Where’s Waldo?

Lake, that is.  Located on the western slopes of the Cascade range about 70 miles east of Eugene, OR, Waldo Lake is the 2nd largest lake in Oregon and one of the purest lakes in the entire world.  A battle over the use of gasoline motors on the lake has been ongoing since 2000.  Personally, I am on the side of the no motor crowd.  There are plenty of other lakes in Oregon where gasoline motors are allowed and to degrade the pristine quality of these waters is nothing less than criminal.  Not to mention the degradation of the peaceful nature of the area that would be lost if gasoline engines are allowed to return to the lake.  Currently only small electric motors are allowed.

To listen to the quiet at Waldo is to experience the peacefulness that can usually be found only on long treks into the wilderness.  Since we cannot “trek” anymore, it makes Waldo all the more special for us. 


Yes, it really is that blue, comparable to Crater Lake, but much more accessible.  There are primitive campgrounds on the lake that are best suited for tents.  However, many of the sites would be able to accommodate a 30’ or less RV.  Beware, though, the tall trees will limit the use of solar.  Some sites had more sun exposure than others so choosing your site carefully will determine your ability to rely on solar.

This is a typical campsite at Shadow Bay, on the south end of the lake.

There is also a boat ramp and courtesy dock here. 

Poppy was having a wonderful time running around and even jumping over logs.  Just look at that happy face.


Can you believe there are those who want to land float planes on this beautiful lake?  I’m not a tree hugging activist, but some things are just WRONG!


We also stopped at Islet Campground at the northern end of the lake.  There is a swimming beach here but it would have to be pretty warm to tempt me to get in that water!

Russ found a great sitting rock by the beach area.  If you look closely towards the trees on the far side of the lake, you can see a stand of gray, dead trees.  This was all beetle kill.

More logs for jumping over made Poppy one happy dog.  Her tail is held high and there is a spring in her step.  That makes us happy!!


This is a campsite at Islet Campground.  The sites are huge, it’s just the parking that is short.  This site would easily fit a 30’ RV, with lots of room left over for a car and a couple of tents…with lake view through the trees.  WOW! 


It had an interesting fire pit.  Just turn the crank to adjust the grill up or down.  Pretty neat, huh?


We had planned to eat our Sub sandwiches here but the yellow jackets were just a little too aggressive.  If I camped here, I would definitely want a screen room!  It was great fun for a day trip though.

At this stop, Poppy did not want to get out of the car.  She had done a lot of walking, running, and jumping and was probably pretty tired…or so I thought.

We had started our day with breakfast in Oakridge at Manning's Cafe.  Can’t say as I would recommend them, but I didn’t have to cook.  The bacon was good and I saved half of it to put on my sandwich for lunch.  When I stopped to get the Subs, Russ took everything out of the cooler so the sandwiches would fit.  I thought I got everything back in but…

…when I went back to the car to check on Poppy, I wondered why she had a guilty look on her face and wouldn’t make eye contact.  Then I spotted it, the napkin I had wrapped my bacon in!  EMPTY!!  Poppy had bided her time until she was alone in the car and then that bacon thief nabbed my bacon, and left nary a crumb!!  I guess she found it fair and square so I couldn’t begrudge her her ill-gotten gain.  And my sandwich was just fine without the bacon.

So if you ever find yourself at a Lake called Waldo, come and sit a spell, or even spend the night, and just enjoy the quiet and the serenity of a pristine mountain lake.  But, please, leave your dang motors at home!!