Waldo Lake

A treasure of the Cascade Mountains located in the Willamette National Forest is Waldo Lake. It is the second-deepest natural lake in the state after Crater Lake and one of the biggest overall. Although Charlie Tufti, a Molalla Indian, made the initial official discovery, the lake is named for John B. Wald, an Oregon resident. Since 1971, people have been coming to the lake, and it is now one of the most popular destinations in the state.

For its pure scenery and recreational activities, many people travel to Waldo Lake. On the water or in non-motorized watercraft, only electric motors are permitted, and the top speed is 10 mph. Due to these restrictions, the lake's surface is littered with numerous kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. The numerous miles of hiking paths in the Waldo Lake Wilderness region are among the many popular land activities.

The water is also renowned for its purity and is extraordinarily pure, with visibility of more than 120 feet on clear days, in part due to its absence of inlets and fertilizer development.

Every year, in late June or early July, the three established National Forest Service campgrounds around Waldo Lake open. There are more than 200 campsites accessible in all, and many of them are occupied all summer long. Bookings can be made up to six months in advance.

Location: Willamette National Forest, Oregon