RECREATION AND LIFE IN Oakridge and the surrounding area.
Looking for recreation in Oakridge, Westfir, Lowell, Jasper, or Pleasant Hill? Oakridge and its surrounding area has some of the finest and most spectacular outdoor activities in Oregon and is a great place to live.
See what some have said of Oakridge...
Called "that jewel of a city in the mountains" long ago, Oakridge has also been referred to as "Shangrila of the Cascades" by a historical columnist because of its ideal location.
OUR AREA
Economic Development
The Oakridge-Westfir area has a population of around 5000 people. Within 30 miles, it jumps to 75,000. It is a town with a ready workforce of hard-working, friendly people and ample opportunity for economic expansion and development.
Transportation
There is no traffic congestion problem, and the well-maintained Highway 58 is about 40 minutes away from Eugene.
Oakridge Airport is a non-towered, unattended General Aviation airport. The 3,565-foot runway has a paved width of 50 feet.
Education
The school system is equipped with Internet and has high ideals for educating students to reach their full potential as global citizens. There are about 800 children in kindergarten through 12th grades. Lane Community College has a learning center here as well.
Climate
The climate for Oakridge is moderate at 1209 feet above sea level. The temperature average has a high in the mid eighties and a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The average winter snowfall is around 11-12 inches. November is the wettest month with an average of 7-8 inches.
RECREATION
Water Recreation
Not far away are Waldo, Davis, Odell, and Crescent Lakes (as well as Hills Creek, and Lookout Point Reservoirs), making this a watersports paradise. And some of the best trout fishing is on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, flowing past Oakridge towards the Willamette Valley below.
Winter Recreation
East of Oakridge and Westfir, winter sports enthusiasts have a lot to do. Cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoe hikes are a popular pastime at Willamette Pass Resort and surrounding areas and snowmobilers have room to play as well.
There are an abundance of ski trails ranging from easy to difficult in the area. The snow-boughed trees and snow-laden peaks create an Alpen-like winter wonderland.
Hot Springs
Two hotsprings in the area are favorites for a hot soak after a hard day: Kitson Hotsprings and McCredie (Terwilliger) Springs.
Mountain Biking
The world-renowned Cascade Cream Puff is anything but easy, challenging riders with its 100 mile course. The Oakridge and Westfir area has become a favorite place for many rides by bike and car, with the 32 mile long Aufderheide rating in the top ten road rides in the country. Salmon Creek Road, Hills Creek Road, and the ride around Hills Creek Reservoir are well-noted for their beauty and fun.
Waterfalls
Salt Creek Falls, just 16 miles east of Oakridge is one of the highest waterfalls in Oregon. Diamond Creek Falls and Lower Diamond Creek Falls are beautiful as well, cascading into the lush Willamette National Forest.
Golf in Oakridge
The 9 -hole Circle Bar Golf Club facility in Oakridge features 3,281 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36 . The course rating is 37 and it has a slope rating of 123.
Fishing
With rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs gracing this mountain community, Oakridge-Westfir enjoys good fishing. A favorite is trout fishing on the Willamette.
Camping
Middle Fork Ranger District has information about times and dates of the numerous campsites and campgrounds in the area which provide a natural getaway for visitors to the area.
Hiking
This area is a hiker’s dream. The Pacific Crest Trail is nearby, wandering past majestic mountain peaks and lovely lakes and streams. It is an area rich in scenic beauty and wildlife, as well as wildflowers and other lush plant life naturalists of all ages can appreciate.
Cultural
Oakridge has a blossoming involvement in The Arts with a theater group and various galleries featuring the work of fine local artists.
City of Eugene
An easy 40 mile drive away, the valley city features fine dining, and world-class entertainment events scattered throughout the year at the Hult Center, U of O campus, and even in the city’s streets. The Willamette Valley Folk Festival, The Bach Festival, Eugene Celebration, and the Oregon Country Fair all find their home in this culturally diverse town. KLCC radio station boasts fine jazz and music from around the world. There are also fine art galleries, theatre groups, and shopping centers to meet every need, as well as religious centers for most faiths.
