Boating - Non-Motorized

Boating - Non-Motorized Areas

• Detroit Ranger District (on US Highway 22)

  Detroit Ranger District (US Highway 22)

  Detroit Ranger District is located in the northern part of the Willamette National Forest, bordering Mt. Hood National Forest and the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

  This area is accessible from the west on Highway 22 from Salem, from the east on Highway 22 via Highway 20/126 from the Santiam Pass area, or from the north on Forest Road 46 from the Mt. Hood National Forest.

  Camping

  Here you will find popular campgrounds in the Detroit Lake Area, as well as Breitenbush Campground and Shady Cove Campground that serve as the base for adventures such as hiking, horseback riding, OHV riding, swimming, and more.

  Hiking

  Incredible vistas await while backpacking in the Mt. Jefferson - Jefferson Park Trail Area and the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area.

  Many day hiking opportunities can be found throughout the district such as the Detroit Reservoir Trail Area and Coffin Mountain Trail Area.

  Other Recreation

  Many areas offer great boating and swimming such as the Detroit Lake Area, Elk Lake Campground, and Three Pools Day Use Area.

• Detroit Lake

  In the summer months, this 3,500-acre, 9-mile long lake in the Cascades below Mt. Jefferson is a popular recreation area for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. The U.S. Forest Service and Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation and operate numerous boat ramps, campgrounds and day-use areas around the lake. Two privately owned marinas are located near the town of Detroit.

  Both Detroit and Big Cliff lakes are located 43 miles southeast of Salem on the North Fork of the Santiam River. They are operated by the Corps of Engineers as part of a system of thirteen multi-purpose dams and reservoirs that make up the Willamette Valley Project. These dams and reservoirs work together for the purposes of flood damage reduction, hydropower generation, irrigation, recreation, fish and wildlife enhancement, and downstream water quality improvement within the Willamette River drainage system.. To learn more about the lake and construction of the dam visit the Army Corps of Engineers website at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/

  In late summer, early fall through spring, the water levels on Detroit and Big Cliff lakes are frequently drawn down to the point where boat launches are no longer available. Reservoir and river level information is available from the US Army Corps of Engineers here. Watch for obstructions near the shoreline such as submerged stumps, logs and rocks. Small craft should stay out of open waters when it is windy since dangerous waves can build up suddenly.

  Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout, Native Trout; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait; ADA Accessible fishing access with fishing pier, boat launch, and fish cleaning station

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• Cove Creek Campground

  With 63 sites and a 70 person group campground, Cove Creek Campground is the largest national forest Campground on Detroit Lake. Cove Creek Campground rests on the shores of Detroit Lake at an elevation of 1,600 feet. A mix of wooded and open sites are provided at the campground. Its location is near enough to the Detroit Reservoir to hear passing boats, but a little too far for unobstructed views of the lake. The reservoir covers 3,500 acres and is surrounded by groves of Douglas fir. The campground offers single and double-family campsites, as well as an accessible group site for up to 70 people. Accessible flush toilets, drinking water and coin-operated showers are available at Cove Creek.

  In the day use area, there is about 1,000 ft. of shoreline. There is a dock for launching, loading and unloading only. There is no mooring allowed. Detroit Lake is a popular destination for boating, jet skiing, swimming and fishing. Rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon and catfish are found in the lake. A boat ramp and dock are located next to the campground. 
  
  The Stahlman Point Trail is a quarter-mile from the campground entrance road. The trail meanders through younger Douglas fir forests and offers some memorable views of Detroit Lake. Additional hiking trails can be found across the lake, including those that lead to Dome Rock and Needle Rock.

• Cove Creek Group Campsite
• Detroit Flats Day Use Area
• Hoover Campground

  Hoover Campground and the the adjacent Hoover Group Site sit among Douglas fir and maple trees and large ferns at an elevation of 1,600 feet on the shores of the sparkling Detroit Lake. An interpretive trail and a viewing and fishing platform are part of the campground. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table. Flush toilets are available at the campground and the group campground has a vault toilet. Access roads are made from compacted rock and dirt. Firewood can be purchased on-site.

