The Willamette River Valley – just the name conjures up images of wineries, forests and rushing waters. As it turns out, it’s all of these things and more. The Willamette River flows for nearly 200 miles from the high mountains south of Eugene until it reaches the Columbia just outside of Portland. In these mountains about 40 miles southeast of Eugene is Westfir – a former lumber town, now a small tourist destination with picturesque views of mountains, forests, flowers and their famous covered bridge.
Office Covered Bridge, Westfir, OR
The company town of Westfir was first established by the Western Lumber Company around 1923. The mill produced Douglas Fir lumber, much sold to the Southern Pacific Railroad as they pushed westward over Willamette Pass between Klamath Falls and Eugene. The Office Covered Bridge, the longest existing covered bridge in the state, joined the mill site to the town and mill office over the North Fork of the river. This former company office building is now the beautiful Westfir Lodge with 9 guest rooms, a small market and comfortable outdoor patio.
Westfir Lodge, Westfir, OR
We’re parked at Casey’s Riverside RV park, in a pull through full hookup riverside site #44. This is a beautiful park! Each of the 56 sites enjoys shade from the well-manicured trees and shrubs. In between each site is lush green grass and beautiful flowers. Riverside pull through sites run about $60/night, and back-in, off river sites are $50. Other amenities at Casey’s include 2 guest houses, a small, clean laundry room, a group use Pavilion and a large outdoor fire pit area.
Casey’s Riverside RV, Westfir, OR
Casey’s Riverside RV, Westfir, OR
Casey’s Riverside RV, Westfir, OR
Outdoor activities include great fly fishing, hiking, biking and river rafting. With newly acquired e-bikes, we were anxious to explore some of the biking trails in the area. Old forest roads and railroad easements provide miles and miles of enjoyable riding in the mountains and along the river near Casey’s. Our first ride was along Buckhead Creek on Forest Service Road #5828 which is a fairly aggressive uphill trail. Our next ride, in search of the covered bridge, took us into the small town of Westfir for pictures of the famous bridge and cold beers on the patio at the Westfir Lodge. Our 3rd ride, and the longest at about 20 miles, took us along North Shore Road which turned into Forest Service Road #5821 and ended with a beautiful view of Lookout Point Lake. Along with our biking adventures others in our group enjoyed floating the river and most importantly, Sunday night pizza at Big Mountain Pizza in nearby Oakridge – which was delicious!
Lookout Point Lake, near Eugene, OR
Lookout Point Lake, near Eugene, OR
After a week enjoying perfect weather and fun times at Casey’s, we’re packing up and bound for Portland. More from there…
Small Home - Big Yard 