated on this site’s own page.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions +
Is there a fee to use Big Lake Day Use Area?
Yes — $9 per vehicle per day, May through September. Camping at the adjacent campground has its own separate per-night fee.
Do I need a reservation to camp here?
Most sites are reservable via Recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead, with some held first-come, first-served through a self-pay kiosk.
Is there a boat launch here?
Yes — a paved boat launch for motorized and non-motorized boats, shared by day users and campers alike.
Can I swim here?
Yes — Big Lake is a popular summer swimming spot, helped along by its cool, high-elevation water.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — leashed dogs (max 6 ft) are welcome in both the day-use area and the campground. Please bag and pack out solid waste.
Official day-use site details — Willamette National Forest →
Official campground details — Willamette National Forest →
