The winding riverside curves of Highway 126 lead explorers into the heart of the Cascade foothills along the 34-mile McKenzie River Scenic Byway and the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, which measures 82 miles. The crown jewel of this outdoor paradise is the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, an epic 26.5-mile route through spectacular old-growth forests, over log bridges and through dramatic lava fields. Multiple trailheads allow hikers and mountain bikers to experience different parts of the trail. 

A popular 3-mile section known fondly as the waterfall loop takes visitors past two spectacular waterfalls, Sahalie and Koosah Falls. Waterfall seekers delight in Proxy Falls, a 226-foot segmented horsetail accessed via a 1.5-mile hike on Highway 242, the Old McKenzie Pass Highway. This stretch of road between Belknap Hot Springs and Sisters also marks the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway. This extreme, 38-mile route climbs more than 4,000 feet in elevation and is open seasonally — typically mid-June through October. Dee Wright Observatory at the summit offers spectacular views of the Cascade Range. 

Adrenaline seekers ride the river rapids on full- or half-day whitewater-rafting trips. Drift boaters and bank anglers cast for spring chinook, summer steelhead, and wild and hatchery trout. Book a guided rafting trip with High Country Expeditions, Horse Creek Outfitters or A. Helfrich Outfitter. Stop for drinks and road snacks at the McKenzie General Store. The store’s Obsidian Grill also has a full menu of burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Don’t miss Takoda’s restaurant’s weekly dinner specials and summertime patio. 

Where to stay:

Overnight options abound for cozy riverfront cabins under the big trees, including Loloma Lodge, McKenzie Riverside Cottages and Wayfarer Resort. 

Head south to Oakridge and Westfir, two sister towns that have won the hearts, minds and wheels of outdoorsy types from around the world. Almost 400 miles of trails in the surrounding Willamette National Forest offer mountain bikers and hikers of all levels plenty of room to get out and explore. The classic Alpine Trail makes the must-do list of single-track enthusiasts — a rolling, 15-mile descent of more than 4,500 feet through switchbacks, meadows and Douglas fir. The fast and flowing Lawler Trail offers 10.4 miles of steep pitches and technical sections with great views. 

More options for hikers and bikers alike include nearby Waldo Lake Trail (also known as Jim Weaver Trail), 20 miles, and the Willamette Tier section of the Oregon Timber Trail. The new Old Mill Disc Golf Course offers 18 holes with a lot of variety in landscape and difficulty, and Salt Creek Falls offers stunning views from an ADA accessible platform just a short distance from the parking lot. In the snowy season, Salt Creek Sno-Park offers sledding and snowshoeing while nearby Willamette Pass offers skiing and snowboarding. 

Off the trail, raise a glass at the 3 Legged Crane pub and brewhouse. The family-friendly brewery serves as a social hub and features live music each week. The menu includes bangers and mash, fish and chips, and tempting desserts. Plan to visit during a community event that celebrates local heritage or the arts, including the 70th annual Tree Planting Festival, the Keg & Cask Festival or summer Concerts in the Park.

Where to Stay: Stay overnight at the Westfir Lodge and Mountain Market near the Office Covered Bridge, and take advantage of a guided rafting, hiking or snowshoeing trip with the Cascades Outdoor Center onsite or from one of the many local guides and outfitters in the area.

For more ideas and inspiration for planning your trip to the Cascades, visit Eugene, Cascades & Coast.