On a beautiful summer morning, there’s nothing better than gliding across a crystal-clear Oregon lake. The cool mountain air surrounds you, and the quiet whoosh of your paddles slicing through the water is the only sound you hear. It’s a truly magical experience, and you can enjoy it when you visit Waldo Lake.
You’ll find Waldo Lake nestled in the midst of the Willamette National Forest. It’s a vast, beautiful lake that covers almost 10 square miles.
By Jsayre64 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia
It’s pretty difficult not to fall in love with this place the first time you see it. The water is crystal-clear, with almost no vegetation, so you can see 120 feet down. Waldo is Oregon’s second-deepest lake, reaching depths of 420 feet.
Jason Kappenman/Alltrails
This is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing, and it’s nice and quiet, too. Only boats with electric motors are allowed on the water, and there’s a 10 mph speed limit. You’ll truly be able to enjoy a calm, relaxing paddle out here.
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The lake is home to a couple little islands that are perfect for exploring via kayak or canoe. Take a lunch along and enjoy a picnic, but camping overnight on the islands isn’t allowed.
bruceman/iStock via Getty Images
Three campgrounds at Waldo Lake provide more than 200 campsites and feature restrooms, drinking water, and boat ramps. For a more rugged, remote experience, paddle into one of the 50 primitive, dispersed campsites.
bruceman/iStock via Getty Images The dispersed sites are free, but there are special camping rules, including proper waste disposal, so make sure to get details before you head out.
You’ll also want to spend some time exploring Waldo Lake’s shores by hiking some of the 20-mile-long Waldo Lake Trail. You might run into a thru-hiker or two as well; the Pacific Crest Trail passes through here, too.
AndrewHaliburton/iStock via Getty Images The Waldo Lake Trail is also popular for mountain biking!
In 1996, the Charlton Fire devastated the area on the north side of the lake, but the Douglas firs and Western hemlock that make up the forest are slowly making a comeback.
Eric Prado/flickr
As you can imagine, a lake this large and this beautiful isn’t much of a secret. You’ll share it with many other Oregonians who enjoy paddling, swimming, and exploring. During early summer months, the mosquitos keep some folks away, but fall months here are idyllic.
Aaron Brown/flickr
For a simply spectacular summer experience, load up your kayak and head to Waldo Lake.
Aaron Brown/flickr When you visit, please make sure to practice Leave No Trace Principles. Follow the forest service’s rules for dispersed camping, and take your trash with you when you leave.
Read more about the Waldo Lake Area on the USDA Forest Service’s website. What other places do you like to go for kayaking fun? Tell us in the comments!
By Jsayre64 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia
Jason Kappenman/Alltrails
bruceman/iStock via Getty Images
The dispersed sites are free, but there are special camping rules, including proper waste disposal, so make sure to get details before you head out.
AndrewHaliburton/iStock via Getty Images
The Waldo Lake Trail is also popular for mountain biking!
Eric Prado/flickr
Aaron Brown/flickr
When you visit, please make sure to practice Leave No Trace Principles. Follow the forest service’s rules for dispersed camping, and take your trash with you when you leave.
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Address: Waldo Lake, Oregon, USA
