Oregon · Camping · Near Sisters

Big Lake West Cg

from $55
fee
June 17
season
May–Oct
best months

Is Big Lake West Cg open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Willamette National Forest. It doesn't name Big Lake West Cg, 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 4,650 ft
  • McKenzie River Ranger DistrictWillamette National Forest

Big Lake West Campground is a small, 11-site tent-only campground on the western shore of Big Lake, at the top of Santiam Pass in the McKenzie River Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest. The Forest Service manages the land, and the campground sits just west of Big Lake Campground, making it a natural stop for anyone already exploring the area. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Santiam Junction show July and August highs around 76°F with lows near 42°F, and the station sits about 900 feet lower than the campground, so temperatures here run cooler. The site has vault toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp and swimming area, and each campsite comes with a picnic table and campfire ring. Ice and firewood are also available. Big Lake is popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating, and the surrounding alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine frame views of Mt. Washington. Patjens Lake Loop starts just 0.1 mile away, and Big Lake campground is about half a mile off. The Cross District Trail is roughly 0.8 mile away, and Lost Lake campground lies about 4 miles from the site.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Big Lake West Cg

    Campground

    Campground · < 0.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Hoodoo Mountain Resort

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 2 mi
  • If it rains

    Kiwanis club

    Attraction

    In town

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Local outfitters

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  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Big Lake West Cg

    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, 5.1 mi away at 3,750 ft. The station sits about 900 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.

Big Lake West Cg

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