Waldo Lake Wilderness

Waldo Lake Wilderness is a protected area in the central Oregon Cascades within the Willamette National Forest, established in 1984 and encompassing 37,162 acres around Waldo Lake. Nearly all of it is forested on moderate to steep terrain, with elevations from 2,800 to 7,144 feet and stands of Douglas-fir, mountain hemlock, and Pacific silver fir. The wilderness includes several lake basins and small lakes, while Waldo Lake itself, just outside the boundary, defines the area’s character. Formed by ancient glaciers, the lake is Oregon’s second largest and is renowned for exceptional clarity. The area is used chiefly for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.

Oregon · United States