South Waldo Shelter
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Winter access requires a Sno-Park permit for parking at Gold Lake Sno-Park from November 1 through April 30. The shelter is accessed by ski or snowshoe during winter months and by hiking trail during summer. Maximum stay is 14 days within a 30-day period.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Forest Service Road (FSR) 2223 and FSR 2212 Emergency Road Closure
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREFOREST SERVICEWILLAMETTE NATIONAL FORESTSPRINGFIELD, OREGONFOREST ORDER NO. 06-18-04-25-23FSR 2223 AND FSR 2212 EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE
Portion of Forest Service Road 1003 (Tom Creek Road) closed
A portion of Forest Service Road 1003, also known as Tom Creek Road, is closed. The road closure starts at the junction of FSR 10 and FSR 1003 and includes the first 4.1 miles of FSR 1003 to the junction with the 1003-416 and 1003-409 roads.
Sno-park Permits required Nov. 1 to Apr. 30
Sno-Park Permits are required to park in designated sno-parks from November 1 through April 30. Sno-Park Permits are managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Emigrant Fire Closure Order
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this Order on National Forest System
Tamolitch Parking / Trail Construction Closure
Tamolitch Parking and Trail Construction Closure Forest Order.
Detroit Dispersed Camping Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 USC§ 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Closure Areas, roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative
FIRE CLOSURES: Current wildfire closures on the Willamette National Forest
For updates on active fires, visit our fire Incident Information page. Fire Closures:
Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries
Carmen Reservoir Closure
To protect the health and safety of the public: due to heavy machinery and construction equipment traffic, the following area is closed: the footprint of Carmen Reservoir, from the center of the reservoir up to the high-water line and extends to the spillway area to the southwest and Forest Road
Cedar Creek Fire Closure
To provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.
14 Day Stay Camping Limit
Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any locations on the Willamette National Forest described in this order, overnight, for a period longer than 14 calendar days, in a 30-day period.
Camping Restrictions in Cougar Recreation Area
The Cougar Recreation Area is a specially designated area around Cougar Reservoir.
Moose and Gordon Dispersed Camping Closure
The purpose of this closure is to prohibit dispersed overnight camping and make these areas available as day-use only.
Terwilliger Hot Springs Nudity, Alcohol, and Closed Times
To provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the areas and on the roads described in this Order.
Occupation Use Restriction in Middle Fork Ranger District
The following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this order within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.Prohibitions:1. Being in the area after sundown to before sunrise.2. Parking in violation of posted instructions.
About
South Waldo Shelter is a three-sided backcountry shelter situated on the edge of a meadow near Waldo Lake in the Willamette National Forest. The shelter is primarily accessed during winter months via the trail system from Gold Lake Sno-Park, requiring approximately 3.9 miles of skiing or snowshoeing from the marked trailhead. The route follows Gold Lake Road, then Gold Lake Trail to Mount Ray Trail, continuing to Waldo Lake Road and eventually to a marked trailhead that drops down past Betty Lake and several small lakes before reaching the shelter. The shelter itself is a simple but functional structure with a wood stove, sleeping bench, and gravel floor. It accommodates up to four persons for overnight stays and is also available for day use. The location sits within the Waldo Lake Wilderness area, offering solitude and pristine winter scenery for self-sufficient backcountry users. Summer access is possible via hiking trails including the Waldo Lake Trail and shoreline trails from Shadow Bay. This is a primitive facility with no water, no restrooms, and no fees. Visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for backcountry conditions. The shelter is open year-round but is most commonly used during winter when a Sno-Park permit is required for parking at Gold Lake Sno-Park. The area is shared with snowmobiles on Waldo Lake Road, though other nordic trails in the area prohibit snowmobile use.
Directions
From Oakridge, travel east on Highway 58 for 23.3 miles from the intersection of Crestview Street. Turn left on Waldo Lake Road (Forest Road 5897) and travel 6.7 miles to Forest Road 5896. Turn left onto Forest Road 5896 and travel 2 miles to the day use parking area. The shoreline trail heading south past the day use area leads to South Waldo Shelter. Winter access: Park at Gold Lake Sno-Park and ski/snowshoe approximately 3.9 miles following marked trails via Gold Lake Road and trail system.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.mfrd@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 782-2283 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| South Waldo Shelter |
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