| Description: The byway starts south of Portland. Campground & day use areas line this popular Clackamas river corridor. In the Cascade Mountains, the road turns away from the river, passing some developed hot springs en route to Detroit Lake. More campgrounds are scattered around the forested shores of this popular fishing area in the Willamette National Forest.
The route continues south past Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, & the Three Sisters & parallels the McKenzie River. Near Blue Lake, the road turns south, along the South Fork McKenzie, then along the Wild & Scenic North Fork Scenic ForkWillamette. The road comes out at the south end of the Willamette Valley, south of Eugene.
Developed campgrounds, scenic overlooks, & picnic areas line this corridor; primitive or dispersed camping is available. The recreational reservoirs have boat ramps & allow motorboating & fishing & fly-fishing Great rafting, with advanced to expert whitewater.
Off the byway, primitive recreation is available throughout the forest. Many visitors drive the byway in sections, visiting various areas in the lush forests of the Cascades.
Location: From the North Fork Reservoir southeast of Portland: follow OR 224 & Forest Road 46 (Clackamas River Road) to Detroit Lake. Go southeast on OR 22, west on OR 126 (part of the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway), then south on FR 19 to Oakridge. The trip is 220 miles, one way, & will take all day.
Season: May - November; snow closures on FR 19 & FR 46.
Fee: Northwest Forest pass required at some areas. Reservations: no. |
West Cascades Scenic Byway Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
44.179363, -122.110787
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Campground: West Cascades Scenic Byway in McKenzie Bridge Oregon *