Nestled into the Cascade Mountains, Waldo Lake is one of the largest lakes in Oregon – and it’s absolutely breathtaking. Surrounded by emerald green forests, the crystal clear water is a perfect place for swimming, kayaking, and more.

Escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and enjoy a serene getaway at this beautiful lake in Oregon.

Located in Lane County, this lovely alpine lake is a feast for the eyes.

flickr/ Aaron Brown Sunsets are particularly spectacular.

Waldo Lake has some of the purest water in all of Oregon.

flickr/ haRee The lake is also extremely deep, reaching over 400 feet deep. Because of the clarity of the water, you can sometimes see as far as 120 feet down into the water.

There are plenty of options for recreational activities here, including boating…

flickr/ College Outdoors The lake is a perfect place for kayaking and canoeing.

….Camping….

flickr/ College Outdoors via Nina Oishi There are multiple campgrounds near the lake, including the popular North Waldo Campground.

…..Swimming….

flickr/ Monik Markus On a sunny day, you’ll want to take a dip in the calm, clear water.

….And hiking.

flickr/ College Outdoors via Nina Oishi There are tons of great trails winding through the area, including the Jim Weaver Loop and the famous Pacific Crest Trail. (There are also opportunities for biking, sailing, and more.)

Here’s a photo of the lake, taken from Waldo Mountain Lookout.

flickr/ Willamette National Forest via Rick Jackson Miles and miles of alpine forest surround the gorgeous lake.

This beautiful hidden gem is a perfect late-summer destination.

flickr/ College Outdoors The mosquitos here can be pretty annoying throughout much of the summer, but by the end of the season and the beginning of fall, Waldo Lake is wonderfully pleasant.

Find out about more amazing lakes in Oregon here.

flickr/ Aaron Brown

Sunsets are particularly spectacular.

flickr/ haRee

The lake is also extremely deep, reaching over 400 feet deep. Because of the clarity of the water, you can sometimes see as far as 120 feet down into the water.

flickr/ College Outdoors

The lake is a perfect place for kayaking and canoeing.

flickr/ College Outdoors via Nina Oishi

There are multiple campgrounds near the lake, including the popular North Waldo Campground.

flickr/ Monik Markus

On a sunny day, you’ll want to take a dip in the calm, clear water.

There are tons of great trails winding through the area, including the Jim Weaver Loop and the famous Pacific Crest Trail. (There are also opportunities for biking, sailing, and more.)

flickr/ Willamette National Forest via Rick Jackson

Miles and miles of alpine forest surround the gorgeous lake.

The mosquitos here can be pretty annoying throughout much of the summer, but by the end of the season and the beginning of fall, Waldo Lake is wonderfully pleasant.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.