Imagine cycling on a smooth, 100% paved road through a forested wonderland, where Douglas firs tower overhead and mossy boulders catch the light in the spongy understory. The fresh scent of the old-growth forest rises around you on the Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway. The remote 60-mile route — located about 50 miles east of Eugene — is rated as extreme and was recognized in 2024 as the 18th Oregon Scenic Bikeway. It is beloved by cyclists for its pristine natural landscapes, historic attractions and proximity to outdoor activities like fishing, swimming and hiking. Here is what you can see and do on this spectacular ride.
What to Expect on the Scenic Bikeway
Already a National Scenic Byway for motorists, Aufderheide Drive is noted for its beauty. With low vehicle traffic and dotted with recreational stops along the way, pedaling through the forest on this roadway allows riders to glimpse rushing waterways and take in the glorious Cascade mountains. Since the challenging route is remote and includes about 3,850 feet of elevation gain, cyclists should plan ahead.
The route follows Aufderheide Drive, which begins at the McKenzie River Corridor in the north and ends at the postcard-worthy town of Oakridge in the south. Meandering along the McKenzie River, the route highlights historic landmarks, natural hot springs and beautiful forest scenery.
The two small towns that bookend the bikeway, Blue River and Oakridge, make a great base camp for overnight adventures. Between them, the bikeway carves a winding path through the majestic Willamette National Forest. Cyclists can meander past mountain meadows, gaze into dense moss-covered forests and have plenty of chances for wildlife sightings, including elk, osprey and bear.
“It’s incredibly serene,” says Richard Hughes, president emeritus of the Greater Eugene Area Riders. “It’s quiet, water is running right next to the road, you might see some wildlife — I even saw a bobcat one year.”
Hughes has ridden the route a half-dozen times over the years and each time, he says, he’s reminded why it’s worth the extra effort to get to. “On the Aufderheide, you’re dealing with very little traffic. You don’t have to be looking over your shoulder.”
Things to Do in the Willamette National Forest
What you can see along the route makes the remoteness and climb worth the effort. The tree-lined road passes a number of noteworthy sites that make for great pit stops. There are more than 25 trailheads along the road, including one for Constitution Grove — an impressive stand of 200-year-old Doug fir.
For several miles of the ride, you’ll be biking along the edge of Cougar Reservoir. Bring your swimsuit; in summer months, this is a popular hangout for boating, fishing and swimming. If you’re up for a hike, visiting Terwilliger Hot Springs (also known as Cougar Hot Springs) is an experience in itself. Tucked about a quarter-mile off the roadway sit four rustic soaking pools made from rock-lined walls and a floor of bedrock. Just note that this hot springs is clothing optional, so nudity is common, and you may opt to avoid crowded summer weekends.
At the summit of the road stands a log-cabin replica of the old Box Canyon Guard Station (open from May to October), with a nearby monument and plaque in memory of Robert Aufderheide, the Willamette National Forest supervisor who was honored with the road’s name for his dedication to forest management.
You’ll also be able to see two covered bridges near the route: Belknap Covered Bridge, built in 1890, is about 2 miles east along Highway 126 on the north end of the ride; and Office Covered Bridge, a 1944 bridge that features triple Howe truss engineering and a covered walkway, is in Westfir.
For a relaxing stay, check out Belknap Hot Springs near Blue River, where you can soak in a hot-springs-fed pool during your stay at the on-site lodge, cabins, campsites or RV sites. In Oakridge, explore the pleasant amenities at Westfir Lodge & Mountain Market, where it’s easy to tack on more adventures like mountain biking, hiking, rafting and kayaking. Camping is also an option, with five campgrounds along the route.
If You Go:
- Be prepared with plenty of gear, including water, food and tire-repair equipment.
- In Oregon all bicycle riders under 16 must wear a helmet, and a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, so it must follow the same traffic laws as a motor vehicle. If you plan to park your bike along the route, you’ll want to bring a bike lock big enough to tie around a tree.
- Don’t rely on cell service in this area; bring paper maps and let someone know where you are going.
The route is not maintained for snow and ice, so may not be passable in the winter. Check the road and weather conditions available from the Willamette National Forest or call the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381.
