West Cascades Scenic Byway

A designated Wild and Scenic River, the gorgeous, jade-green 1 Clackamas River carves a deep canyon south of Estacada.

East of Portland, 60 miles of forested mountains, lakes, and streams

Winds along the river’s east bank under fat hemlocks and firs

In the central portion of the Cascsade Range with 7 major peaks.

Chinook salmon and rainbow trout are raised for release into nearby rivers and lakes

A mineral-springs spa has operated for nearly 150 years.

Spans 120 feet meters and is strong enough to support logging trucks. There has been a covered bridge at the site since 1890. This bridge was built in 1966, after a flood destroyed the previous one.

A half-mile loop among centuries-old western red cedar https://www.google.com/maps/place/Old+Growth+and+New+Growth+Trails/@44.6385568,-123.2970343,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x54c03e41ce0186dd:0xf07a561e1a619426!8m2!3d44.6385568!4d-123.294845and Douglas fir.

Sprawling alpine region with hiking, glacial lakes, and meadows.

In Westfir, the barn-red 8 Office Covered Bridge (Oregon’s longest at 180 feet) stretches across the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River

Your journey begins in Westfir, about 40 miles southeast of Eugene on Highway 58, and just north of the town of Oakridge. Westfir marks the beginning of the Aufderheide National Forest Scenic Byway (Forest Service Road 19), named for a devoted forester. You can pick up a free audio cassette that describes attractions between Westfir and Blue River at the Middle Fork Ranger Station in Oakridge, or the Westfir Lodge Bed and Breakfast. The first attraction is the 180-foot Office Bridge, Oregon's longest covered bridge. Here, the road joins the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette as it twists through a canyon lined with 1,000 foot rock walls.

Moving north, you'll soon reach Constitution Grove, which offers a gentle loop trail through a 200-year-old forest. Further north is Box Canyon, site of a log cabin replica of the original Box Canyon guard station (built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1933). Deer and elk are frequently seen as the road descends along the south fork of the famed McKenzie River and past Cougar Reservoir. The Aufderheide Byway ends at the Delta Campground. Here, the Delta Old Growth Trail gives you the opportunity to walk amongst Douglas firs and Western Red Cedars up to 500 years old and 180 feet tall.

Oregon Route 22 parallels yet another river system - the North Santiam - as it descends toward Detroit Lake. You'll pass Marion Forks, where you can tour an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife hatchery; a campground here offers easy river access if you want to try your luck for planted rainbow trout. The road flattens as you reach the recreational hub of Detroit, a popular destination for boaters, fisher folks and other lake lovers. Detroit offers ample services, including restaurants, lodging, fishing supplies, and boat rentals.

In Detroit, turn right on Forest Road 46, and follow the Breitenbush River into some of western Oregon's most pristine wilderness. You can stop for a refreshing soak at a natural hot springs resort, or stretch your legs on the 2.5 mile South Breitenbush National Recreational Trail. A short side trip from the main trail leads to an impressive gorge, where the Breitenbush River passes through narrow basalt. A seven-mile detour brings you to the Olallie Lakes Scenic Area and the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area. Here, countless lakes can be accessed from developed trails; a small seasonal resort provides services. At Ripplebrook, the Byway joins Oregon Route 224 and parallels the "Wild and Scenic" Clackamas River to Estacada.