West Cascades Scenic Byway
Places to Visit
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Built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corp, the Box Canyon Guard Station is available as a summer rental to visitors.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The canyon is in the southern end of the byway, and just north of the McKenzie River and Westfir.
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Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center (OR)
Breitenbush Center is a privately owned resort in a sylvan, old-growth forest. Open year-round, this unique resort offers hot springs, a sweat lodge, and a variety of workshops.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The Hot Springs are located at 888 Liberty St NE in Salem, OR.
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When full, Cougar Reservoir stretches for 6 miles and covers 1,280 acres. The dam, located at the north end of the reservoir, was completed in 1963. It is the tallest rock-filled dam in Oregon.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: It is on the southern end of the byway, and halfway between Marion Forks and Westfir.
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Delta Campground and Nature Trail (OR)
This campground is surrounded by an ancient forest of Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir trees. Walk along the nature trail to see some of the oldest trees on this forest - several of them are 180 feet tall.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: It is on the southern half of the byway, and right next to Cougar Reservoir.
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Deschutes National Forest (OR)
The Deschutes National Forest is a recreational haven, pure and simple: these 1.8 million acres include five wilderness areas (200,000 acres), six cool rivers, 157 lakes and reservoirs, and approximately 1,400 miles of trails.
Location: The Deschutes National Forest encompasses the eastern half of the byway.
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Located in the 'backyard' of the Portland-Metro area, this huge reservoir is very popular and the second highest-use lake in Oregon. You can swim, fish, camp, waterski, and boat here.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: On the northern half of the byway, it is just a few minutes from the full service community of Detroit.
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Estacada is the northern gateway to the West Cascades Scenic Byway and provides many features for visitors to explore as they head out on the road.
Location: 35 miles south of Portland, Oregon
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Serving as the official Forest Service work center in the early 1900's, structures have been renovated to preserve the history of early horse packing operations and summer headquarters for patrol and lookout employees.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: It is just south of the intersection of I-20 and SR 126.
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This is a spectacular river canyon of 3 million year old lava cut into by a fork of the Wild and Scenic Willamette River.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: A short side trip below the South Breitenbush Gorge National Recreation Trail.
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Marion Forks Fish Hatchery (OR)
Visitors can take guided tours or learn on their own through onsite interpretation.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: It's right by the town of Marion Forks.
