Lost Prairie Group Site

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

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.
The Lost Prairie Group Area was originally a campground that has been converted to a group site. If this area is not reserved as a group site, sites 1-4 are available on a first come, first serve basis. Below are the details on the individual sites within the group site; every site has a picnic table and fire pit/grill. There is a parking area originally designed for the walk in sites that can be used for RV parking; this area is suitable for 3 large or 5 small RV's, maximum 6 RV's.
Site 1 Back-in, paved surface, 42 feet long, flat grade, suitable for tent or small camper
Site 2 Back-in, paved surface, 30 feet long, slight grade, suitable for tent or small camper
Site 3 Back-in, paved surface, 17 feet long, slight grade, suitable for tent or small camper
Site 4 Back-in, paved surface, 15 feet long, slight grade, suitable for tent or small camper
Site 5 -10 were originally walk-in sites. Walk is less than 60 feet. Tents may be set up in area where original sites were located. Parking area can be used for autos using walk-in area and RV's.

Campfire wood is not readily available at the park. Please plan to bring firewood or purchase from a nearby vendor. Linn County Parks staff, may occasionally, come through the park with firewood available for purchase.

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.