Oregon · Camping · Near Sisters

Benson Lake/Scott Lake Complex.

from $5
fee
May–Oct
best months

Is Benson Lake/Scott Lake Complex. open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Willamette National Forest. It doesn't name Benson Lake/Scott Lake Complex., so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Willamette National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 4,800 ft
  • McKenzie River Ranger DistrictWillamette National Forest

Benson Lake/Scott Lake Complex is a primitive Forest Service campground on Scott Lake in the McKenzie River Ranger District of Oregon's Willamette National Forest. It sits at a high elevation, surrounded by subalpine fir, mountain hemlock and bear grass, and is a photographer's paradise. On clear days, the snowcapped volcanic peaks of the Three Sisters reflect in the lake, and the campground is next to the Benson/Tenas Trailhead with access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness close by. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Santiam Junction, which sits about 1,050 feet lower, show July and August highs around 76°F with lows near 42°F. That station's figures are only a guide, since temperatures at the lake run cooler. July and August also bring heavy mosquitoes, so plan for that. Vault toilets are the only amenity. A fee is charged. The closest trails are Scott Trail #3531, about half a mile away, and the Scott-Obsidian Tie, under a mile off. For more camping, Alder Springs Campground is about 2.8 miles away.

Around this trail

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  • Sleep close

    Benson Lake/Scott Lake Complex.

    Campground

    Campground · < 0.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    McDonald's

    Fast food

    On your way back · 17 mi
  • If it rains

    Clearwater Gallery

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    In town

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  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Benson Lake/Scott Lake Complex.

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 24°

    2. Feb

      41° / 24°

    3. Mar

      44° / 26°

    4. Apr

      49° / 29°

    5. May

      58° / 35°

    6. Jun

      65° / 38°

    7. Jul

      76° / 42°

    8. Aug

      76° / 42°

    9. Sep

      69° / 39°

    10. Oct

      56° / 33°

    11. Nov

      42° / 28°

    12. Dec

      36° / 23°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Santiam Junction, OR, 15.7 mi away at 3,750 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Benson Lake/Scott Lake Complex.

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