  In the day use area, there is about 1,000 ft. of shoreline. There is a dock for launching, loading and unloading only. There is no mooring allowed.

  Sailing, boating, water skiing and fishing are all excellent options for enjoying Detroit Lake. Catfish, rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon are among the most common species found in the lake. A convenient boat ramp lies adjacent to the campground. 
  
  Several hiking trails dot the area, including Stahlman Point Trail, which offers beautiful vistas of Detroit Lake and the surrounding area. The Hoover Nature Trail is an accessible, short footpath that delights many campers.

• Hoover Group Campsite
• Piety Island Campground
• Santiam Flats Campground
• Southshore Campground
• Elk Lake Campground
• McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

  Explore the McKenzie River Ranger District (Highway 126)

  McKenzie River Ranger District is in the middle part of the Willamette National Forest, bordering the Deschutes National Forest. Accessible from the west via Highway 126 from Eugene, OR, or from the east on Highway 20 from Sisters.

  The McKenzie River Ranger District is a collection of stunning lakes and waterfalls, epic mountain biking and rafting, and opportunities to explore history.

  Hiking

  Get your water fix at the Upper McKenzie Trail Area hiking the Water Falls Loop Trail #3503 where you can see the popular Sahalie and Koosah Falls. View the headwaters of the McKenzie River at the stunning Clear Lake Loop Trail #4341.

  Other Recreation

  The O’Leary trail complex and Upper McKenzie Trail Area offer some of the best mountain biking on the forest. Road cyclists will love the challenge of the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway and the views are spectacular from your vehicle as well!

  Don’t miss the Dee Wright Observatory, along the scenic McKenzie Highway (Hwy 242), for panoramic views of Cascade peaks such as Mount Washington and the Three Sisters. For Highway 242 opening and closing dates, check the Oregon Department of Transportation website.

  History buffs will enjoy a stop at Fish Lake Interpretive Day Use sites, or try spending a night at an historic guard station (reservations required) such as Box Canyon Guard Station or Indian Ridge Lookout.

  Take a guided trip down the river with one of our McKenzie River Permitted Outfitters and Guides.

• Cougar Crossing Campground

  Located on the confluence of the South Fork of the McKenzie River and the south end of Cougar Reservoir, Cougar Crossing is open year round and offers 11 sites that can accommodate either RV or tent camping. Vault toilets are provided. There is firewood for sale. The interior roads and spurs are gravel. There is no drinking water. It is the closest campground to Terwilliger Hot Springs.

• Cougar Crossing Day Use Area
• Echo Day Use and Boat Launch
• Slide Creek Campground

  The mixed conifers at 16 site (14 single, 2 multiple) Slide Creek Campground provide a beautiful wooded setting for this unique camping destination along the east bank of the Cougar Reservoir just 50 miles from Eugene, Oregon. Both campground and the day use area guests have access to drinking water, vault toilets, a boat ramp, ample parking and a swimming beach. A separate parking lot is available for boat trailers. The campsites can accommodate tents, trailers or RVs and come equipped with campfire rings and picnic tables.

  Enjoy boating and other water activities on the reservoir or a soak in nearby Terwilliger Hot Springs

• Slide Creek Day Use Area
• Big Lake Area

  Big Lake is 225 acres in size and is situated on the historic Santiam Wagon Road. It was the first resting place for early travelers heading west. A youth camp operates under special use permit on the east side of the lake. Volcanic peaks and cinder cones visible from the lake include Mt. Washington, Sand Mountain, Hoodoo Butte, Hayrick Butte and Three Fingered Jack.

  Big Lake is popular for motor boating and water skiing, as well as camping, picnicking, fishing and swimming. Access to wilderness trailheads is located nearby. The nearby Santiam Pass Dispersed Motorized Recreation Area is open to Off-Highway Vehicles. A boat launch is located in the Big Lake Day Use Area (fee required). Two campgrounds are situated on the lake.

