| ALLURING TREKS |
Over 500 miles of trails located in National Forest lands zigzag through huckleberry
fields, old growth groves, mountain peaks, enchanting waterfalls, and peaceful
meadows. The famous Pacific Crest Trail; rich with history and scenic beauty,
intersects numerous routes in the trail system.
As snow flakes over the mountains, challenging downhill, snowboard and cross country
ski trails a wait the visitor. Whispers of silence fill the air as the skier and
boarders enjoys breathtaking scenery and varied trail experiences that accommodate
every skiing and snowboarding ability. Trails are clearly marked so skier, snowboarders
and snowmobile enthusiasts will have their own unique experience.
Besides winter sports there are also many scenic drives in the area. One loop
drive will take you to Hills Creek Reservoir along Forest Service Road 21, past
Warner Mountain Fire Lookout, along the Diamond Peak Wilderness boundary and then
back toward Oakridge. Pack a picnic lunch or return to town for a fine meal at
one of the many restaurants. Check the map for other trips, or contact the Middle
Fork Ranger District for more information. |
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| SCENIC BYWAY |
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Aufderheide
National Scenic Byway is one of the nation´s first 50 National Scenic
Byways. It winds through the lush undergrowth of the majestic Willamette National
Forest and meanders along the cold, clear water of the North Fork of the Middle
Fork of the Willamette River and the Sound Fork of the McKenzie. As well as scenic
vistas, the drive also provides opportunities to explore and understand the environment.
National Forest management practices involving timber, recreation, water, and
wildlife resources can also be seen on the drive. Kiahanie Campground is a beautiful
place for a picnic stop beside the North Fork River.
An auto tape tour has been produced to help the visitor re-live the early logging
and mining days of the Westfir and Blue River communities. It helps in understanding
Forest Service management of water quality, wildlife, recreation, archeology,
and timber along the Scenic Byway. A copy of the cassette tape tour can be borrowed
(free of charge) from the Middle Fork RD office on Salmon Creek Road. |
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| MIDDLE FORK TRAIL |
| The roar of the river will drown out the sound of your footsteps as you meander
along the Middle Fork Trail. Old-growth stands of more than 350 years, some tree
6 feet in diameter, offer an opportunity to experience and enjoy the old-growth
environment. The trail, 25 miles long and passing four campgrounds, parallels
the river and offers access for some great fishing. Spring flowers and autumn
leaves are spectacular along the route.
Chuckle Springs, located a short distance past Indigo Springs Campground, resembles
a paradise. Well worth the trip is the lush green forest floor, and the open
mature groves of Douglas-fir, western Red Cedar, western hemlock, and yew.
USFS
Website |
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| WESTFIR COVERED BRIDGE |
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The 180 foot bridge located in Westfir is the longest covered bridge in the state.
It is called the Office Bridge as it linked the old lumber mill to the old office,
now a bed and breakfast inn, located on the corner across from the bridge because
it has a covered foot walk separate from the roadway of the bridge. |
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| DIAMOND PEAK |
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Diamond
Peak towers above Summit Lake at an elevation of 8744 feet. Odell, Summit,
Waldo, and Crescent Lakes loom below the majestic peak. The Pacific Crest Trail
can be taken from Summit Lake to the base of Diamond Peak where, after a fairly
easy scramble, a climbers' trail will take you to the top. During the spring and
early summer, snow climbers can be seen making their way to the crest. |
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| SALT CREEK FALLS |
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Salt
Creek Falls is Oregon´s second highest waterfall with 286 feet of cascading,
tumbling energy. The popular viewing area is 20 miles southeast of Oakridge along
Hwy 58. Facilities at the falls include flush toilets, trails, interpretive displays,
falls overlook, picnic area, and a large parking lot -all wheelchair accessible.
This facility is open all year.
The area is rich in geologic, historic, scenic, and recreational opportunities.
Breath-taking cliffs provide awe-inspiring vistas. Trails access the top and
bottom of Salt Creek Falls and then join other trails that will take the hiker
to Too Much Bear Lake Creek Falls is an easy walk laced with numerous waterfalls. |
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| OREGON CASCADE RECREATION AREA |
| The Oregon Cascades Recreation Area(OCRA) extends along the backbone of the Cascade
Mountain Range and provides a variety of recreational experiences.
The popular Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes through the area and
is accessible by a number of secondary trails. Summer recreational uses include
hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping.
The Timpanogas Basin portion of the Oregon Cascades Recreation Area is non-wilderness
and situated 45 miles southeast of Oakridge. During winter months, snowmobiling
is a favorite on the many marked routes. This basin forms the headwaters of
the Middles Fork of the Willamette River and offers excellent views of Diamond
Peak, Sawtooth, and Cowhorn Mountains. There are two developed campgrounds:
one is located at Timpanogas Lake, and the other is a primitive campground at
Indigo Lake, which is a 1.9-mile hike from Timpanogas Lake. The basin offers
23 miles of hiking trails.
