West Cascades Scenic Byway
Relaxing on the West Cascades

Departure: Oakridge, Oregon
Destination: Estacada, Oregon
Time to allow: 2 days

Along the West Cascades Scenic Byway are creations of man intermixed with nature, history, and culture displayed along the roadway for all to see.

Day 1

  • Start: Oakridge

    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Oakridge was known earlier as "that jewel of a city, in the mountains." Take a short break here to shop and walk along the streets.

  • Stop 2: Westfir and Westfir Covered Bridge

    From previous stop: 13 minutes / 5.7 mi (9.1 km)
    Directions:

    From downtown Oakridge, follow 1st Street west until you reach Crestview Road; turn left onto Crestview Road. This road takes you over the railroad tracks and brings you to Hwy 58. Turn right onto Hwy 58 and continue west until you are out of town. In about .3 miles turn right onto Westfir-Oakridge Road and follow this road until you arrive at the covered bridge and the beginning of the byway.
    Suggested time at this stop: 40 minutes

    A former lumber town, this community is located near Oakridge, on the southern end of the West Cascades Scenic Byway. In Westfir, you can see the Westfir Covered Bridge. One of 50 covered bridges in Oregon, the 180-foot bridge is the longest covered bridge in the state. It is unique because it is separate from the roadway of the bridge.

  • Stop 3: Box Canyon

    From previous stop: 1 hour 20 minutes / 32 mi (51.2 km)
    Directions:

    From Westfir and the Office Covered Bridge, continue on Forest Road 19 (The West Cascades Scenic Byway) for 32 miles. The Box Canyon Guard Station is on the right (east) and Box Canyon Horse Camp is on the left (west).
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Take a break with a picnic lunch at Box Canyon Guard Station or at the meadow, a short walk away, where flowers and butterflies are bountiful during the summer months. Built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the station has interpretive signs describing recreational opportunities and historic facts. There is a picnic table behind the Guard Station that may be used, unless the Guard Station is occupied. The Box Canyon Area is located adjacent to a horse camp as well as many hiking trails leading into the Three Sisters Wilderness.

  • Stop 4: Cougar Reservoir

    From previous stop: 1 hour 19 minutes / 22.7 mi (36.3 km)
    Directions:

    Continue following Forest Road 19 north. You'll reach the southern tip of the Cougar Reservoir in about sixteen and a half miles. Continue along Forest Road 19--also known as Aufderheide Dr.--for about six miles to reach the northern end of the reservoir.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This is a good place to get out and stretch your legs because the Reservoir is about 6 miles long, and the walk along the water provides a relaxing view. The dam is at the north end of the Reservoir, and is the tallest rock-filled dam in Oregon. The view from alongside the reservoir provides outstanding vistas into the French Pete addition to the Three Sisters Wilderness Area.

  • Stop 5: Delta Campground and Nature Trail

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 3.5 mi (5.6 km)
    Directions:

    Continue northwest on Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide Dr.). Take the first left onto Forest Road 400 and follow the road for about half a mile to reach the Delta Campground.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Near the Cougar Reservoir is the Delta Campground and Nature Trail. Ancient Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir stretch up to 180 feet here. Tilt your head as you walk under them along the Nature Trail to take in the impressive sight.

  • Stop 6: McKenzie Ranger Station

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 8 mi (12.8 km)
    Directions:

    Head east on Forest Road 400 and then turn left onto Forest Road 19. Turn right onto the McKenzie Highway (SR 126) and head east for about eight miles. The McKenzie Ranger Station is on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Before going any further along the byway, come here to get information on the many recreational activities available in the area. It is open 7 days a week to the public from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend.

  • Stop 7: Marion Forks Fish Hatchery

    From previous stop: 46 minutes / 40.4 mi (64.6 km)
    Directions:

    Drive east on McKenzie Hwy for about 25 miles. Turn left onto SR 22. Follow SR 22 for about 15 miles to Marion Forks.
    Suggested time at this stop: 40 minutes

    Take a guided tour or learn through onsite interpretation. At one of the many large ponds onsite, collect some fish food to scatter to the rainbow trout.

  • End: Detroit Lake

    From previous stop: 19 minutes / 16.2 mi (25.9 km)
    Directions:

    Drive northwest on SR 22 for 16 miles. Detroit Lake is on the left.

    Located in the 'backyard' of the Portland-Metro area, this huge reservoir is very popular, it being the second highest-use lake in Oregon. Take the day to enjoy the many activities offered here such as swimming, fishing, water skiing and boating, or camp out for the night.

    Visitor information for Detroit Lake can be found at the Detroit Ranger Station.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 128.5 miles / 205.6 km
Total Travel Time: 4 hours 17 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center

    From previous stop: 22 minutes / 10.8 mi (17.3 km)
    Directions:

    Drive north on SR-22/Santiam Highway. Turn right onto Hwy 46, also known as Breitenbush Road, and follow for about nine miles. Turn right onto Nat For Dev Rd 2231. Veer left onto Nat For Dev Rd 890. Take your first left and follow the road to the Breitenbush Hot Springs.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Breitenbush Center is a privately owned resort in a sylvan old growth forest setting. Open year-round, this unique resort offers hot springs, a sweat lodge, and a variety of workshops.

  • Stop 2: South Breitenbush Gorge National Recreation Trail

    From previous stop: 3 minutes / 0.4 mi (0.6 km)
    Directions:

    From the Breitenbush Hot Springs Lodge, walk .4 miles to the Community Village where the trail begins.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Meandering through giant trees in an old-growth grove, this popular trail follows the Wild and Scenic-eligible South Breitenbush River. A small Forest Service-operated campground is near the trailhead.

  • Stop 3: Wild and Scenic Clackamas River

    From previous stop: same location
    Directions:

    Your drive from Breitenbush to Estacada will follow the Clackamas River. Stop along the way to enjoy an up-close view!
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Step close to the river's edge and feel surrounded by the wild ancient forest. Step a little further along the banks and come across quiet pools and spinning whitewater.

  • End: Estacada

    From previous stop: 1 hour 38 minutes / 63 mi (100.8 km)
    Directions:

    Follow Nat For Dev Rd 890 and Nat For Dev Rd 2231 to return to Breitenbush Road. Turn right on Breitenbush Rd and continue east. The road will turn north and become Forest Road 46. Follow this road as it becomes Clackamas River Road, Clackamas Highway, and SR 224, which will take you all the way into Estacada.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Finish up your trip in Estacada, which is the northern gateway to the West Cascades Scenic Byway. Shop, rest or dine here as a satisfying end to your trip.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 74.2 miles / 118.7 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 3 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 5 hours