[Also part of West Cascades Scenic Byway]
Length: 145 miles / 232.0 km
Time to Allow: Plan to spend from 6 hours to several days exploring this area.
Driving Directions
Aufderheide Drive is reached from the Eugene-Springfield area either by traveling the McKenzie Highway (Hwy. 126) to a point 3.5 miles above Blue River or by traveling Highway 58 and then turning north to Westfir. The road travels along the South Fork of the McKenzie River and the North Fork of the Willamette River and through Box Canyon.
Description
Aufderheide Drive was named after Robert Aufderheide, the Willamette National Forest Supervisor from 1954 until his death in 1959.
The highway consists of paved roads which carve a path through scenic forests, the historic logging community of Westfir, the Constitution Grove, Box Canyon Guard Station, the Aufderheide Memorial, Cougar Reservoir and the McKenzie Highway.
This loop follows the Middle and North Forks of the Willamette River, up Box Canyon and down the South Fork and main fork of the McKenzie River. A number of interpretive signs are located along the Aufderheide Memorial Drive for your enjoyment. Large signs explain the drive as one enters Forest Service lands outside of Westfir and Blue River.
Aufderheide Drive Cycle Ride from Rick Dancer on Vimeo.
Weather on bike or by car - Aufderheide (Hwy 19) is said to be one of Oregon's most beautiful drives.
Whether you prefer seeing the beautiful countryside by bike or car, you won't be dissapointed. Resort guests can check out a CD audio tour for Aufderheide along with a map for an enjoyable afternoon trip. A drive takes about an hour and a half to the end. Feel free to make multiple stops to enjoy the veiws. There are many ideal spots for picnicing. Another option is to dine in a restaraunt in the small town of Oakridge at the end of the Hwy before returning back to your cabin.
