written by Kjersten Hellis
Crater Lake often takes the spotlight away from other lakes in Oregon, but breathtaking Waldo Lake is on par with it. Located in the Willamette National Forest about 30 miles east of Oakridge, Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural alpine lakes in Oregon. It is non-alkali and there are no permanent inlets that bring nutrients to support plant life. With no plant debris to cloud the water, the visibility underwater can be clear up to 120 feet. The lake itself covers 10 square miles and at its deepest is 420 feet. The surrounding Waldo Lake Wilderness features more than 20 miles of trails on the Jim Weaver Loop. You can stay in one of five, well-maintained campgrounds around the banks. Boats with electric motors are allowed and fish are abundant.