You may have piled into the car last winter to sled at Salt Creek Sno-Park or enjoy the ski slopes at Willamette Pass, but now that summer is finally here, driving Highway 58 to Oakridge is a whole new experience. This winding scenic road is robust with adventures and fun landmark stops, ideal for a delightful and leisurely family road trip. 

Along the way, you will see roadside waterfalls, brim-full reservoirs and the pale green of unfurling ferns and leaf buds. Pause for a moment at Elijah Bristow State Park, just past Pleasant Hill, on the banks of the Willamette River. This is a popular equestrian destination, so show children how to move to the side of the path quietly while horses pass. 

Stop in Lowell to admire several historic covered bridges and the Rolling Rock railroad park. Kiddie train enthusiasts will enjoy climbing on the park’s historic railroad cars and equipment. For movie buffs, the BBQ joint featured as Dexter Lake Club in “Animal House” dishes up Texas-style barbecue.  

Just before Oakridge, turn off the highway onto Westfir Road, then take a sharp left onto Westfir-Oakridge Road. Visit the Westfir Covered Bridge Park for some of the region’s best hiking trails along the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. The red Office Covered Bridge is the longest in Oregon and features a separate pedestrian walkway. 

The historic Westfir Lodge on the west side of the river is a favorite with hikers, cyclists and mountain bikers. Shop their mountain market and enjoy a light lunch on their patio. If you need overnight accommodations, this is a friendly and comfortable spot. Book a guided adventure through their Cascades Outdoor Center and go river rafting, kayaking or mountain biking as a family.

Next up — Oakridge! Rather than zipping through town, turn left at Ray’s Food Place onto Crest View Street and then right onto E 1st Street. Here in Uptown Oakridge, park and explore.

Here are a few uptown highlights not to miss:

• Visit Art Works Oakridge on E 1st Street for the latest exhibits by local artists. 
• Pose at the "Oregon is Magic" mural by Gage Hamilton, a fanciful nod to the area's mountain biking culture on the corner of E 1st & Ash Street.
• Stop in for a coffee at Mane Street Coffee or some great pub food at 3 Legged Crane. 
• Check out the Oakridge Pioneer Museum on E. 1st — their exhibits include a covered wagon from the Applegate Trail and a 1938 logging truck.

On your way out of town, a favorite family stop is the Willamette Fish Hatchery with its educational exhibits and tanks packed with the next generation of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead. Or pull into Greenwaters Park with restrooms and lots of room to romp.

Your final miles for this summer road trip culminate at the Salt Creek Falls Day Use Area for an easy scenic stop — after all, you’ve made it this far and you might as well reap the reward! Here, Oregon’s second highest single drop waterfall plunges into a basin over 200 feet below. Truly breathtaking!

After photos, turn the crew around to head home. If time permits, stop for a soak at McCredie Hot Springs just off Highway 58, and bundle your happy and worn-out kids into the car. They’ll sleep all the way home.