Waldo Lake Loop
Mountain Biking Trail
Moderate
19.25 mi
1,660 ft
IMBA Epic backcountry loop around Waldo Lake.
Waldo Lake is the second largest lake in Oregon, covering over 10 square miles. "One of the clearest and purest lakes in the world, you can see to depths of over 100 feet on a calm day,” writes []( "Water enters the lake from snow melt and subsurface flows so there is very little soil erosion entering the lake — resulting in its deep indigo color,” they continue.
Mountain bikers can pedal around the entire lake on this epic 20-mile loop. Despite this ride’s respectable length, it only climbs and descends a mere 1,800 vertical feet along its length. Consequently, it appeals to cross country and trail riders looking for a fast, scenic ride.
The singletrack is relatively buff and fast, allowing you to cover the miles quickly... that is, if you don't stop for too many photo stops!
The campground at Waldo Lake offers a great camp-and-ride experience, with the trail directly accessible from the campground.
Note: The snow stays on the ground around Waldo Lake until late in the summer. Consequently, the mosquitoes are reportedly vicious through the entire summer. Most sources recommend riding this trail in the fall, after the temps have started to cool.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Waldo Lake is the second largest lake in Oregon, covering over 10 square miles. "One of the clearest and purest lakes in the world, you can see to depths of over 100 feet on a calm day,” writes []( "Water enters the lake from snow melt and subsurface flows so there is very little soil erosion entering the lake — resulting in its deep indigo color,” they continue.
Mountain bikers can pedal around the entire lake on this epic 20-mile loop. Despite this ride’s respectable length, it only climbs and descends a mere 1,800 vertical feet along its length. Consequently, it appeals to cross country and trail riders looking for a fast, scenic ride.
The singletrack is relatively buff and fast, allowing you to cover the miles quickly... that is, if you don't stop for too many photo stops!
The campground at Waldo Lake offers a great camp-and-ride experience, with the trail directly accessible from the campground.
Note: The snow stays on the ground around Waldo Lake until late in the summer. Consequently, the mosquitoes are reportedly vicious through the entire summer. Most sources recommend riding this trail in the fall, after the temps have started to cool.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| !st Downhill CCW | 7.02 mi | -118 ft | -0.0% |
| Waldo Counter Clockwise From North Campground | 19.08 mi | -335 ft | -0.0% |
| North Waldo to Dam Camp | 3.08 mi | -82 ft | -0.0% |
| Waldo lake burned area | 2.79 mi | -59 ft | -0.1% |
| Waldo North Tech Segment | 2.54 mi | -49 ft | -0.2% |
| Waldo North Tech Segment CCW | 5.62 mi | 112 ft | 0.0% |
| Waldo Lake Lp CW from Northeast | 18.39 mi | -318 ft | -0.0% |
| Waldo Elbow Lake | 1.80 mi | -102 ft | -0.2% |
| Downhill 1 CCW | 0.83 mi | -118 ft | -2.6% |
| Waldo Lake west climb | 2.46 mi | 190 ft | 1.2% |
| Make Downhills Great Again | 0.52 mi | -207 ft | -7.5% |
| Waldo long stretch with long climb | 7.51 mi | 318 ft | 0.6% |
| waldo steep hill | 0.11 mi | 95 ft | 15.4% |
| NF5896 to NF5898 | 4.24 mi | -256 ft | -0.2% |
| 5896 to 5898 | 3.78 mi | -243 ft | -0.3% |
| Waldo descend to islet campground | 1.61 mi | -187 ft | -2.2% |
| Waldo has been found | 1.47 mi | -210 ft | -2.7% |
| 5898 to north waldo cg | 0.64 mi | -52 ft | -1.3% |