Oakridge - Gateway to the Cascades and nestled in the National Forest

Oakridge is completely surrounded by the Willamette National Forest and is the Gateway to the Cascades Mountain Range. The Middle Fork of the Willamette River runs through town as well as Salmon Creek and other tributaries in the area that provide fishing and hunting opportunities. It is not uncommon to see deer or even elk herds in the meadows and forests. Just out of Oakridge is the Hills Creek Reservoir and then other pristine lakes upriver within a few miles.

Hiking and backpacking are favorite activities of residents and tourists, which is not surprising with the towering trees and hundreds of miles of trails. The Pacific Crest Trail runs nearby, and hikers will see lakes, snow covered peaks, rivers and streams, waterfalls and probably wildlife too.

Campers and RVers have plenty of campgrounds to choose from, with river or lakeside campsites - options exist for full hookup or roughing it. Whatever your style, the Willamette National Forest has some of the best scenery in the world. Check out Salt Creek Falls! Our lakes are epic: Waldo, Odell, Crescent, and more.

Oakridge is considered a mountain biker Mecca with trails of easy to rough terrain. Oakridge has a bike shop and Cog Wild provides shuttles and tours of fine trails guaranteed to challenge and enthrall you.

Snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, and sledding are found just out of town at the Gold Lake Sno Park and Willamette Pass Ski Lodge.

Or golf? Circle Bar Golf Club provides golfers with a scenic course. Or maybe you like disk golf…Oakridge has a course that meanders through forest and meadows. If you like meandering, take a drive on the Aufderheide Drive, just out of Westfir and past the longest covered bridge in Oregon, the Office Bridge. If you cross the bridge you come to a trailhead that goes along the river for miles…

And after a hard day of hiking, snowboarding, fishing, or biking, eat Thai, Mexican, home cooking, or the Three Legged Crane, Oakridge’s own brewery - for food or a brewski. Galleries along 1st Street may catch your attention, or an espresso at Mane Street Coffee. Oakridge is a quiet, laid back town, perfect for those who love the outdoors and the simple quiet life.