Waldo Lake Area
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. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming.
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.
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.
Facts and 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
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.
North Waldo Boat Launch and Day-Use Picnic area are located adjacent to the North Waldo Campground. Expect mosquitoes between June and August.
This 92-site campground has a quiet and family-friendly atmosphere.
Shadow Bay Day Use is located on a large bay at the south end of Waldo Lake.
This 55 site campground is located at the north end of Waldo Lake, just south of North Waldo Campground.
This day-use area is located at the Islet Campground at the north end of Waldo Lake and offers wonderful sandy beaches.
The High Cascades portion is characterized by steep to moderate slopes and includes many basin areas with lakes, meadows, and rock outcrops.
This loop trail around Waldo Lake consists mostly of easy grades through rolling country.
This Trailhead provides access for Jim Weaver Loop Trail (Waldo Lake Trail).
This trail makes a slight easterly ascent, passing through Harralson Horse Camp on its way to junction with th
This trail offers the chance to hike directly along the Waldo Lake shoreline. There are many excellent views of the lake and across the lake to various mountain peaks.
After this trail leaves Forest Road 5883, it passes through a hunting camp and continues up a moderate grade.
Beginning at Forest Road 5894 (off Highway 58), the trail climbs steeply to more level terrain.
The trail goes off to the east on mostly moderate grades, taking the visitor through dry rolling country before descending to Waldo Lake.
The trail rambles along for about 2 miles before descending in Waldo Meadows.