Hidden In Oregon's Cascade Mountains Is A National Forest Popular For Its Plethora Of Recreation And Beauty

The Cascade Range is home to some of the prettiest mountains and lakes in the Pacific Northwest, with plenty of places to escape the city and commune with nature across Oregon and Washington. The region is filled with stunning landscapes that can make any human feel smaller when seeing them in person. For your next trip to the great outdoors here, consider making it out to Willamette National Forest for an experience unlike any other. 

Nestled in the heart of Oregon's Cascades, Willamette National Forest offers something beautiful for everyone regardless of experience level. It's accessible to out-of-town visitors by flying nonstop into Eugene, about a 40 minute drive from the forest; if you'd rather not connect somewhere to get into this local airport, you can fly into Portland and drive about two hours to Willamette National Forest. 

Spanning nearly 1.7 million acres, Willamette National Forest is the gateway to western Oregon's Cascade Range and showcases the wide variety of natural features the area boasts. Chances are you'll find some much-needed peace and quiet on your trip here whether you're looking to be wowed by towering mountains and deep canyons or soothed by flowing streams and forested hillsides. Just make sure you come prepared for whatever you want to do, whether it's a simple hike or some overnight camping. 

With nearly 1,700 miles of trails open to the public, it's impossible to cover every inch of the park on foot, especially in a short visit. Though many of these jaunts are in the forest's wilderness areas, several of them are easily accessible at low elevations and are open to hikers year-round. Of these low-elevation paths, five have been designated as National Recreation Trails for their exceptional scenery: Fall Creek National Recreation Trail, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, Lava River National Recreation Trail, Middle Fork Willamette National Recreation Trail, and South Breitenbush Gorge National Recreation Trail. 

Most of Willamette National Forest's eight wilderness areas are located near tall mountain peaks in the Cascades. The U.S. Forest Service itself warns that its online trail maps don't paint a full picture of the difficulty one might encounter when embarking on a wilderness trip, so if you decide to take on the challenge of one of these trails for experienced hikers, take precautions like ensuring you're able to communicate with others in case of an emergency, and bring along a can of bear spray in case you cross paths with a protective momma black bear. 

Besides hunting for impressive views of mountains, rivers, and lakes, you might want to — to quote TLC — chase waterfalls. The Waterfalls Loop Trail, which connects to the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, offers a two-for-one special, taking you past the sparkling Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. Continue on the McKenzie River trail to reach Tamolitch Falls and the gorgeous Tamolitch Blue Pool, or split off to the Clear Lake Loop Trail and take in the beauty of Clear Lake. While swimming is technically possible in these rivers and pools, the near-freezing water temperatures make hypothermia a real danger. 

Feeling adventurous enough to spend the night in the forest? There are nearly 60 campgrounds throughout Willamette National Forest at your disposal located everywhere from thick woods to relaxing lakesides. The Alder Springs Campground, for example, boasts restrooms and access to Linton Lake via the Linton Lake Trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness area. 

If you'd like to be near a calming body of water, check out Cove Creek Campground, the largest campground on Detroit Lake. Here, you'll have access to 1,000 feet of shoreline with a boat ramp and dock as well as toilets, potable water, and coin-operated showers. Hoover Campground and Santiam Flats Campground similarly offer lakeside camping on the edge of Detroit Lake. While you'll be isolated from the outside world, you won't be cut off entirely from supplies or comfort, as the town of Detroit, Oregon, is a few minutes' drive away, complete with food at Mountain High Grocery and beds at The Lodge at Detroit Lake if you don't feel like setting up camp and sleeping on the ground. For breathtaking views of Mt. Washington reflecting on the water, set up camp at Big Lake Campground about an hour south. And if you just want to fall asleep to the sounds of a babbling brook, check out Limberlost Group Campground next to Lost Creek. 

Before you head out into the wilderness for your camping getaway, ensure you secure your site using the Recreation.gov mobile app to pay the overnight fee and confirm what amenities — or lack thereof — are available at your chosen site. And, of course, make sure you pack all the essential items for a quick and easy camping retreat.