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• Big Lake Campground

  On the western shore of Big Lake at the top of Santiam Pass, surrounded by alpine fir, hemlock and lodgepole pine, campers enjoy views of the lake with the beautiful Mt. Washington as a backdrop. Big Lake Campground offers 49 sites for tent or RV camping. Drinking water, vault toilets and a boat ramp are provided. This campground is a hub of activity during the summer months. Big Lake is very popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating.

  The campground is located adjacent to the Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area (area is unavailable) and is a popular campground for OHV enthusiasts.  

  Nearby Patjens Lakes Trail offers easy access to the Mt. Washington Wilderness. 

• Big Lake Day Use Area
• Big Lake West Campground
• Blue River Reservoir Area

  In the summer months, Blue River Reservoir is a popular place for fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing and stand-up paddle boarding. There are two main campgrounds, Lookout Campground and Mona Campground. There are also two boat launches, Lookout and Saddle Dam.

  The reservoir is 6.4 miles long and when full, has a surface area of 1,420 acres. The dam is 1,265 feet long and 270 feet high. In the winter months, the reservoir is primarily used as storage for floodwaters in winter.

  In late summer, early fall through mid-March, the water levels on Blue River Reservoir are frequently drawn down to the point where boat launches are no longer available. Non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks and rafts can still find enough water, but there is no access for motorized boats. Reservoir and river level information is available from the US Army Corps of Engineers here. Watch for obstructions near the shoreline such as submerged stumps, logs and rocks. Small craft should stay out of open waters when it is windy since dangerous waves can build up suddenly.

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• Lookout Boat Launch
• Lookout Campground
• Mona Campground
• Saddle Dam Boat Launch
• Clear Lake Area

  Clear Lake has a long history of being a popular recreation spot in the high Cascades. It was discovered in 1859 by a party of men who were searching for a route over the Cascade Mountains. They had followed an Indian trail down Hackleman Creek and after con­siderable scouting found Fish Lake and then Clear Lake.

  Clear Lake is about 142 acres in size and lies at an elevation of 3,012 feet, with a maximum depth of 175 feet. It is one of the clearest and coldest lakes in the Cascades. It lies just off Highway 126 about 21 miles east of McKenzie Bridge. Clear Lake is excellent for canoeing and other non-motorized boats. Fishing is good at Clear Lake. Brook trout and cutthroat trout re­produce naturally in the lake. Rainbow trout are stocked annually.

  Cold Water Cove Campground has 34 campsites and each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Adjacent to the campground is the Clear Lake Resort at which cabins are rented and there is a grocery and tackle shop with a restaurant that sells meals during the recreation season, from about late May through the fall.

  How did geological processes shape what you see at Clear Lake? Why is the water so clear and blue? What other diverse features exist because of a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago? Take a walk along the Clear Lake Loop Trail to discover the answers as you walk through groves of ancient firs and across stark fields of lava to the source of the McKenzie River.

  Visiting the Clear Lake area, you’ll discover a diverse landscape.

  This landscape, though, is very different from what it was 3,000 years ago. At that time, there was no lake here, only a densely forested drainage dissected by a rumbling white-water river. About 1,000 B.C., Sand Mountain erupted. Lava flowed out toward the McKenzie River and burned the forest as it moved. When the lava reached the river and struck the cold water, it stopped. The McKenzie quickly backed up behind the wall of lava, and Clear Lake was formed. The forest that had lined the river banks was submerged under 120 feet of water. Remnants of these trees still stand today, incredibly preserved in the depths of the near-freezing lake. New ecosystems were created by the eruption, which provided habitat for new wildlife species. Fish species that had lived in the river adapted to life in the new lake. Different kinds of vegetation took root along the lake shore and in the cooled lava fields.

  Learn more and download the Clear Lake Loop Trail Guide here

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• Clear Lake Day Use Area
• Cold Water Cove Campground
• Delta Campground

  Known for its access to rafting and drift boat fishing on the McKenzie River, This scenic 38 site (33 single, 5 multiple) campground is located in a grove of old growth trees. Some of these ancient sentinels, predominantly Douglas fir and western red cedar, are centuries old and make for an enchanting setting. Access to the river, Cougar Reservoir and Terwilliger Hot Springs make this campground a great spot for camping and exploring the area.

  Several hiking trails are in the surrounding wilderness, guarded by large Douglas fir and western red cedar trees. Visitors can also enjoy a short botanical walk on the Delta Old Growth Nature Trail. A day use area and amphitheater are also available at the campground. 

• Delta Day Use Area
• Ice Cap Campground

  This scenic campground is located in a stand of Douglas fir, cedar and hemlock on a bluff above the McKenzie River and Carmen Reservoir. Ice Cap Creek runs along the eastern edge of the campground. Ice Cap offers 22 campsites with 9 walk-in tent sites. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are vault toilets, firewood for sale, and a host onsite. 

  The location provides easy access to the McKenzie River Trail and to Koosah and Sahalie Falls. The McKenzie River is well known for boating and fishing as are Carmen Reservoir, Fish Lake and Clear Lake.

• Ice Cap Creek Day Use Area
• McKenzie Bridge Campground

  This 20-site campground rests in the shade of a towering grove of Douglas-fir and western red cedar along the banks of the McKenzie River and provides an ideal atmosphere for relaxation, fishing, and bird watching. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the McKenzie River as you watch boaters and rafters float by. Campsites are nicely spaced and all have riverfront access. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Parking areas are gravel surfaced.

  At the campground, the river provides catch-and-release fishing for trout and steelhead. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities. A boat ramp is located on-site. The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail begins nearby, offering fun-filled hiking and biking opportunities. The 26-mile trail boasts wonderful scenery along the river and is an easy hike for all ages.

• McKenzie Bridge Day Use Area
• McKenzie Pass—Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

  A portion of the byway travels through the McKenzie River Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest where you'll experience dramatic views of the snowcapped High Cascade Peaks. The panorama of lava fields and six Cascade peaks is made more striking by the contrast between the black lava and white snow. The mountains are mirrored in crystal-clear lakes, and the byway passes beautiful waterfalls, including Sahalie and Koosah Falls.

  • Length: 82 miles / 132 km
  • Time to Allow: Take two hours to drive the byway or five hours to stop at places along the way

  This route is also part of the McKenzie Pass Oregon Scenic Bikeway and is popular with cyclists. Oregon Scenic Bikeways are official state-designated routes selected and curated by experts, with printable maps, GPS and signage. Download the Oregon Scenic Bikeways guide here.

  From the Oregon Department of Transportation

  Lava fields, snowcapped peaks and rushing rivers mark this 82-mile loop around two of central Oregon's Cascade Mountain passes. Anglers, hikers and skiers will delight in the ample recreational opportunities this Byway provides, and everyone will appreciate the striking alpine scenery.

  The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway takes you on a journey through a land of contrasts. On the west side of the Cascades, you'll encounter lush Douglas fir and red cedar forests; on the drier east side, lodgepole pines prevail. Lava fields adjoin snow fields, providing a stark black and white contrast between the forces of fire and ice, a contrast that's often mirrored in crystal-clear lakes, whose still waters are countered by several cascading waterfalls. The Byway boasts the highest concentration of snowcapped volcanoes (and associated glaciers) in the lower 48 states. Broken Top Mountain, Mount Washington and The Three Sisters (among other peaks) tower above the Byway.

  The natural qualities of the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway are of national significance. There are outstanding examples of both ancient and recent volcanoes, cinder cones, lava flows, and deep, glaciated canyons. Forests along the Byway contain rare old-growth fir and ponderosa pine, and are home to a great variety of fish and wildlife, including several endangered species, such as bald eagles, northern spotted owls, Chinook salmon and bull trout.

