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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.
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.
Nearby: 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.