Waldo Lake is one of Oregon’s largest natural lakes and is also considered one of the purest lakes in the world. This is because few streams enter the lake to add nutrients that encourage plant growth. The lakeshore itself is not wilderness as the Waldo Lake Trail, also known as the Jim Weaver Loop Trail, is also open to mountain bikers. However, on the south, west, and north shores of the lake, the trail itself forms the boundary with the wilderness. This short hike gives you a sampling of the lake shore on, arguably, its prettiest section. You’ll hike under old-growth mountain hemlocks to a three-sided shelter in a wet meadow. Take careful note, though: early in the summer, mosquitoes abound!