  Details at https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Scenic-Byways-McKenzie-Pass-Santiam-Pass

  Oregon Scenic Byways Official Driving Guide

• Scott Lake Campground
• McKenzie River Area
• Olallie Campground

  Nestled on the banks of the McKenzie River and Olallie Creek, Olallie Campground provides 16 sites with a superb setting for a getaway into nature. The lower loop offers mesmerizing views of both the river and the creek while the upper loop is set further in the trees with many sites facing the creek. No electric hookups are available at the campground. Picnic tables, vault toilets and drinking water are among the amenities available. A camp host is on-site, and firewood is available for purchase.

  Fishing, rafting and swimming are three top activities in the river. Picnicking is also a lot of fun at the campground. Nearby is the McKenzie Pass Trail Area with incredible hikes around lakes, overlooking cliffs, and trailing along craters and valleys.

  Know Before You Go: This campground is in central Oregon near McKenzie Bridge on the Willamette National Forest. There is another "Olallie" near Mt. Hood, Oregon.

• Olallie Day Use
• Paradise Campground

  Paradise Campground is indeed a campers paradise. Originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, it offers a rare opportunity to camp in the middle of a lush, old growth grove of Douglas fir and western red cedar while viewing the McKenzie River's famous white water.

  A number of the 64 sites face the river, while many others are tucked into the scenic forest. Flush toilets are dispersed throughout the campground and parking spurs are paved. Educational programs are provided at the amphitheater.

• Paradise Day Use Area
• Smith Reservoir Area

  Stocked annually with trout, Smith Reservoir makes a good fishing spot. Boats can be launched from a site near the dam (a 10 mile per hour speed limit for boats is enforced). Lakes End Campground is the one campground located on the reservoir and is accessible only by boat. Beautiful Sahalie and Koosah Falls are nearby on the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail.

  The reservoir when full, spans 170 acres. In late summer, early fall through mid-March, the water levels on Smith Reservoir are frequently drawn down to the point where the boat launch is no longer available. Reservoir and river level information is available from the US Army Corps of Engineers here. Watch for obstructions near the shoreline such as submerged stumps, logs and rocks. Small craft should stay out of open waters when it is windy since dangerous waves can build up suddenly.

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• Lakes End Campground
• Trail Bridge Reservoir Area

  In the summer months, Trail Bridge Reservoir is a popular place for camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. Access to the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is close by.

  The reservoir when full, spans 120 acres. In the winter months, the reservoir is primarily used as storage for floodwaters in winter.

  In late summer, early fall through mid-March, the water levels on Trail Bridge Reservoir are frequently drawn down to the point where boat launches are no longer available. Reservoir and river level information is available from the US Army Corps of Engineers here. Watch for obstructions near the shoreline such as submerged stumps, logs and rocks. Small craft should stay out of open waters when it is windy since dangerous waves can build up suddenly.

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• Trail Bridge Campground
• Middle Fork Ranger District (Hwy 58)

  Middle Fork Ranger District (US Highway 58)

  Middle Fork Ranger District is the southern part of the forest, bordering the Deschutes and Umpqua National Forests. Accessible from the west on Highway 58 from Eugene, OR, or from the south via Highway 58.

  Spend some time exploring Waldo Lake, one of the gems of the forest, but don’t forget to get out on some of the great mountain biking, hiking, and horse trails in this area.

  Hiking

  Backpacking and day hikes can be found all over the district including, Fall Creek Trail Area, and Hardesty Trail Area. For spectacular mountain scenery, try a hike in the Willamette Pass Trail Area

  Other Recreation

  The renowned Middle Fork Willamette Trail #3609, Dead Moutain Trail and Alpine Trail are just a few of the more popular mountain biking areas.

