P5 – Paul Turner
PROBLEM: The water temperature at Waldo lake is often too cold to bare. A bathhouse with warm water would allow visitors to comfortably soak despite a dominantly cold climate. An enclosed structure also helps avoid the NW winds and a mosquito problem that plagues the lakes of the Cascade Mountains.
>>>WEATHER
The best months are May – October
Warmest weather and least amount of rain is June-September
>>>SUNLIGHT SIMULATION: May-June at mid-month(15th) 4pm
*Following info found at: wikitravel.org/en/Waldo_Lake
>>>QUICK FACTS
Waldo Lake is Oregon’s second largest natural body of water.
Waldo Lake is one of the clearest lakes in the world, on a bright day one can see over 100 feet in depth.
The chemical makeup of the water in Waldo lake has been compared to distilled water.
The closest bodies of water to Waldo lake are: Eddeeleo Lakes, and Quinn Lakes, and Six Lake Basin.
The forest around the lake is made up of: Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Fir, and True Fir.
The Lake Area is: 6928 Acres (9.8 Sq Miles).
The Lakes Maximum Depth: 420 Feet.
Average lake depth: 128 feet.
Length of Shoreline: 21.7 miles.
The soil is made up of weathered volcanic ash, and boulders of basaltic bedrock.
This area may be subject to heavy mosquitos through early August.
>>MOSQUITO PROBLEM
Waldo Lake is well known for mosquitoes. A visitor should bring several bottles of repellent if visiting during summer months. Mosquitoes are common in most Cascade lakes. Its most important to wear insect repellent around the lake in the evening hours. Be aware that many types of insect repellent have been proven to be toxic, carcinogenic, and cause birth defects, and many on the market have not been tested. Just because it says ‘natural’ on the label does not mean it is safe.
>>>THINGS TO DO
Hiking. Miles of trails surround the Waldo Lake wilderness area, the most popular is the lake perimeter trail (22 miles).
Sailing. There is a 10MPH speed limit on the lake, so most boats are sailboats, the lake is usually calm but it’s very common for wind to come from the NW. There are boat ramps at all three campgrounds.
Camping. There are 3 campgrounds on the east side of the lake.
Swimming. Swimming is possible in the summer months, but lake temperatures stay below 65 degrees in warm summer months.
Snowmobiling. Snowmobiling is popular during winter months when most of the lake is frozen. Waldo Lake Road is closed during winter months, as most snowmobilers park here and make the 8-12 mile ride up to the lakes campgrounds and trails.
Fishing. Waldo Lake supports several species of fish including rainbow trout, brook trout, and kokanee salmon. The best time to fish is generally in the early morning or the late evening hours. The best time of the year to fish is in early June or late October. (though the lake is well documented as having “poor fishing due to water that is too pure to support fish” and has not been stocked since 1990. -Backpacking Oregon, Douglas Morain, 1999)
>>>ADDITIONAL INFO
Waldo Lake is the only major lake in Oregon with a shoreline trail good for backpackers. <<<Adequate storage space / lockers
It would attract more people and create additional revenue.
The bathhouse needs to embrace and respect the beautiful surroundings.
Access to the site must be considered in terms of construction/maintenance/road conditions/etc.
Baths must be situated in such a way that they feel private for those inside.
DESIGN
QUALITIES:
- Focused on touch & thermal qualities
- Thermal Mass, Specific Heat, Thermal Lag, Convection, etc
- Connected to landscape, embedded into ground
- Horizontality
- Embrace surroundings, views of lake / scenery
- Outdoor rooms are carefully crafted
- Use of existing retaining wall
- Natural & man made landscape
- rugged/tactile/textural material
- accommodates all types of visitors
