The North Shore of Waldo Lake is a gem of a trail ride, and one of my favorites in the Waldo Lake area. And that's saying something, because the Waldo Lake area offers tons of riding, beautiful scenery, and a convenient (if Spartan) horse camp.
The 22-mile Waldo Lake Trail has almost no elevation change as it runs along the shore all the way around the lake. But 22 miles is a long way, even if the trail is easy. A more manageable 8.5-mile route follows the Waldo Lake Trail around the north shore of the lake to the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, the lake’s only outlet.
As you ride, you’ll enjoy beautiful views across the lake. Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the state (second only to Crater Lake), and one of the clearest in the world — on a calm day you can see 150 feet down into the water. You’ll enjoy seeing the healthy green forests on the east, west, and south sides of the lake mirrored in the smooth surface of the lake.
The ride along the north shore of Waldo Lake is great fun! Put it on your summer ride list, and go!
If you'd like to explore the other trails in the area, Harralson Horse Camp offers overnight accommodations and a toilet, but you'll need to bring your own stock water and either highline your horse or bring a portable corral.
More Information
The North Waldo Shore Trail is covered in Riding Southern Oregon Horse Trails by Kim McCarrel, available at www.NWHorseTrails.com.
Reprinted with permission from Northwest Rider Magazine, April 2014.