The West Cascades Scenic Byway

A Scenic Alternative to the Freeway. Contrary to popular belief, cruise control on Interstate 5 is not the only way to travel between the Portland and Eugene areas. If you're in no hurry, this journey through the colorful western Cascades makes getting there all the fun. Especially because, in addition to the open road, there are miles of rivers and trails to explore.

• Distance:  A meandering 215-mile drive.
• Starting Point:  Oakridge (Near Eugene)

• Minimum Driving Time:  7-9 hours.
• Best Time to Drive:  Late spring through fall, (Forest Service Roads 19 and 46 close in winter). Plenty of rest areas are located at parks and campgrounds along the route.

1. An Early Start

This leisurely drive is most enjoyed over two days or more. But to do it all in one day, begin near the timber towns of Westfir and Oakridge while the morning is young. Both are about 40 miles from Eugene, via Oregon Route 58.

2. Listen While You Look

Westfir marks the beginning of the Aufderheide National Forest Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 19), named for a devoted forester. Stop by the Middle Fork Ranger Station in Oakridge or the Westfir Lodge Bed & Breakfast to obtain a free audio cassette that describes what you’ll see. The first attraction is the 180-foot Office Bridge, Oregon’s longest covered bridge. Follow the "Wild and Scenic" North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette through The Gorge, a twisting canyon lined with 1,000-foot-high rocks. Fishing, rafting, hiking and camping are just a few favored activities along the route. Constitution Grove offers a gentle loop trail through 200-year-old forest. Box Canyon provides an information station and horse camp. Watch for deer and elk as the road descends along the South Fork of the McKenzie River and past Cougar Reservoir. The 54-mile Aufderheide Byway ends at the Delta Campground with a walk through a forest of 200- to 500-year-old giants. Return your tape at the Blue River Ranger Station just off Oregon Route 126.

3. Rolling up the McKenzie

From Blue River, the West Cascades route continues on Oregon Route 126 up the "Wild and Scenic" McKenzie. The McKenzie Bridge Ranger Station can introduce you to many recreational activities. From here, the route overlaps a portion of the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway described. At Santiam Junction, turn left (west) on Oregon Route 22.

4. Down to Detroit

The Byway descends along the North Santiam River, past the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery. It flattens out as you approach Detroit. But don’t look for skyscrapers and big automobiles. This Detroit is a recreation hub that offers fishing, camping, water skiing and boating on its huge reservoir.

5. The Clackamas Breitenbush National Forest Scenic Byway

In Detroit, turn right on Forest Service Road 46, and follow the Breitenbush River into some of Oregon’s most pristine wilderness. After stopping for a soak at Breitenbush Hot Springs Resort, continue on the Byway east along the North Fork of the Breitenbush and then north along the meandering Clackamas River. At Ripplebrook, the Byway joins with Oregon Route 224 and parallels the "Wild and Scenic" Clackamas River to Estacada.

6. The Clackamas River

The stretch between Ripplebrook and Estacada is a forested wonderland featuring the stunning Clackamas Watershed Viewpoint, the North Fork Reservoir, and numerous camping and picnic areas. Estacada grew up around the Clackamas River in response to Portland’s need for electricity. Today, residents enjoy the fringe benefits of fertile land and excellent fishing. For more information contact the Middle Fork Ranger District at 541-782-2283, the Blue River Ranger District at 541-822-3317, the McKenzie Ranger District at 541-822-3381, the Detroit Ranger District at 503-854-3366, or the Estacada Ranger District at 503-630-6861.