USFS
Website |
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| FIRE LOOKOUTS |
| Fire lookouts are still an important part of forest fire detection on the Willamette
National Forest. Staff persons watch for fires, report on weather, relay messages,
and perform more contemporary tasks such as monitoring air quality. Seeing a fire
or smoke early and reporting it accurately is essential for immediate fire suppression.
Visitors are welcome at the lookouts, where views of magnificent mountain peaks
and vast wilderness can be seen. Warner and Huckleberry mountains lookouts are
accessible by vehicle. Waldo Mountain Lookout, located in the Waldo Lake Wilderness,
is only accessible by trail. Why would anyone like to spend summers sitting
on top of mountains? Those who staff these high pinnacles would enjoy sharing
their reasons. Come on up!
USFS
Website |
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| LARISON COVE CANOE AREA |
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Larison
Cove Canoe area is located on Forest Road 21 approximately 6 miles south of
the community of Oakridge. Those loving solitude will enjoy the tranquility of
the cove.
A boat ramp for non-motorized boats and a swimming area are situated on the
south side of the cove. Four canoe-in picnic sites are available within 1/2
to 1 miles of the dock. Since these sites are isolated. Two picnic areas found
on the north side of the cove are accessible by boat or trail.
A trailhead to Larison Creek is found on the north side of Larison Creek for
approximately 6 miles. |
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| ANGLER'S DELIGHT |
Whether year around or just during the summer, the Oakridge/Westfir area can fulfill
your fishing fantasies. Many lakes and four quality fishing streams await to thrill
anglers with a fine catch of kokanee, rainbow trout, crappie, large mouth bass,
or catfish. The North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette river and Gold
Lake are open only to fly fishing. The section of the Middle Fork of the Willamette
River running through Oakridge is a blue ribbon tail fishery. Ice fishing in the
high lakes also challenges the avid enthusiast. All fishing requires a license
available at local merchants. Regulation information is distributed with the license.
U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers Site |
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| WILLAMETTE PASS/ODELL LAKE/GOLD LAKE |
|
Willamette Pass offers
a variety of activities for winter sports enthusiasts. Cross-country skiing, downhill
skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are available within a 45-minute drive from
Oakridge. The ski area has 18 groomed runs, 4 chairlifts, a rope tow, and a beautiful
lodge.
Marked cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails are located on National
Forest land. The Forest Service operates a cabin at Gold Lake Sno-Park where
visitors can warm themselves and gather ski information. There are several shelters
in the area managed by the Forest Service that may be used for picnics or overnight
camping. A Park Permit is required to park in the parking areas along Highway
58. A large parking area is available at Gold Lake Sno-Park.
Odell Lake,
just 2 miles from Willamette Pass, has two resorts. Both are open year around.
Four campgrounds also add to the outdoor experience. |
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| WALDO LAKE |
|
Scooped out by ancient glaciers, Waldo
Lake lies neat the crest of the Cascades at an elevation of 5,414 feet. About
33 miles east of Oakridge, Waldo Lake is one of the purest lakes in the world
and the second largest lake in Oregon. Its crystal-clear and exceptionally blue
waters cover more than 10 square miles with a maximum depth of 420 feet. You can
see to the depths of 100 feet on a calm day
More than 200 developed camping units await visitors on Waldo´s east
shore. All three campgrounds have flush toilet and concrete boat ramps. Two
holding-tank disposal stations provide an added convenience for recreational
vehicle users. There are approximately 170 miles of trails within the Waldo
area, leading not only to an impressive array of lakes, but to giant conifer
groves, mountain meadows, and volcanic peak summits. The Waldo Lake Trail, a
21-mile loop around Waldo Lake is used by hikers, horses, and mountain bikes.
The trail offers access to the Waldo Lake Wilderness and to isolated beaches,
coves, and meadows, found along the lake´s shores.
The lake is ideal for sailboating and canoeing. |
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| WILD AND SCENIC RIVER |
|
Fly fishing for native trout, spectacular scenery, interesting geology, and a
wide diversity of plant life can all be found along the North Fork of the Middle
Fork of the Willamette River. The river beings as a small outlet of Waldo Lake,
high in the Cascades, then drops 2,400 feet in three miles while plunging over
34 separate waterfalls. The clear, cold water races down the river - dashing into
shady coves and sunny spots. Swimming holes call out on a hot day along the lower
section of the river. Kayakers are challenged as they venture through the swift
currents from the gorge down into Westfir.
Because of these unique features, the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the
Willamette River has been recognized as a national treasure and designated by
Congress as a Wild and Scenic River. |
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| Willamette Fish Hatchery |
| Our fish hatchery is truely one of a kind. You can see thousands of fish at most
hatcheries, but at ours you can see a live bird center and play mini golf. That's
right our fish hatchery has a free covered mini golf course, instead of windmills
and clowns to challange you, the obstacales on this course are those that face
the salmon as they spawn. A fun time for all can be had here. Please make sure
you stop by. |
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