Waldo Lake

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Waldo Lake is a large natural lake, approximately 31 miles east of Oakridge and 70 miles from the Eugene, Springfield area. Waldo is located at an elevation of 5,414 feet in the Oregon Cascades.

To reach Waldo Lake from I-5, travel east on Highway 58 about 60 miles to the junction of Forest road 5897. Proceed north, eight miles to the south portion of the lake, or 14 miles to the northern reaches of the lake.

FACILITIES: North Waldo and Islet campgrounds are located on the north of the lake and Shadow Bay Campground is located toward the southeast. These campgrounds offer over 200 sites. Each of these campgrounds has compost or vault toilet facilities, drinking water, boat ramps, garbage service and recycle centers. All of the campgrounds charge a fee and are managed by a concessionaire.

There are also many undeveloped, dispersed camps, which dot the shoreline of Waldo Lake. These are accessed by boat or on foot. It is imperative that those utilizing these dispersed camps recognize that this area is quite fragile and follow Low Impact practices.

There are three boat ramps located on Waldo Lake. There are no mooring facilities. Boats cannot be left anchored on the lake for a period longer than 14 days. Each of the boat ramps requires the visitor to display a current Northwest Forest Pass.

ACTIVITIES: Boating; canoeing, kayaking, and sailing are especially popular.
Mountain biking; there is a 21-mile loop around Waldo Lake offering access to isolated beaches and coves.
Hiking; there are over 150 miles of trail to explore. Many lead to small wilderness lakes, cascading streams, volcanic peak summits, and conifer groves.
Swimming is very popular in the clear, cold water. There are many sandy beaches that can be found for a secluded swim.
Other activities include: hunting, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, and snowmobiling.

SERVICES: Closest food, gas and lodging are available in Crescent Lake Junction.

ABOUT the LAKE: Lying high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades, Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon (9.8 square miles with a maximum depth of 427 feet). Waldo is 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.

COMMENTS:
Motorized use on the lake is limited to 10 m.p.h.

Mosquitoes are very abundant in June and July.

(Data provided by the US Forest Service (Willamette National Forest)