Day Trips in Oregon’s Cascade Range

Head east from Eugene via Highway 58, and you’ll arrive at the neighboring communities of Westfir and Oakridge—onetime timber towns that have transformed into hubs for outdoor recreation.

After a roughly 45-minute drive, pass through the Office Covered Bridge, which dates back to 1944. Immediately afterward, park at the North Fork Trailhead, and stretch your legs along a mostly flat hiking path that hugs the North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette River. Further east on Highway 58, stop at a viewpoint that overlooks Salt Creek Falls—Oregon’s second-highest single-drop waterfall—and relax with a soak at McCredie Hot Springs (one of several hot springs in the Willamette Valley). Kick back with a pint of English-inspired beer at the 3 Legged Crane Pub and Brewhouse before returning to Eugene.

If you’re an avid cyclist, good news: Westfir and Oakridge are ground zero for some of the best mountain biking in the Cascades. Hundreds of miles of trails splay out around the towns, and a variety of rentals and shuttles make it easy to enjoy an outing suited to your skill level. Learn about mountain biking in Westfir and Oakridge, and check out other outdoor adventures in the area.

As you follow Highway 126 east from Eugene and Springfield, you hug the McKenzie River—and see a forested landscape shaped by volcanic activity and pockmarked today by dramatic lava flows.

Roughly one hour to 90 minutes east of Eugene and Springfield are a number of hikes, viewpoints, and attractions in short order. Stop by Sahalie and Koosah Falls for an easy hike and a pair of dramatic waterfalls, follow a mostly level trail through a lush, old-growth forest to Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool), raft the McKenzie with one of several local outfitters, and get on the water at the surprisingly azure Clear Lake (which doubles as the headwaters of the McKenzie River). Get more inspiration with ideas for a McKenzie River road trip, and see some of our favorite outdoor adventures on the McKenzie River.

See where the farmland of the Willamette Valley gives way to forested foothills and, soon after, the heart of the Cascades with a road trip on Highway 22.

Starting from Salem, your first stop comes at Silver Falls State Park—home to a whole weekend full of activities. Go hiking or mountain biking on the park’s well-maintained trails, check out some of the signature waterfalls, and let your little ones have a blast at the inventive Nature Play Area.

Further east, you know you’ve arrived in the Cascades when you see the shores of Detroit Lake; grab a bite in the surrounding community of Detroit, get on the water with a rental from Detroit Lake Marina, take a short walk at the Detroit Flats Day Use Area, and see vibrant wildflower blooms along the steep, yet scenic Coffin Mountain Trail. Whatever you decide, it makes a great day trip as part of a long weekend in Salem.

Near the northern edge of the Willamette Valley, the community of Molalla sits in the Cascade Range foothills about 20 minutes east of Woodburn and about an hour northeast of Salem.

Molalla has a lot going for it—and is most popular as the gateway to the Molalla River Corridor, which is home to hiking paths, mountain bike trails, paddling, and more. Nearby, the rugged Table Rock Wilderness is named for an ancient lava flow; the Table Rock Trail showcases that dramatic landscape and ascends to a viewpoint that looks out over Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and other Cascade peaks. For something a bit more low-key, grab a local ale or lager at Molalla River Brewing Company—home to a few food carts, popular events (like karaoke and live music), and an 18-hole mini golf course.

Albany might sit in the Willamette Valley, but it’s not long before you’re surrounded by mountain lakes, massive groves of old-growth forests, and some of the area’s least-visited attractions in the Cascade Range. 

Drive east from Albany and through the towns of Lebanon and Sweet Home along Highway 20, and you'll have your pick of outdoor fun. Go fishing, swimming, or boating at Foster Reservoir; follow a trail to Soda Creek Falls at Cascadia County Park; and hike past several waterfalls at McDowell Creek Falls County Park. For more ideas, check out our guide to outdoor activities around Albany.