It is in the Mount Thielsen Wilderness of the Umpqua National Forest, about 15 miles (24 km) west of the community of Chemult.

[3] The lake, at 5,984 feet (1,824 m) above sea level,[2] is the source of the North Umpqua River.

[1] The eastern terminus of the 79-mile (127 km) North Umpqua Trail, which follows the river, is at Maidu Lake.

[5] Maidu Lake supports brook trout ranging in size to upwards of 16 inches (41 cm).

The lake is periodically re-stocked by volunteers, who bring in hatchery fingerlings by horseback.