30 Results

Editor's note: Our Ask Oregon ambassador Cari Soong recently explored the new Eugene, Cascades & Coast GeoTour. After traveling to six of the 36 sites, hiking four miles and taking dozens of photos, we asked Cari to report back about her first geocaching experience. What is geocaching? Geocaching is a free outdoor treasure hunt game… More

Many Oregon roadways are busy blurs, but this week, slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the changing seasons. This getaway takes us down the country’s oldest national scenic byway in the Cascade Mountains. If the roadway flanking the South Fork McKenzie River has a number, I don’t care to find it on a… More

The only major controversy surrounding the McKenzie River Trail (MRT) is whether it is the best mountain bike trail in Oregon or the whole country. When I worked in a bike shop years ago, I pitched it to customers as the state’s top trail, though my powers of description were less than scintillating. “What makes… More

The trails less traveled are the ones I cherish most and Oregon has a bounty of places to choose. We’re heading up the McKenzie River Valley into the rugged mountains where a gentle trail lead us to one of the state’s most remarkable sites called Tamolitch or the “Blue Pool.” The McKenzie River Scenic Byway may… More

Located at the gateway to the Willamette National Forest in McKenzie Bridge, McKenzie General Store offers all the staples you need plus local products including grans, granola, honey, gourmet chocolate, and organic seasonal produce from the many family-owned organic farms in this area, known as the "vegetable basket" of the Northwest. The friendly staff is always available to give visitors tips on hiking or biking in the area.Obsidian Grill, located within the store, serves a variety of Pacific Northwest favorites with a focus on fresh... More

Living in Oregon as a professional photographer has his perks. One being the stunning nature of this beautiful state. As a international travel photographer I know what I'm talking about. Together with my wife we have covered over 70 countries for various projects from books to magazine features and commercial clients. We have been living… More

The crystal-clear, spring-fed Wild and Scenic McKenzie River is a favorite spot for mountain bikers, hikers, and rafting and fishing enthusiasts alike. It’s the lifeblood of clear, clean water for salmon and local farms in the Willamette Valley along its 90-mile stretch — which flows from the Cascade Range to the Willamette River, just north of Eugene. More

When you fish with a legend you know you’re in good hands! Aaron Helfrich is a member of a legendary Oregon family who made fishing and boating a popular recreation on the state’s rivers and streams. Aaron is the third generation in a family of Oregon fishing guides and like his firm grasp on the… More

Summer is a great time to visit the lovely McKenzie River, when weather and recreational opportunities are at their peak. Located in the lush green forests east of Eugene, the McKenzie is one of the most beautiful waterways in the United States and is renowned for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, fishing and white-water boating.… More

Twenty-six miles along one of Oregon’s most pristine rivers in one of Oregon’s most pristine forests, the McKenzie River Trail #3507 is home to some of the best mountain biking in the west.  A variable trail with ancient lava beds, waterfalls and an old-growth forest, the terrain is as exciting as the ride itself.  Having… More

High Country Expeditions has been creating everlasting outdoor adventure memories since 1999. A whitewater adventure with High Country Expeditonas will take you on some of Oregon's most spectactular rivers. The McKenzie River and the North Umpqua River offer some of the most pristine and exciting river rafting trips in Oregon that are perfect for all members of the family. The Upper Klamath River offers the most exciting and continuous class 4 summertime whitewater rafting in Oregon More

Loloma Lodge & Cabins is located on the 126 McKenzie Highway right between Eugene/Springfield and Sisters/Bend. They're a perfect location for cyclists and mountain bikers who want to explore the McKenzie River area. More

This scenic 1,240 acre lake with its many miles of forested shoreline provides multiple outdoor recreational opportunities. Overnight camping is available at Mona campground, boat launching at Saddle Dam and Lookout Creek ramps. Fishing, swimming and water skiing are the favorite activities at the two recreation areas, both near the upper end of the lake. More

A string of riverside communities greets the wild and oh-so-scenic McKenzie River as it drains down from the Cascade Mountains and tumbles west toward Eugene. More

Day Use Fee Area/Northwest Forest Pass. A true sense of deep-forest solitude and mountain beauty is found at Proxy Falls. Travel along the 1+ mile (1.6 km) loop trail through open lava fields and dense forest to view two distinctly different waterfalls. More

The Wayfarer Resort offers thirteen cabins nestled on the beautiful McKenzie River and Marten Creek. All cabins have a BBQ on the deck and fully equipped kitchens. Two of the cabins are located along the McKenzie River and have indoor space available for groups, meetings or family gatherings. Nine of the cabins have decks that face Marten Creek with two studio style cabins that sit back from the river. The resort has a beach and swimming area, stocked trout pond, tennis court, pickleball, ping pong,... More

