THE WALDO LAKE AREA is located about mid way between Bend and Eugene a little over an hour from each city, but it is well worth the extra travel. In fact it is worth the trip from anywhere. There are three large campgrounds on Waldo and another smaller campground on nearby Gold Lake. This area lies within two geologic provinces. It is in the Western Cascades made up of mountains, deep canyons and cascading streams that have been forming for the last 25 million years. The other area, the High Cascades is made from much younger volcanoes, only ten thousand to a million years old. Much of this lava has yet to be broken down. Glaciers as much as 15,000 feet thick scraped and gauged out more than 800 lakes and potholes. The largest of these is Waldo Lake. The lake’s beautiful black sand beaches are thanks to a recent eruption (6,600 years ago) from Crater Lakes Mt. Mazama.

The area has a rich history of visits by Native Americans, pioneers, Presidents, and local heroes. The original campgrounds were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939. The crystal clear waters cover more than 10 square miles and reach a maximum depth of 420 feet. At an elevation of 5,414 feet it is the largest lake in Lane County. It is reputed to be, along with Crater Lake and Lake Baikal in Siberia, one of the purest lakes in the world. When the water is calm you can see at least 125 feet down into the depths. 

The lake is ideal for sail boating, canoeing and kayaking. Please, however, be thoughtful of the pureness of the lake in your habits on and near the lake. Although you have to be a good fisherman to catch them, Waldo does support Rainbow and Brook Trout and Kokanee Salmon. Fishing is best near the shore in the early mornings and late evening hours. Most fish are caught in the early season in June and late season in October. There are plenty of nearby trails for the adventurer too.

Camping is best in the early season while some snow is still on the ground or later after the heat of the summer has killed off the mosquito population. Because of the high altitude this area often has snow keeping the campgrounds closed from Mid-October through the end of June.  Watch our webpage for updates on opening dates. Early July and June campers  should be prepared for mosquitoes. However, by late July the bugs leave and the campers flock in. Lots of great stuff happens at Waldo.