Oakridge and Westfir are the ultimate kick off points for your next outdoor sporting event. Above the fog and below the snow line, these communities offer a year-round paradise of outdoor sporting thrills, including boating, kayaking, rowing, water power sports, mountain biking, fishing or trail running.
Float with it!
Featuring an array of lakes and reservoirs, the Oakridge - Westfir area is eager to host your next water sports event. Whether it be boating, kayaking, rowing, jet skis or other power sports. One of many highlights is Hills Creek Reservoir. Hills Creek is set in rugged mountain country within the Willamette National Forest near Oakridge. The scenic lake has 44 miles of forested shoreline and provides many opportunities for recreation. A convenient boat ramp and restrooms are available for event use. Get your bait ready, for this is also a wonderful place to host your next fishing tournament; fishing for rainbow trout.
Downhilll Riding
Oakridge is known as the "Mountain Biking Capital of the Northwest," and mountain biking is another opportunity that Oakridge - Westfir area presents to an event planner. Formerly known as Flat Creek, Dead Mountain Trail is fast and fun. Average grade is 6.5 percent. Designed for mountain biking by mountain bikers, the trail features rollers, small tables and bermed turns.
Commonly referred to as "The Crown Jewel" of the world-renowned Oakridge mountain bike trails, Alpine Trail offers a little bit of everything, but most-of-all fun singletrack through lush forest. The trail is challenging and will test a rider's endurance and ability. With an average grade of 8%, this trail has a max grade of 36%. The Alpine Trail plays host to the Cascade Cream Puff every summer.
Trans-Cascadia, a 4-day backcountry mountain biking event, has felt the community support of Oakridge. Making it not just a spectacular event for the participants but for the community as well. "The positive impact of having Trans-Cascadia in the Oakridge - Westfir area has been tremendous," said Mayor James Coey of Oakridge, Oregon. "They just finished their 2nd season in our area and this year was better than last which was pretty awesome. They are great trail stewards! You barely know they have been here when the event is over. And this year, dollars and time spent on creating some new connectors and trails exceeds $20k and began as soon as the event was done last year. The trails that were created this year will have a huge impact on our community for years to come. Trans-Cascadia and the Modus Group are tremendous partners in helping maintain Oakridge and Westfir as the Mountain Biking Capital of the NW!" It's clear to see why the community is so excited to support this event and see similar events thrive in their area.
Ready to Run?
These trails are more than just for mountain biking. This a unique setting for XTERRA-style triathlons or for long (or short) course trail running. With trails surrounding Hills Creek Reservoir, combining the trails, lake and infrastructure make for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Ride On!
Another exciting opportunity for the abundant natural space of the area is with OHVs. With many trails accessible for OHVs, the Oakridge - Westfir area is ready to go! "The OHV culture in Oregon is just beginning, but it's not waiting on anyone," says John Omlin, Owner of Valley Power Sports. "The communities of Lane County are moving fast to provide opportunities for these high octane trail stewards. Not only do they provide an invaluable benefit to our area monetarily, but they're also the ones maintaining trails and routes."
What's Next?
Looking to the future, Oakridge - Westfir area is full of optimism for sports. “Oakridge and Westfir have done a great job of capitalizing on the mountain bike industry, but there is still so much more to be had,” says Joey Jewell, Director of Sports Sales for the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission. “With the myriad of trail systems, the lakes, the restaurants and brewery, Oakridge and Westfir have so much to offer. The community has done a great job of supporting sport events and continue working with event planners to make sure they can be the best host they can.” With all of these exciting possibilities, what’s stopping you from hosting your next outdoor sporting event in Oakridge or Westfir?
