This is one of many pleasant paved mountain road rides found in Eastern Lane County. This road runs the entire length of the east side of Waldo Lake. The Waldo Lake Road 5897 begins on Highway 58 24 miles east of Oakridge. The 13 miles of paved road ends at the North Waldo Campground. It is a continual, but not annoying climb of 800 vertical feet. For mountain riding, 61.5 vertical feet per mile elevation gain has to be regarded as an easy ascent. Starting at 4600 feet, the road runs north passing along the impressive fir cloaked mountains of Maiden Peak to the east, and Fuji Mountain and Mt. Ray to the west. At 9 miles lies the first road to the lake. Road 5896 to Shadow Bay Campground drops 200 vertical feet to the lake. Be prepared for a stiff climb back to Waldo Lake Road. Shadow Bay makes for a nice shorter version of this ride. The remainder of the ride from the Shadow Bay road to the north end of Waldo Lake has the least amount of elevation gain.
The reward for riding the entire 13 miles is the trip back to Highway 58. It is mostly downhill, however there are a few climbs. On the way down, you will enjoy great views of Yoran and Diamond Peak to the south.
All along Waldo Lake Road are hiking trails leading to beautiful mountain peaks and lakes. Bring a bike lock and stash your bike in the woods and enjoy a nice hike.
Keith Nelson
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