Did you know the Willamette Valley reaches from the crest of the Oregon Coast Range in the west to the peaks of the Cascade Mountains in the east?
In fact, many creeks and rivers with headwaters in the Cascades nurture the lush valley year-round. These higher altitude streams put on an especially dramatic display in winter as snow falls and softens the surrounding landscape. So if you're looking to explore the wintry fun this season, head out along Highway 58, heading east from Eugene, for a memorable outing.
Salt Creek Falls, just more than an hour east of Eugene, is the second highest single-drop waterfall in Oregon. With an impressive 286-foot drop into a scenic canyon and easy access, Salt Creek Falls offers a huge reward for little effort. The primary observation platform at the top of the waterfall is only 50 yards from the parking lot.
Keep in mind that the parking area and trail may be covered in snow throughout winter—and well into early spring; when this happens, Salt Creek Falls is only accessible from the Salt Creek Sno-Park nearby. In the event of snow, bring along microspikes, snowshoes, or other traction devices just to be safe.
For those willing to adventure a little further, snowshoeing from Salt Creek Falls to nearby Diamond Creek Falls is an unforgettable experience. The Diamond Creek Falls Trail #3598 is a difficult 2.5-mile (4 km) loop that goes east and crosses Forest Road 5893-420. Here, you can look back and see the cliffs of Mt. David Douglas.
The trail continues through the forest, crossing Forest Road 5893-420 once again and heading northeast back to the Salt Creek Falls Observation Site.
After you've checked out the scenic waterfalls, start planning your next trip—and learn more about the waterfalls of the Willamette Valley.
Near the summit of the Cascade Range, Gold Lake Sno-Park hosts the most non-motorized trails in the area—providing snowshoers and cross-country skiers with plenty of terrain to cover. Across the extensive trail network, visitors enjoy access to several three-sided shelters and a warming hut that's staffed on most weekends by Willamette Backcountry Ski Patrol volunteers.
High in the Cascades, Waldo Lake Sno-Park attracts cross-country skiers and snowmobilers with a far reaching network of trails that heads through bucolic terrain. In the midst of it all, the three-sided South Waldo Shelter hosts a wood stove and is available for day use and overnight stays.
For families looking for a more kid-friendly activity, visit the nearby Salt Creek Sno-Park, where a somewhat steep hill offers plenty of opportunities for sledding and tubing.
Photo courtesy of Melanie Griffin / EugeneCascadesCoast.org
We'd be remiss if we didn't mention Willamette Pass Ski Resort—one of the most popular wintertime attractions along Highway 58. The ski resort sits at the crest of the Cascade Range and is a local favorite for myriad reasons. Those include:
After spending the day playing in the snow, warm up with a soak in the shallow pools at the forested McCredie Hot Springs (just 15 minutes east of Salt Creek Falls—and one of several hot springs around the Willamette Valley). Note that the pools are not managed by the U.S. Forest Service—so you'll want to do some research beforehand on accessing the hot springs, having fun, and staying safe once you're there. Read more about McCredie Hot Springs here.
Afterward, finish your day with an authentic, cask-style English ale and traditional bangers and mash from 3 Legged Crane Pub and Brewhouse in Oakridge.
Several cozy inns offer overnight stays around Westfir and Oakridge—providing the perfect base camp for your winter adventures.
After a long day and satisfying evening, consider spending the night at nearby Westfir Lodge and Mountain Market; the quiet lodge is home to eight rooms with comfortable beds (some of which afford views of the historic Office Covered Bridge across the street). Stays include homemade breakfast and access to the on-site yoga room.
Enjoy a mix of retro charm and modern amenities at the Arbor Inn Motel—which offers 43" smart televisions with DirecTV service, high-speed Wi-Fi, pillow-top beds, and more as part of its commitment to a comfortable stay.
Some rooms at the charming motel come with a kitchen that includes a refrigerator, stovetop, oven, and sink.
