Westfir OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westfir, Oregon.
1. Office Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN STRUCTURE
The Office Bridge is the longest covered bridge in Oregon at 180 feet and serves as a historic landmark in Westfir. This idyllic covered bridge was built in 1944 and offers visitors a glimpse into the area's logging history. The bridge provides excellent views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
2. Forest Service Road 19
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Forest Service Road 19, also known as the Aufderheide Scenic Byway, traverses stunning old-growth forests and alpine meadows from Westfir to McKenzie River. The scenic drive takes visitors through breathtaking natural landscapes including Wild and Scenic rivers and dense forest canopies. During summer months, this road is particularly popular with cyclists and nature enthusiasts seeking to experience the Cascade Range's beauty.
3. Mountain Market at Westfir Lodge
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS
Mountain Market at Westfir Lodge offers house-made breakfast items, baked goods, sandwiches, and wraps crafted with fresh ingredients every summer. Visitors can enjoy coffee, local beer, and regional wine on a patio that overlooks the Westfir Covered Bridge. The market provides a perfect spot to fuel up before or after outdoor adventures in the surrounding Cascade Range.
4. Middle Fork Ranger Station
FOREST SERVICE INFORMATION
The Middle Fork Ranger Station in Westfir serves as an essential resource for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area. Open Monday through Friday, the station provides maps, permits, and up-to-date trail conditions for exploring the surrounding Willamette National Forest. Visitors can gather valuable information about local hiking trails, camping areas, and seasonal outdoor activities from knowledgeable rangers.
5. Westfir Lodge
HISTORIC MILL OFFICE LODGING
Westfir Lodge offers unique accommodations in a historic building that once housed the offices of a local lumber mill. The lodge serves as an ideal basecamp for outdoor adventures, situated perfectly for access to numerous trails and natural attractions. Guests can enjoy the rustic charm and historical significance while preparing for mountain biking, hiking, or other outdoor activities in the area.
6. Salt Creek Falls
MAJESTIC CASCADE WATERFALL
Salt Creek Falls is a wondrous sight standing at 286 feet tall, making it the second-highest waterfall in Oregon after Multnomah Falls. During winter, it transforms into a popular and accessible snowshoeing spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The Salt Creek Falls Observation Site provides stunning views of this natural wonder year-round, with accessible viewing platforms for visitors of all abilities.
7. Waldo Lake
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN WATERS
Waldo Lake is Oregon's second-largest lake and renowned as one of the world's purest bodies of water. The azure-blue mountain lake sparkles year-round, offering breathtaking views whether seen from a hiking trail, mountain bike route, or campsite. Visitors can enjoy swimming, non-motorized boating, fishing, and camping in the pristine natural setting surrounded by forests of the Cascade Range.
8. The 3 Legged Crane Pub and Brewhouse
ENGLISH-STYLE CRAFT BEER
The 3 Legged Crane Pub and Brewhouse in Oakridge specializes in cask ales and hearty pub fare including fish-and-chips. The English-style pub features outdoor seating, an indoor pool table, and regular live music creating a lively atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Their unique brewing process includes secondary fermentation in casks rather than kegs, producing distinctive flavors that pair perfectly with their menu offerings.
9. McCredie Hot Springs
NATURAL THERMAL WATERS
McCredie Hot Springs offers visitors a chance to soak in natural thermal waters just before reaching Oakridge between mile markers 45 and 46. These natural hot springs provide a relaxing experience surrounded by the lush forests of the Cascade Range. After a day of mountain biking or hiking, travelers find these springs to be the perfect way to soothe tired muscles while enjoying the tranquil natural setting.
10. Greenwaters Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Greenwaters Park provides easy access to the Middle Fork of the Willamette River and serves as a perfect place for picnicking and outdoor gatherings. The park features an amphitheater where community events are regularly held throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful riverside setting while taking a break from more strenuous activities in the surrounding mountains.
11. Willamette Pass Ski Resort
FOUR-SEASON MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Willamette Pass Ski Resort crowns the mountain community, offering spectacular views and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on varied terrain suitable for beginners through experts. During summer months, the resort offers chairlift rides providing access to hiking trails and breathtaking vistas of azure-blue mountain lakes and forested landscapes.
12. Oakridge Council for Art and Culture
LOCAL CREATIVE EXPRESSION
The Oakridge Council for Art and Culture promotes artistic expression and cultural events in this mountain community. Visitors can experience local art exhibitions, performances, and cultural activities that reflect the unique character of the Cascade Range region. The organization helps connect travelers with authentic local experiences that go beyond outdoor recreation to showcase the creative spirit of Oakridge.
13. Pacific Crest Trail Willamette Pass
LEGENDARY LONG-DISTANCE TRAIL
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Willamette Pass trailhead offers access to one of America's most famous long-distance hiking routes. Visitors can enjoy day hikes or connect to longer segments of this 2,650-mile trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada. The PCT in this section traverses stunning mountain landscapes featuring alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and old-growth forests characteristic of the Cascade Range.
14. Mountain Bike Trails
EPIC SINGLE TRACK ROUTES
Oakridge is known as the Mountain Biking Capital of the Northwest, featuring an extensive network of epic single-track trails for riders of all skill levels. These world-class mountain biking routes wind through old-growth forests, alongside clear streams, and across diverse terrain in the Willamette National Forest. Visitors from around the world come to experience these trails, which have helped establish the area's reputation as a premier mountain biking destination.
15. Mushroom Foraging Areas
WILD EDIBLE TREASURES
The forests surrounding Westfir and Oakridge are renowned for their abundant wild mushroom foraging opportunities throughout the growing seasons. Visitors can discover various edible species including morels, chanterelles, and matsutakes in the rich forest floors of the Cascade Range. Local guides and informational resources help newcomers learn sustainable foraging practices while exploring the diverse fungal ecosystem of this temperate rainforest region.