Cascade Mountains

The crest of the Cascade Mountains marks the eastern most boundary of Lane County.  The mountain towns of Oakridge and Westfir offer great recreation, as well as a number of dining and lodging establishments.

In winter the Cascades serve up a veritable smorgasbord for nature lovers who groove on groomed Nordic, relish rugged back-country, savor snowshoe, skijor and schussing downhill.  Warming huts along the wooded Gold Lake trails offer shelter for experienced snow campers' overnight visits.

Year-round the hilltops sparkle with azure-blue mountain lakes, a feast for the eyes whether seen from your ride up the chairlift or from the coziness of your campsite.  In summer, Willamette Pass transforms itself with the Oregon Skyways gondola, where you can enjoy 360 degree views as you take a leisurely ride up and back.  You might also enjoy this as an unusual form of transportation for your mountain bike or hiking embarkation atop  Eagle Peak's lofty 6,666 foot elevation.  Fully wheelchair accessible, the Oregon Skyway gondola is an experience that makes the spirit soar for every member of the family.  

Nearby Salt Creek Falls is a wondrous sight with a well-maintained trail leading to the bottom of impressive cascade.  Be forewarned that the hike up is no less beautiful than the walk down, but is more of a challenge!  Salt Creek is the second highest falls in Oregon.  An excellently-positioned platform has rails specially designed for viewing the falls from wheelchair or on foot, and all the facilities at the Observation site are designed for easy chair access.   

If getting to the Cascades from points further East, you'll want to check out some of the other remarkable sights enroute as you Travel Oregon.