Cascade Mountains

Prepare to be awed by nature. The magnificent Cascades span the eastern most boundary of the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region bedecked in old growth forests, wildflower fields, lava rock landscapes and sparkling waterways. Explore the Umpqua and Willamette National Forests, crowned by Diamond Peak and the South, Middle and North Sisters.

Wonders of the Forest by Rick Faber

This year-round recreational paradise is only an hour from the Eugene - Springfield metro area. Popular outdoor pursuits include hiking, mountain biking, rafting and fishing. In winter, the Cascades serve up a veritable smorgasbord of snow sports. With hot springs bubbling up, wild mushrooms for foraging, rumors of Sasquatch (Big Foot) and spectacular vistas around every turn, the Cascades are a guaranteed adventure.

Waldo Lake Canoe by Skye Ten Eyck

Exploring the Mountains

McKenzie River has over two hundred years of traceable history. At Clear Lake peer down at petrified forest beneath the still water, or gaze up into the old growth tree canopy in the J.H. Andrews Experimental Forest.

Dee Wright Observatory Highway 242 by Cari Soong Connecting the communities of the McKenzie River and Oakridge/Westfir is the Aufderheide, a segment of the West Cascades Scenic Byway. Oakridge is a former logging community adjacent magnificent mountain biking and hiking trails and just below the winter snowline, making it an ideal year-round base camp for many outdoor adventures.

Road Trip: Oakridge

Sometimes you just have to make a break for the hills! This spring, drive to Oakridge/Westfir for… More ›

How To Get To The Snow

If you want to have a day or two to play in the snow this winter, the Cascade Mountains are… More ›

McKenzie River

Raft the crystal clear river, fish for steelhead or soak in the hot springs.
Oakridge/Westfir

Charge world class mountain biking trails, hunt for mushrooms or ski the slopes.