7 Things to Do in Oakridge That You Shouldn't Miss

September 25, 2017 Timmy Ribble

Oakridge is a city in Lane County, Oregon, United States. The population was 3,205 as of the 2010 census. It is located east of Westfir on Oregon Route 58, about 40 miles (64 km) east of Eugene and 150 miles (240 km) southeast of Portland. Surrounded by the Willamette National Forest and the Cascade Range, Oakridge is popular with outdoor enthusiasts for its hiking, mountain biking, wildflowers, fly fishing, birding, watersports, and nearby Willamette Pass Resort.
Restaurants in Oakridge

1. Salt Creek Falls

Oakridge, OR
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 76 reviews

Salt Creek Falls

Reviewed By Robert W - Park Ridge, Illinois

The falls were still running well in late August. It has an easy stroll on a paved walkway from the parking lot to the falls viewing area.

2. The Office Bridge

Westfir-Oakridge Rd, Westfir, OR 97492
Excellent
36%
Good
64%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

The Office Bridge

Reviewed By Lynn M - Hartford, Ar

If you are into covered bridges than I guess this is worth a stop. They have a nice parking and restroom facility here. You can drive or walk over the bridge. We parked here and then went on a nice hike along the river. It is a very easy hike, we went about 1.5 hours and then had to turn back b/c of time.

3. Forest Service Road 19

Aufderheide National Forest Scenic Byway, Westfir, OR
Excellent
80%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Forest Service Road 19

Reviewed By Chris S - Eugene, Oregon

Consider one of Oregon's most beautiful stretches of scenic highway, The Aufderheide was recently nominated for one of Oregon's special Scenic Bikeways. This is an epic 60 mile road bike ride from Blue River to Oakridge. Terwilliger Hot Springs is near Blue River and McCreedy Hot Springs is near Oakridge. In addition to road biking, it is equally beautiful for Motorcycles and autos.

4. Waldo Lake

Oakridge, OR
Excellent
79%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 14 reviews

Waldo Lake

Reviewed By Eryn R - Springfield, Oregon

I've been to Waldo Lake too many times to count. My family visited Waldo Lake four times this summer (2015): twice canoeing, once camping, and once hiking. The sun was shining every time we went and we saw no mosquitoes thanks to a dry winter.

The only slight disappointment was when we went camping as every spot in all three campgrounds (about 600 spots) was full and the sky was smoky. This ended up working out wonderfully as we canoed to the opposite shore and camped there, far away from the crowds. Everyone had a great time and we hope to return to that spot next year.

5. Willamette Hatchery

76389 Fish Hatchery Rd, Oakridge, OR 97463-9655 +1 541-782-2933
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 8 reviews

Willamette Hatchery

Reviewed By ssbrandes - Canton, Georgia

Visited here as a second choice activity for the day and were pleased to be able to do so. When you see 'fish hatchery' you automatically think there's not much to see or do except look at some different sizes of fish in concrete breeding/growing ponds. Not the case here. While there are plenty of the ponds you'd expect there are also other things to see and do. A small museum onsite provides information about the fish hatchery itself which was once two separate hatcheries (one for trout the other for sturgeon). There are also some great taxidermied animal displays that are great for the kids and adults alike.

Visit the great clean restrooms next door if you need them. Then wander across the
drive and check out the huge trout in one pond and the even bigger sturgeon in the
other. A grassy area with a creek running through it and a small bridge are a lovely spot to rest your feet and take in the sun or have a picnic. Further in the hatchery, up the hill, you'll find more ponds. We enjoyed watching a kingfisher (bird) pluck his morning meal from the bonds deftly and then kill each small fish before eating it. There are a number of other displays including some live birds and a totem pole. A small putt-putt type area is there as well for entertainment. My favorite activity by far was walking the interpretive trail. This trail is well marked and takes you into the wooded area between the hatchery and the river. Great signage along the way points out different types of flora and trees. Take a stroll here if you have time. (Not ADA compliant, not paved or graveled, not level. Be sure to wear good walking shoes, or preferably hiking boots)

6. Oregon Outdoor Sports

48097 Highway 58, Oakridge, OR 97463-9523 +1 541-554-7623
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 6 reviews

If you get the pleasure of visiting our lakes, rivers, trails or forests You will love this hidden gem nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Oregon outdoor sports will connect you With the Rentals and gear you need to explore the hobby of your choice. From renting a kayak or canoe and paddling on Waldo lake, 3rd clearest lake in the world. To Taking a wakeboard boat, jet ski, quad. Best rates, top choice

Reviewed By Chris S - Portland, Oregon

I called Matt to rent an extra canoe for a two night camping trip to Waldo Lake. He was really knowledgeable and always very responsive. The boat was just what I needed, and it was as easy as you'd please to work with these guys. Would highly recommend to anyone needing gear for a run up the Central Cascades.

Thanks again!

Chris

7. Upstream Adventures

47921 Highway 58, Oakridge, OR 97463-9599
Upstream Adventures

Upstream Adventures is located in Oakridge Oregon. We provide quality half day Whitewater Rafting Trips, Canoe Rentals, and Stand up Paddle Board rentals. Our half day rafting trips are fun, safe and affordable. Professional guides and gear provide a genuine river experience. You'll be rewarded with rapids, calm pools and emerald views. Rated beginner to intermediate. Suitable for most ages and ability's. A guided river trip is not your thing? Rent a canoe or a paddle board and set off on a self piloted journey into one of the many mountain lakes in the area.

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