  One of the gems of the Willamette National Forest is the Waldo Lake Area provides many recreational opportunities including horse camping, non-motorized boating, swimming, hiking and biking.

  For those who prefer to travel by horse, the spectacular Diamond Peak Trail Area offers multiple trails For those that enjoy travel of the motorized type, OHV enthusiasts can enjoy the Huckleberry Flats OHV Trail.

• Black Canyon Campground

  With 75 campsites and located in a mature Douglas-fir and Western Red Cedar forest, this campground offers a cool respite from summer heat alongside the Middle Fork of the Willamette River.  The campground offers some riverside sites with pleasant shade, fresh air with cool breezes. Each site contains a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Located close to the city of Oakridge, the camp is directly off of Oregon State Highway 58. 

  A 1-mile interpretive nature trail winds through the campground, and Lookout Point Lake is less than a mile away, with opportunities for boating and fishing. A boat ramp is located on the lake. 
  
  Black Canyon is within the Winberry Trail Area, with excellent terrain like the Tire Mountain Trail for mountain biking and horseback riding, and the Clover Patch Trail for hiking.

• Black Canyon Day Use Area
• Blair Lake Campground
• Hampton Boat Launch
• Hills Creek Reservoir Area

  Hills Creek Dam is located 45 miles southeast of Eugene, on the Middle Fork Willamette River, four miles southwest of Oakridge, Oregon.

  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Hills Creek Reservoir in 1961. The dam was built to provide flood control, irrigation, power generation, water-based recreation and improved down stream navigation. The 44-mile shoreline of this reservoir is managed to provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and waterfowl.

  The scenic 2,735 acre lake (when full) with its 44 miles of forested shoreline provide many recreation opportunities including camping, boating, swimming, fishing, and water skiing.

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• C.T. Beach Picnic Area and Boat Launch
• Packard Creek Campground

  Packard Creek is a popular 37-site campground on the western side of Hills Creek Reservoir. The family-friendly destination offers a picturesque setting among tall trees, with views of the lake beyond. Most of the campground is accessible. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring. The group campground, which can accommodate up to 80 people, has a large picnic shelter and open space for tents. Some sites have individual boat docks as well. The campground is busy on summer weekends, so plan your arrival accordingly.

  Popular recreational activities are swimming, boating, and fishing. Accessible parking is offered at the boat ramp/swimming area. Hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers can explore the nearby Larison Creek Trail.

  Be aware that there is an abundant supply of poison oak throughout the camp; use caution when walking off the paved roads.

• Packard Creek Day Use Area
• Packard Creek Group Campsite
• Salmon Creek Falls Campground

  This 14 site campground is located in a beautiful, lush, old growth forest along Salmon Creek. The rocky gorge-like area creates two small beautiful waterfalls and several deep pools which reflect the clear blue-green waters. Wild thimbleberries and hazelnuts abound in the summer. This camp is a favorite recreation spot for local residents as well as some more distant travelers.

• Salmon Creek Falls Day Use Area
• Timpanogas Campground
• Waldo Lake Area

  Thick forests, hiking, mountain biking, camping, swimming and boating. Waldo Lake is a recreation gem of the Cascades (besides the hordes of mosquitoes in early summer). Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. Lying high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades, Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon and one of the purest lakes in the world. It has no permanent inlet to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. The lack of plant life contributes to its purity. You can see to depths of 120 feet on a calm day. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and Western Hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming. See more photos.

  CAMPING

  Waldo Lake’s three developed campgrounds usually open in late June or early July, depending on snowpack. North Waldo, Islet, and Shadow Bay have over 200 developed sites with toilets, potable water and boat ramps at Waldo Lake. Many campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance of arrival through recreation.gov. Campgrounds are often full mid-August into September.

  Waldo also has nearly 50 primitive dispersed campsites around the lake. Dispersed campsites are free, but there are rules for staying in a dispersed site, including how to dispose properly of waste (there are no restroom facilities at these sites).

  BOATING

  Waldo Lake is one of the clearest lakes in Oregon and to help maintain the purity, only electric boats motors traveling less than 10 mph. Non motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are popular along with the occasional sailboat. Boaters may debark at Waldo’s two islands for a picnic or scampering around, but may not camp there overnight.

  Boating Regulations & Boating Safety: Oregon State Marine Board manages boating regulations. Visit their website for boating regulations and safety information. They also have links to information about water levels.

  HIKING/BIKING

  Waldo Lake borders the Waldo Lake Wilderness area. There are numerous trails that lead to nearby wilderness lakes.

  Mountain bikers may use any trail marked for the sport. The 20-mile Waldo Lake Trail (also known as the Jim Weaver Loop trail) around the lake is a popular ride. But at 5,400 feet in elevation the trail is covered with snow late into the season. Early fall when the trail dries out and the mosquitoes die down it’s a great ride.

  FACTS & FIGURES

  • Lake Area: 6,298 acres (9.8 square miles)
  • Lake Surface Elevation: 5,414 feet
  • Maximum Depth: 420 feet
  • Average depth: 128 feet
  • Length of shoreline: 21.7 miles
  • Basin Formation: Tectonic fault block subsidence modified by glaciers
  • Soils: Thin layer (average between 3 and 6 feet) of moderately weathered volcanic ash and boulders from glacial outwash over basaltic bedrock

  History of the Waldo Lake Area

• Islet Campground (Waldo Lake)

  This 55 site campground is located at the north end of Waldo Lake, just south of North Waldo Campground. Each site has a fire ring and table. There are three vault restrooms within the campground and another at the boat launch/day use area. There is a sanitation station within easy access. Islet offers wonderful sandy beaches. Western winds consistently blow each afternoon, offering respite from early season mosquitoes, which are typically intense from June to mid-August so come prepared.

  Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and western hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.

  The north end of Waldo Lake is a popular starting point for many wilderness trails and lakes, most notably the Rigdon, Wahanna and Torrey Lakes. There is a 1-mile Shoreline Trail between Islet and North Waldo campgrounds which provides a short and pleasant hike along the lakeshore.

• Islet Boat Launch & Day Use Area (Waldo Lake)
• North Waldo Campground

  North Waldo is the most popular of the Waldo Lake campgrounds. There are 58 sites with fire rings and tables. There is a sanitation station near the campground. The drier environment supports fewer mosquitoes, but they are still plentiful in season so come prepared. The boat launch is somewhat deeper than the others on the lake, which is more accommodating for sailboats.

  Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting on the water and along remote shorelines, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and Western Hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.

  North Waldo is a popular starting point for many wilderness trails and lakes, most notably the Rigdon Lakes Trail, Wahanna Trail and the Whig & Torrey Way Trail. The 1-mile Shoreline Trail between North Waldo and Islet provides a short and pleasant hike along the lakeshore.

• North Waldo Boat Launch & Day-Use
• Shadow Bay Campground (Waldo Lake)

  This 92-site campground is less busy than its neighboring campground, North Waldo, resulting in a quieter atmosphere. It is situated in a lower and wetter landscape than North Waldo and Islet Campground and supports thicker and more diverse groundcover and generally more mosquitoes earlier in the season, so come prepared June to mid-August. Garbage containers and gray water disposal areas are available at the campground.

  There are three areas of the campground that can be reserved as group sites.

  • Group Site B can accommodate 120 people and 19 vehicles.
  • Group Site C can accommodate 120 people and 17 vehicles.
  • Group Site E can accommodate 30 people and 5 vehicles.

  Hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers can traverse the Shoreline Trail to the historic South Waldo Shelter and then continue on the Jim Weaver Loop #3590. Winding around to the west side of the lake, the public can catch glimpses of the lake through the high-elevation forest, or capture broad views of the High Cascades mountains from open viewpoints.

• Shadow Bay Day Use Area (Waldo Lake)