SCENIC BYWAY

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.

DIAMOND PEAK

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.

SALT CREEK FALLS

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.

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.

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.

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.