By:
Submission
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 mountain hemlock. Recreation in the area is abundant with the lake an ideal location for water activities like sailing, canoeing and swimming. Recreation Waldo Lake is circled by the Jim Weaver Loop, 22 miles of trail for hiking and biking. Bikes are allowed on the trails, but not in the nearby Waldo Lake Wilderness. There is also easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Facilities This 55 site campground is located at the north end of Waldo Lake, just south of North Waldo Campground, 31 sites are reservable. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There are three vault restrooms within the campground and another at the boat launch/day use area. 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. Natural Features Situated high on the western slopes of the Oregon Cascades at 5,400 feet in elevation, Waldo Lake is one of the purest lakes in Oregon (9.8 square miles with a maximum depth of 427 feet). It has no permanent inlet to bring nutrients into the lake for plant growth. The lack of plant life contributes to its purity, allowing you to see to depths of 120 feet on a calm day. Nearby Attractions 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. The 1-mile Shoreline Trail between Islet and North Waldo campgrounds provides a short and pleasant hike along the lakeshore. ADA Access: N
Located 37.3 miles east of Oakridge, Oregon. From Oakridge, Oregon: At the intersection of Crestview Street and Oregon State Highway 58, travel east on Highway 58 for 23.3 miles. Turn left on the Waldo Lake Road/Forest Road 5897. Travel for 12.8 miles and turn left at the T intersection on Forest Road 5898. Travel for 1.2 miles and the destination will be on your right.
Waldo is a beautiful clear lake, you can see to the bottom. Clean and we'll kept sites and bathrooms. Go later in the summer of you are a tasty mosquito treat, as they are tenacious.
Wonderful campground! I reserved at North Waldo, went to this one on accident. Got in late. Single mom with 2 teen girls and was frazzled. The host Stacey was so beyond sweet as well as her husband. They offered I stay in there campground. Tons of first come first serve spots. Most better than the ones that you reserve. They helped me set up and put me at ease. Seriously camp hosts with the mostest!! Camp here if you have never been to Waldo before :-)
Stacey, the camp host was awesome. Her dog Tripper was a great host as well! Beautiful campground, not for big rigs but excellent for tents, campers, and short towables. Great sunsets. Beautiful shoreline trail below the lakefront campsites.
I stayed at Islet the second week of August. It was busy, but not full. Decent restrooms, nice host, easy to get around with lots of nice walking areas. The islet is fun to explore. Mosquitos weren’t as bad as I expected during the day, but evening and morning they were pretty bad. I wasn’t able to reserve one of the sites near the water, but I was pretty close to the swim beach which was nice for walking over with my SUP. Which, by the way, this is some of the best paddling I’ve ever experienced. In the morning, when the water is calm, the lake is so clear you can see everything on the bottom. The lake being so shallow, and warm (in the afternoon when the sun heats up the water),
makes it popular for families with young children. This is my main complaint, I didn’t mind the families so much as all the stuff (floats, blankets, etc) being left behind on the beach and in the water for days on end. Still very memorable to be able to camp and swim in this beautiful lake.
