Cascade Mountains Oregon Travel Guide — Official Visitor Information

Travel Lane County provides visitor information for the Cascade Mountains, including Oakridge and McKenzie River.

Discover the Cascade Mountains

Nature takes center stage in the Cascades, which form the easternmost edge of the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region. Visitors encounter old-growth forests, fields of wildflowers, lava-rock terrain, and glittering waterways. The Umpqua and Willamette National Forests stretch beneath Diamond Peak and the South, Middle and North Sisters.

River Rafting and Fishing Guides

Oregon’s rivers and lakes make fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, and boat tours especially popular activities.

The McKenzie River carries over two hundred years of traceable history. At Clear Lake, visitors can look through aqua waters toward a petrified forest, while the J.H. Andrews Experimental Forest offers views into an old-growth canopy. Waldo Lake, located in Oakridge, is one of the purest lakes in the world and Oregon's second-largest natural lake. Its tranquil waters are limited to non-motorized boats.

Mountain Biking

Oregon is a mountain bikers' paradise, with thrilling trail access throughout the region.

The Aufderheide connects the McKenzie River and Oakridge - Westfir communities. This route is part of the West Cascades Scenic Byway and is now an official Oregon Scenic Bikeway. Oakridge was a logging community and sits beside outstanding mountain biking and hiking trails, just beneath the winter snowline. Its setting makes the town a convenient year-round base camp for outdoor adventures.

Recent wildfires from the last five years have affected some local communities and changed access to certain locations. Visitors should respect private property and avoid closed areas.

Things to Do in the Cascade Mountains

• Hot Springs
• Dorena Covered Bridge
• Salt Creek Falls
• Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway
• Goodpasture Covered Bridge
• Koosah & Sahalie Falls
• McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway
• Camping
• Winter & Snow Sports

Cascade Mountain Articles

A Local Guide to the Pacific Crest Trail

Jun 20

The book and the 2016 movie release of Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon, brought widespread attention to the trail.

Outdoor Recreation Near Dexter Reservoir

Apr 10

Between Eugene and Oakridge, travelers can find abundant outdoor recreation opportunities near the water.

When is McKenzie Pass Hwy 242 Open for Cycling?

May 29

Highway 242 forms part of the well-known McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway route.

Guide to Hot Springs in the Cascades

Jan 30

Oregon's Terwilliger Hot Springs draws visitors with its pristine setting and maintained natural appeal.

Ski Resorts Near Eugene

Dec 12

Two ski resort destinations are located near Eugene: Willamette Pass and Hoodoo. The resorts open for the winter season.

How To Get To The Snow

Dec 19

For a day or two of winter snow play, the Cascade Mountains offer an inviting destination.

Cascade Mountain Communities

• McKenzie River
• Oakridge - Westfir

Cascade Mountain Road Trips

Road Trip: Cascade Mountains

a year ago

This leisurely drive climbs into the Cascade Mountains, offering fresh mountain air, birdsong, and the sound of rushing water.

Crater Lake Adventure by Best Oregon Tours

Quick View

Best Oregon Tours offers a journey from the fertile Willamette Valley to Crater Lake National Park, where one of America’s most spectacular natural wonders surrounds the deep blue waters of the lake.

Cascades Adventure Tour by Best Oregon Tours

Quick View

This Best Oregon Tours excursion enters the pristine wilderness of Oregon's Cascade Mountains, where ancient forests, alpine meadows, and clear mountain lakes meet beneath snow-capped peaks.

Cascade Mountain Stories

Visiting Mount Pisgah and Salt Creek Falls as a Wheelchair User

Mark Fontaine · 5 minute read

This story shares a full day of accessible outdoor adventures featuring summit trails and waterfalls.

Dueling Spoons Culinary Adventure

Elena Fracchia · 6 minute read

A sense of adventure and an appreciation for fine food provide the starting point for this culinary treasure hunt.

36 Hours Along the Cascades’ McKenzie Highway

Learners and Makers · 9 minute read

Whether or not snow is present, families can explore Highway 126 and the McKenzie River east of Eugene.

24 Hours in Oakridge and Westfir

Melanie Griffin · 4 minute read

A sunny mountain hike and support for a local tourism business can shape a day in Oakridge and Westfir.

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon

Melanie Griffin · 9 minute read

The movie Wild recounts the true story of one woman’s solo hike along 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon.