Outdoor Recreation
Undiscovered, unlimited, an ultimate outdoor living experience with convenient access to nearby metro area, in Oakridge you can pick a sport or activity and dive in! Bike, hike, swim, golf, ski, boat, fish, hunt and try birding, huckleberry picking or mushroom hunting.
Oakridge is nested in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Surrounded by the Willamette National Forest, pristine rivers run through the heart of one of Oregon's most beautiful valleys. The foothills call to those who treasure its beauty, to come, enjoy, live, work, and play, where the sky touches the tops of the forests. Oakridge sits in the middle of a year-round recreation paradise, above the fog and below the snow. The area is rich in geologic, historic, scenic, and recreational opportunities.
Those who have discovered Oakridge know they have found paradise. Nestled in a valley surrounded by lakes, rivers and the Willamette National Forest, the city offers both creature comforts and natural wonders—the best of both worlds! Head northwest for easy access to Eugene and Springfield; head southeast and enjoy the winter sports of the Willamette Pass area. Everywhere around you you’ll find biking, hiking, boating, birding, hunting, fishing and just about any other form of outdoor recreation you choose. Above the Willamette Valley’s notorious fog but below the snow line, the city boasts some of the best weather in Oregon. It is said that one sees the sun nearly everyday in Oakridge.
Camping
With over approximately one million visitors per year to Lane County's 73 recreation sites, it is quite easy to recognize how important open space and recreational opportunities are to both residents and visitors of Lane County.
Oakridge is nestled in the Willamette National Forest, which stretches for 110 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Range in western Oregon. It extends from the Mt. Jefferson area east of Salem to the Calapooya Mountains northeast of Roseburg. The varied landscape of high mountains, narrow canyons, cascading streams, and wooded slopes offer excellent opportunities for visitors. For more information please refer to the links below.
Geotourism
Oakridge has much to offer in Geotourism, defined as the geographic character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and people. The forest is a bounty of wild flowers, berries and mushrooms. Trails wind through layers of moss to discover waterfalls. Birders will tell you that this area is unparalleled for sighting raptors of many varieties and other wildlife sightings such as elk and deer, are common. In a place steeped with the history of living in the forests that surround Oakridge, the community celebrates it in their festivals, art and everyday living.
Hunting and Fishing
Some of the finest fishing in Oregon can be found in the forests surrounding Oakridge and Westfir. Brown and rainbow trout, croppies, salmon, and catfish can be caught, depending on the season. The Willamette River and Salmon Creek provide relaxing locations for river fly fishing. If you prefer dipping your line in a lake, you'll find many in the area that will entice you. At the crest of the Cascades, Odell Lake is a fisherman's paradise with mackinaw reaching over 30 pounds (13.6 kg) and kokanee salmon over 20 inches (51 cm).
Surrounded by the lush Willamette National Forest, hunting is plentiful whether it be with a rifle or a bow. The area sports not only a large elk and deer population, but also bear and cougar.
Auto Touring & Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation
There are many ways to explore the beauty surrounding Oakridge. One way is from the comfort of your vehicle, but be prepared for some rough patches! The Oakridge area has hundreds of miles of paved and graveled forest roads to explore winding creeks and awe inspiring vistas. For those looking for a little more speed, Emerald Empire Sports Car Club (see link below) sponsors the Larison Rock Hill Climb on a closed asphalt Forest Service road in July. The course is 1.9 miles, rising 1000 feet, around 23 curves. No two turns are quite the same on this challenging course. For those looking more time to enjoy the scenery, please see the Scenic Byways section.
Looking to get a little dirty? The nearby Huckleberry flats OHV area provides over 30 miles (48 km) of loop trails in 11 square miles (28.5 square kilometers) of the densely forested Willamette National Forest. This free use trail area (with an Oregon OHV permit) is well signed and open to both motorcycles and ATVs. This system is closed to Class II motorized vehicles, bicycles, horses and hiker use.
