Clear Lake Diving – July
The Clear Lake Diving Expedition: Bucket Lists and Sub-Arctic Thermoclines
Some lakes are for casual splashing, while others are for testing the structural integrity of your thermal undergarments and your mental fortitude. Clear Lake stands out as a premier destination for divers looking for an unforgettable adventure, filled with rich aquatic life and stunning scenery. The lake’s unique geological features and crystal-clear waters provide a rare opportunity to witness underwater ecosystems like few others. This is the latter, and it promises an experience that goes beyond mere recreation. For those seeking excitement, clear lake diving offers a chance to explore one of the most beautiful diving spots around.
Join us on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, as the incomparable Reverend Randell leads a convoy of hearty Oregon lake-divers to Clear Lake near Sisters, Oregon. For many PNW divers, Clear Lake is an absolute ‘bucket list’ destination due to its jaw-dropping, crystal-clear visibility and diverse underwater environments. With depths that reveal fascinating geological formations, divers can explore rock formations, submerged trees, and an array of fish species such as trout and bass. However, let’s be perfectly direct: this dive is not for the faint of heart, or the easily chilled. This lake offers a thrilling and challenging experience, ideal for seasoned divers looking to expand their horizons.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, clear lake diving is an adventure you won’t want to miss. The thrill of navigating through the depths of Clear Lake adds a unique element to your diving experience.
There is no cozy, warm surface layer here to ease you into the experience. The temperature profile shifts rapidly from cold to much colder, to an immediate holy shit, that’s cold! Wetsuits are strictly not recommended for this environment. This is a job for a well-insulated drysuit or an organic layer of instant blubber. Those who wish to dive in these conditions should prepare their gear accordingly and be mentally ready for the temperature shock. Bring additional thermal layers to wear under your drysuit, as they will help keep you warm during your dives. If you want to see the stunning underwater clarity without your teeth chattering through your regulator, dress for absolute success.
Please also note that you must ensure that your first and second stage regulators are certified for cold water use. This is not your grandma’s tropical jaunt off the coast of Playa del Everywhere in Mexico! Using equipment designed for warmer climates could lead to serious malfunctions or issues under these colder conditions, so make sure to check with your local dive shop if you’re unsure about the specifications of your gear.
The Master Schedule for Clear Lake Diving
- 0700 Hours – Encampment & Arrival: The Reverend will be on-site early to secure our staging area and parking. Arrive at 0700 sharp to claim your spot, set up your gear, and mentally prepare for the thermocline.
- The Midday Thaw (The Wiener Roast): Because you will desperately need to replace lost body heat after logging some bottom time, the Rev’s griddle is officially back in play. We are providing high-quality sausages and brats for lunch, alongside plenty of drinks.
- 1500 Hours – The Pack Out: We will have the trucks loaded and be ready to roll back down the mountain by three in the afternoon.
The Dive Plan: Exploring Clear Lake’s Underwater Wonderland
The Reverend will be personally leading two distinct guided dives to showcase the best of this volcanic wonder. This is a standard “two-tank” dive day, but you are welcome to splash as many times as you and your buddy want, provided you are diving within your training, certification levels, and gas reserves. The morning dive will take you to explore the northern section of the lake, which is known for its dramatic underwater landscapes. The second dive will venture into the southern part, where visibility can sometimes exceed 50 feet, allowing divers to witness the vibrant life that thrives in these pristine waters.
This clear lake diving experience will allow you to see the stunning underwater clarity that sets Clear Lake apart from other diving locations.
Spartan SCUBA will have our standard full suite of on-site emergency resources and dive professionals on the shoreline to handle logistics, offer equipment assistance, or just hand you a hot bratwurst when you crawl out of the water. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the day. In addition to emergency gear, we also provide access to pre adventure equipment rentals and post dive air fills if needed. Be sure to communicate with our team if you require assistance at any point during your dives.
When you dive with us, you can expect the best support for your clear lake diving adventure, including professional guidance and safety measures.
Logistics, Costs, and Admin
Admission to this premium mountain excursion is $50 per diver. Your fee gets you top-tier Spartan logistics support, hot lunch, and your choice of:
Our event is designed for anyone interested in clear lake diving, creating a community atmosphere for all participants.
- Two (2) air-fills at Spartan HQ ahead of Sunday if you are using your own tanks.
- A chance to connect with fellow divers and share stories, experiences, and tips about diving. Creating a community atmosphere is one of the goals of this event, making it not just a dive trip but a chance to forge lasting friendships.
- Access to post-dive briefings where divers can discuss their experiences and share tips on improving dive techniques. This is a great opportunity to learn from each other and enhance your skills.
- A guided tour of the unique underwater features of Clear Lake by our experienced dive instructors. They will share insights into the lake’s ecosystem and dive safety tips, ensuring you have a safe and educational experience.
- Two (2) tank rentals for the day, provided by the shop.
Note: To keep Sunday afternoon relaxed, all rental cylinders are due back at the Spartan shop the following day, Monday, July 20th.
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating experience in clear lake diving, where every dive brings new discoveries.
The Fine Print:
- Fees: Admission does not include travel or individual parking/day-use fees at Clear Lake. Handle your own vehicle passes to ensure your arrival and parking are smooth. It’s wise to carpool where possible, as space can be limited during busy periods.
- Paperwork: No waiver, no bubbles. All divers must complete the SDI Liability Waiver for Guided Dives before touching the water.
Check your drysuit valves, double up on your fleece layers, and get ready for an incredible diving adventure. As we embark on this unforgettable journey into the depths of Clear Lake, don’t forget to soak in the breathtaking scenery both underwater and above. This trip promises to check a major dive off the bucket list while making memories to last a lifetime. Dive into the adventure and join us for some exceptional clear lake diving!
Join us and experience the joy of clear lake diving, a truly unforgettable adventure that promises to check a major dive off your bucket list.
This is also a great opportunity to attain your dry suit certification and save on gear rentals. If you sign up to challenge the SDI Dry Suit course with us at this event, not only will you save on the price of your course, but you’re dry suit rental will be included at no charge! For more details on the Spartan SCUBA Dry Suit course, please follow this link. To purchase, simply select the “Dry Suit Add-On Course” to your Clear Lake ticket (both are required), and we’ll take care of the rest.
One person is attending Clear Lake Diving – July