New Regulations Coming! A decision to manage motorized recreation on and around Waldo Lake was made April, 2007 Find out what's changed and when it takes effect from the New Regulations page. Start getting ready now for the 2009 change. Planning Documents Decision Notice April 2007 Environmental Assessment December 2006

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.