In the heart of the Cascade Range are the communities of Westfir and Oakridge. There, just 45 minutes from Eugene and 2.5 hours from Portland, sit cozy lodgings, epic outdoor adventures, and more—all surrounded by roaring rivers, towering forests, and wide-open peaks. Though they may be separate communities, Westfir and Oakridge are bound by their close proximity to those natural wonders—and by a desire to help visitors make the most of their time in the scenic area.
The hamlet of Westfir is home to an idyllic covered bridge and easy access to dozens of miles of backcountry trails. Just a few miles east is Oakridge, whose quiet main drag is surrounded on all sides by the Cascade foothills; as the larger of the close-by communities, Oakridge is where you'll find the heart of the Willamette Valley's mountain bike scene, eateries, and a grocery store stocked with provisions.
Ready to plan your next trip? Here's where to eat, drink, stay, and play around Westfir and Oakridge in the Cascade Range.
Spend your nights in Westfir and Oakridge in a historic lodge—which once housed the offices of a local lumber mill—or get cozy in a locally owned motel. If you'd rather spend a night under the stars, you'll find quiet campgrounds draped in all manner of greenery. Get started with this guide to overnight stays.
Sitting at the base of the popular Alpine Trail in the Willamette National Forest, Westfir Lodge and Mountain Market hosts eight comfortable rooms and a seasonal market (open in spring and summer) in the heart of the region.
Just a 15-minute drive from Oakridge sits Packard Creek Campground. The popular, 37-site campground sits in a forest of fir and alongside the west side of Hills Creek Reservoir. Amenities include a picnic table and campfire ring at each site.
Over in Oakridge, the mom-and-pop Arbor Inn Motel offers a clean, friendly stay in the heart of town. Smart TVs let you relax with a variety of streaming services after a day outdoors, and pillowtop beds help you rest up after a day outdoors.
However you want to get outdoors around Westfir and Oakridge—from shredding mountain bike trails to quiet hikes to easy-going disc golf adventures—you'll find plenty to do in the area. Here's a guide to the top outdoor activities around Westfir and Oakridge to get started.
The seven-mile (round-trip) North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River hike follows the western bank of its namesake river. The outing offers pink and purple rhododendron blooms in spring, cool breezes in summer, and fall foliage every autumn. Back at the trailhead, snap a few photos of the scenic Office Covered Bridge—the longest covered bridge in Oregon.
It's hard to overstate Oakridge's relationship with the sport of mountain biking. The small mountain town is routinely called "the Mountain Biking Capital of the Northwest". More than 300 miles of single-track trails traverse the forested hillsides just outside of town, so learn more about mountain biking in Oakridge from Travel Lane County.
At 286 feet tall, Salt Creek Falls is Oregon's second-tallest single-drop waterfall-and can be accessed via a short, paved, wheelchair-accessible path from the main parking area. If you want to explore further, a (non-wheelchair-accessible) hiking trail descends to its base and heads to the 120-foot Diamond Creek Falls, which tumbles down a sloping basalt cliffside nearby.
Photo by Joey Hamilton
Disc golf fans can get in a round or two at Oakridge Disc Golf Club—Oregon's newest such course. The championship-level course stretches more than 6,200 feet and boasts a variety of terrain not far from town. The course was built on the site of an old lumber mill, with interpretive panels and historic markers explaining the significance of the course's past.
Learn more about the Oakridge Disc Golf Club and other disc golf courses in the Willamette Valley.
After a long day outdoors, refuel with meals bursting with ingredients grown in the Willamette Valley, local beers, and other hearty fare. Here are a few favorite stops in the region.
Every summer, the Mountain Market at Westfir Lodge dishes house-made breakfast items, baked goods, sandwiches, wraps, snacks, and more—all crafted with fresh ingredients—as well as coffee, local beer, and regional wine. Savor every sip and bite on a patio that overlooks the Westfir Covered Bridge.
Unwind with a tasty beer and a plate of fish-and-chips at The 3 Legged Crane Pub and Brewhouse in Oakridge; the English-style pub specializes in cask ales, which go through secondary fermentation in casks (not kegs) before they're served. Outdoor seating, an indoor pool table, and regular live music all create a lively atmosphere.
