Things to Do

Salt Creek Falls by Sally McAleer

Outdoor Recreation

Over 500 miles of trails welcome hikers and mountain bike riders. Trails in National Forest lands zigzag through huckleberry fields, old growth groves, peaceful meadows and across mountain slopes. The famous Pacific Crest Trail; rich with history and scenic beauty, intersects numerous routes in the trail system.

With winter, snow transforms the mountain landscape into sno parks and ski trails. Willamette Pass Resort snow sports include downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Adventurers of all abilities can enjoy the varied terrain and breathtaking scenery Winter trails are clearly marked so skier, snowboarders and snowmobile enthusiasts will have their own unique experience.

In addition to Oakridge / Westfir’s prized trails, there are many scenic drives in the area. From motoring the Aufderheide to a picturesque road trip to Crater Lake, the joy is in the journey. Plan stops along the way for short waterfall hikes, splendid overlooks, edible mushroom foraging and craft beer or spirits tastings.

Oakridge / Westfir also offers a 9-hole golf course, parks with t-ball fields, playgrounds and boat launches.

History & Education

Explore the region’s heritage at the Oakridge Pioneer Museum in the Uptown area. Founded in the 50s, the museum preserves historical artifacts from early Oakridge families and a covered wagon that may have travelled the Applegate Trail. The museum is open Saturdays and by appointment. Call 541.782.2402. Take a walking tour of the town and look for markers of the Free Emigrant Road (Lost Wagon Train), a shortcut from the Oregon Trail to the Willamette Valley. Is Nature your thing? The local Fish Hatchery is a working fish farm for trout, sturgeon and salmon and also features a small zoo of native birds, a natural history museum, interpretative paths, a mini-golf course that teaches you the likelihood of survival of fish in the wild, picnic area and museum of elegantly carved wood. You can feed the fish, enjoy the immaculately landscaped grounds and relax along the quiet paths near Salmon Creek.

In Westfir, drive or walk-thru Oregon’s longest covered bridge and the only one with a pedestrian walkway. Office Covered Bridge once served as the path to and from the old Western Fir, later Hines Lumber Mill. Workers from the mill would take the pedestrian side to the mill office to pick up their pay script at what is now the Westfir Lodge Bed and Breakfast. When open for restaurant dining, the B&B offers a lovely patio with views of the historic red bridge.

Arts & Culture

Zero Clearance Theatre produces excellent community theatre. This small local troupe performs original and classic theatrical productions three times a year. Oakridge also hosts a “Concerts in the Park” summer series at Greenwaters Park. From rock to country, live entertainment takes center stage. For more information about the performances at the Banner Bank Amphitheatre in Greenwaters Park contact the City of Oakridge at 541.782.2258.