Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It is the second
deepest natural lake in the state (Crater Lake is the deepest). It nestles
against wilderness and is the headwaters of the North Fork of the Middle
Fork of the Willamette River, a National Wild and Scenic River. Scientific
studies have determined that Waldo is one of the most dilute large lakes
in the world. The water chemistry of the lake has been compared to that
of distilled water.
For More Information
For more information on Waldo Basin Management, contact
Stacey Smith, Middle Fork Ranger District (541) 782-2283.
These very features may be putting the purity of the lake at risk. Recreation
use in the basin has steadily increased over the last 25 years.
Increased recreation use and recent water quality monitoring, along
with other events like the 1996 Charlton fire, have elevated concerns
regarding management of the basin.
Last updated:
July 22, 2008
This page is part of the official USDAFS Willamette National Forest website.
For more information about the USDA, the Forest Service, or other forests
near the Willamette N.F, please visit these sites: USDA > Forest
Service > Region 6 (Pacific NW)