To reach Huckleberry Flats from the Eugene-Springfield area, exit Highway 58 at the Westfir turnoff, turn left after green bridge, continue 2 miles to covered bridge. Continue straight ahead on Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide Drive) 14 miles to Forest Road 1928. Right on Forest Road 1928 for 4 miles to parking area. From Oakridge, turn left at stoplight (Crestview St.), right onto W. First St., left onto Oak St. Continue up hill, bearing right onto High Prairie Road for 6.5 miles to the end of the pavement. Follow Forest Road 1928 for 4 miles to parking area.
Scenic Byways
Just outside the Oakridge-Westfir area is the beautiful Aufderheide Scenic Drive (Robert Aufderheide Memorial Drive).The Aufderheide National Scenic Byway was named after and dedicated to the memory of Robert Aufderheide, a Willamette National Forest Supervisor. 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 South Fork of the McKenzie River. As well as scenic vistas, the drive also provides opportunities to explore and understand the environment. The Aufderheide is part of the 220 mile West Cascades Scenic Byway that runs north to south, skirting the northern half of Oregon's Cascade Mountain Range from Oakridge to Estacada. Please see the link below for the West Cascades Scenic Byway.
To reach Aufderheide Drive from the Eugene-Springfield area exit Highway 58 at the Westfir turnoff, turn left after the green bridge, continue 2 miles to the covered bridge, then continue straight ahead on Forest Service Road 19 (Aufderheide Scenic Drive).
Golf
Circle Bar Golf Club is a 9-hole course nestled between the cities of Oakridge and Westfir on High Prairie. The rolling hills, trees and ponds create natural hazards and challenges along a fair mix of par 3 and par 5 holes. The course was established in the 1950’s by two local sawmills, Hines and Pope & Talbot, for the enjoyment of its employees who created the course, then management of it was handed over to Club members. That tradition endures in a strong spirit of pride and ownership shown when the members come together for improvement projects. The course is open to the public on a drop-in basis in addition to offering month-to-month and punch card type memberships. Visit the Facebook page linked below for more information.
Lakes & Rivers
Oakridge lies at the confluence of five rivers that cut through the surrounding mountains, making Oakridge an excellent spot for those who want to get their feet wet. Whether you travel by kayak, raft or simple inner-tube, there is always a place to cool off in the warm summer months. Hills Creek Reservoir and Crescent Lake provide excellent access to water-skiing.
Waldo Lake lies near the crest of the Cascades at an elevation of 5,414 feet (1,650 m). About 33 miles (53 km) east of Oakridge, Waldo Lake is one of the purest lakes in the world and the second largest lake in Oregon. In its crystal-clear and exceptionally blue waters visitors can see to the depths of over 100 feet (30 m) on a calm day. The non-motorized waters have become a favorite for sailboats, canoes and kayaks. Downstream the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River has been designated as a Wild and Scenic River. In the summer months, the river's clean clear waters invites people to visit its many swimming holes.
Winter Recreation
Whether you prefer downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross-country skiing, or snow-shoeing, Oakridge is the perfect place for winter sport enthusiasts. Willamette Pass Resort ski area, just 27 miles (44 km) east of Oakridge on Highway 58, provides a full service resort with a small town feel. Ride up five ski lifts, including a high-speed, six passenger lift that takes you to the 6,683 foot (2,037 m) summit in five minutes to unleash 555 acres (2.25 sq. km) of skiable terrain. In addition to downhill runs, Willamette Pass offers over 12 miles (20 km) of cross-country trails groomed for both track and skate skiing through rolling terrain.
Marked cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails are located on National Forest land. The Forest Service and National Ski Patrol volunteers operate 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. Diamond Peak Wilderness offers secluded back-country adventures for the mountaineer and experienced skier. This 8,744 foot (2,665 m) peak in the Oregon Cascades offers some the best in off-resort downhill skiing. www.willamettepass.ski/
