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Waldo Lake Loop - IMBA EPIC

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (38)
  1. Areas
  2. OR
  3. …Central Oregon
  4. …Willamette National Forest
  5. Waldo Lake Wilderness
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“A tough, but scenic all-singletrack loop around the tranquil and pristine Waldo Lake. ”

Anthony Harasimowicz
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Map Key

20.3

Miles

32.7

KM

100%

Singletrack

5,754' 1,754 m

High

5,421' 1,652 m

Low

1,081' 329 m

Up

1,075' 328 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Although the snow melt at the high elevation lake will be gone by late June, the mosquitos can be relentless throughout the summer months. Best bet is to plan a ride here after Labor Day if possible.

Overview

Waldo Lake, with a surface elevation of 5414 ft., sits in the heart of the Central Oregon Cascades. This beautiful lake is encircled by a challenging 21 mile singletrack loop, the Jim Weaver Loop Trail (aka, Waldo Lake Trail #3590).

Description

The elevation gain of the overall ride is manageable, however the relentless short, steep climbs and technical sections will give you a quite a workout. There are incredible views of the lake throughout the ride and plenty of spots to cool off during the hot summer months. Pick up the Waldo Lake Trail from the main parking area at the northeast corner of the lake and complete the loop either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

History & Background

The lake is termed ultra-oligotrophic as it has extremely clear water and very little organic material. Nutrients required for sustained plant life are not present as the lake has no permanent inlet. Depths of over 100 feet can be seen on a clear day and Waldo Lake is in fact one of the purist lakes in the world. Be sure to leave only footprints (and tire tracks!), take only pictures.

Contacts

Local Club: Greater Oakridge Area Trail Stewards

Land Manager: USFS - Willamette National Forest Office

Shared By:

Anthony Harasimowicz
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 38 votes

#1

in Waldo Lake Wilderness

#546

Overall
  4.1 from 38 votes
5 Star
39%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
5%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Waldo Lake Wilderness

#20

in Oregon

#546

Overall
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25,118 Since Aug 2, 2013
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Photos

Blooming bear grass along the Waldo Lake trail.
Jul 26, 2017 near Oakridge, OR
Passing through the burn zone at the north end of Waldo Lake.
Aug 2, 2013 near Oakridge, OR
Enjoying the view on the Waldo Lake Trail.
Nov 11, 2016 near Oakridge, OR
Hill climb
Jul 30, 2020 near Oakridge, OR
One of the MANY ponds dotting the landscape around Waldo Lake
Oct 4, 2013 near Oakridge, OR
Warming hut on Waldo's south side. No wood piles yet for winter use.
Oct 20, 2013 near Oakridge, OR

19 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Sep 15, 2023
Ace Chains
Hundreds of downed trees. Holes from burnt roots. Ankle deep sand/ash. Do not come here till it is remedied. You have been warned. 20.3mi
Sep 13, 2023
Nick Brennan
Choked with deadfall and unrideable at south end of lake. 40+ trees in 3 miles.
Aug 22, 2020
Mike Dahlquist
Jul 27, 2020
Cameron Halmrast
19.8mi — 6h 00m
Jul 21, 2020
R.J. Meske
Mosquitos weren't as bad as suggested. One or two very short hike-a-bike sections unless you have very advanced skills 20.7mi — 2h 05m
Jul 15, 2020
ShaLayne Elizabeth
Just wow! 20.3mi
Aug 20, 2019
Guy Rounds
Aug 17, 2019
Nate Warren

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