The steely blue McKenzie River sets the course for this 34-mile/55-kilometer riverside route, which links the fruitful Willamette Valley to the fragrant fir forests of the Cascade Mountains. More

You can tell a lot about a “community’s pride” by the parades they put on. Each spring on the McKenzie River, there is a dandy and all of it is handmade! Folks from all over the country gather to parade down the McKenzie River in drift boats. It’s a chance to connect with old friends… More

Whether you prefer the deep and challenging powder of Hoodoo's backside or the finely groomed runs of the front side, the majesty of the location and fun of Hoodoo's night skiing will bring you back again and again. Even if you don't ski, there's plenty to do for everyone including the very popular Autobahn Tube Hill.The closest ski area to Salem and the mid-Willamette Valley, Hoodoo also draws skiers from Central Oregon who find Hoodoo cheaper, deeper and steeper. The ski slopes are on a... More

Overview Elk Lake Campground is located on the north end of Elk Lake along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. Recreation Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed on Elk Lake providing the opportunity for swimming, fishing, windsurfing and water skiing. Hiking and horseback riding are popular activities on the Elk-Devils Trail, which follows an historic route from Elk Lake to the Wickiup Plains Trail, just west of Devils Lake. Facilities Elk Lake Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers, however, electric hookups are not... More

Linn County’s newest campground, this 90-acre park, located east of Sweet Home along the South Santiam River, offers a full range of outdoor recreation opportunities including trails, river access, camping, day-use and group facilities. With a total of 65 campsites, plus reservable cabins, River Bend is perfect for quiet getaways. Modest charge. Open year-round. More

A vertical paradise, with all the trimmings The advent of lift-assisted, vertical bike parks has changed the game for mountain biking. Think about it: You’re looking at the side of a mountain that already has all the infrastructure, facilities and terrain you need, thinking, “What’s the most possible fun we could have here?” Then you build it to fit your vision.  Mt. Bachelor Bike Park opened in 2019, and they built it right. The planning that went into this park is evident, from the full-scale support operation to the... More

Rising to 9,068 feet, Mt. Bachelor in Central Oregon offers some of the finest skiing on the West Coast. But even if you’re not a snow-sports enthusiast, you can still ride a chairlift to the Pine Marten Lodge for jaw-dropping views of the Cascade Lakes. In summer visitors can hike a number of trails on the mountain. More

Located east of Sweet Home on the shores of Green Peter Reservoir, this 328-acre rustic county park is perfect for enjoying spectacular mountain views, bird-watching, sailing, fishing, hiking, camping and water skiing. Bring your jet ski, speed boat or fishing boat, and enjoy the beautiful waters of Green Peter Reservoir.  37 campsites, no utility hook-ups. Modest charge. Open May through September.  Located on Quartzville Road in Foster, Oregon approximately 9 miles from the intersection of Hwy. 20 & Quartzville Road More

Located at about 1100ft elevation, Organic Redneck Growers farm gets far more sun and way less fog than much of the Willamette Valley. For many of their crops, the cooler nights in the summer and fall bring added sweetness and flavor. The greater amount of sunshine brings a brighter sheen and blush to many of the fruits. This farm is the place to be, and encourages folks in the the Eugene-Springfield area to take a short drive up the McKenzie to taste the mountain sunshine. You... More

This recreation area is part of Foster Lake More

Enjoy a vacation getaway on Foster Lake at Foster Lake Inn. The inn is a comfortable, 1940’s historical home originally built by local builders and loggers down along the South Santiam River. You can pick fruit from the small traditional orchard of apple and quince trees, and just across the street from the inn, you'll find Foster Lake and the Willamette National Forest. More

Foster Lake RV Resort is located directly across the street from beautiful Foster Lake in the Cascade foothills. The resort offers 65 RV (full and partial) sites, 4 cabins, 2 studios, and boat parking. Guest are just minutes away from the Foster Lake boat launch and swim area. At Foster Lake you can bring your pole to fish, your boat to waterski, a blanket for a picnic or jump in for a refreshing swim. In the Cascades east of Foster Lake you can enjoy hiking,... More

Black Butte Ranch is an 1800 acre destination golf resort community in Central Oregon eight miles west of Sisters. The Ranch offers two eighteen-hole golf courses, vacation rental homes, including cabins, houses and condos. Black Butte Ranch has numerous outdoor recreation activities including tennis, 19 miles of paved bike paths, 5 swimming pools, fly-fishing, horse rides. The Ranch is an ideal location to host weddings, family reunions, holiday parties and other special events throughout the year. More