Situated Between Portland And Bend Is Oregon's Forested Lake City With Vibrant Wildflowers And Charming Cabins

If you're planning a trip between two of Oregon's most popular cities, Portland and Bend — a naturally breathtaking city filled with craft beer, art, and outdoor adventure — there's one hidden gem destination you won't want to miss along the way. Situated along the Santiam Highway, Central Oregon's scenic route that boasts bright blue lakes and snow-capped volcanoes, Detroit is a pint-sized city surrounded by scenic beauty. Despite a devastating wildfire that burned down 80% of its homes and businesses in 2020, the city continues to persevere, and — though the blackened trees surrounding it betray its tragedy — has been gracefully restored.

Centered on the brilliant blue Detroit Lake, Detroit is a gateway to a wonderland of outdoor recreation. Boasting forest-ringed campsites with picturesque views of majestic Mt. Jefferson, charming cabins, and a boatload of water activities, it's the ideal destination for a serene nature retreat in the beautiful Beaver State.

Access to this alluring lake city comes with a bit of driving, as the nearest major airport, Portland International, sits over 100 miles away. Limited daily flights can take travelers into Salem-Willamette Valley Airport or Redmond Municipal Airport, but those are still a 50- and nearly 80-mile drive away, respectively.

One of Detroit's main charms is its camping opportunities. Comprising 300 forested campsites situated along the 9-mile-long Detroit Lake, the Detroit Lake State Recreation Area is the perfect place to pitch a tent and bask in the scenic beauty of the Willamette National Forest. From October through April, you can nestle into a charm-filled cabin, equipped with mini fridges and microwaves. Full of sports recreation, the campgrounds feature a basketball court, volleyball nets, and horseshoe rings, as well as two boat ramps for easy lake access.

If you're not much of a camper, but still crave a scenic mountain retreat, check into The Lodge at Detroit Lake. Reopened after the 2020 wildfires, The Lodge offers cozy, rustically appointed guest rooms named after Central Oregon natural wonders like Three Fingered Jack, a snow-capped volcano located in the surrounding Cascades Mountain Range. Each room features a flat screen TV and Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected while connecting with nature. However, The Lodge encourages guests to unplug by offering an array of communal amenities, including outdoor games, campfire spots, and picnic tables.

While the area is still in recovery mode following the Santiam Canyon wildfires, thanks to the forest's natural regeneration process, you can expect to see vibrant wildflowers growing from the remnants of disaster, symbolizing Detroit's steady rebirth and its restored status as a gateway to outdoor recreation.

Dazzling Detroit Lake provides endless opportunities for water recreation, including fishing, boating, swimming, and waterskiing. Meanwhile, cool-watered Opal Creek (situated about 30 miles north of Detroit) is an enchanting enclave surrounded by ancient Douglas fir trees and hiking trails. Enjoy a moderate 4-mile hike to the 30-foot Sawmill Falls, or embark on a 7-mile loop traversing past Opal Pool and the historic mining camp, Jawbone Flats.

For a soothing hot soak, head to Breitenbush Hot Springs in Detroit. Open for day-use from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the rustic resort boasts access to a collection of forest-ringed hot springs (clothing optional), saunas, and Daily Well-Being Offerings that include yoga classes, sound baths, and guided meditation sessions. For a similar retreat in Oregon, check out the Umpqua Hot Springs, one of the most breathtaking natural hot springs in the Pacific Northwest.