It's the perfect excuse to see something new or experience an old favorite in a new light. Choose your path into 2023!

For the Adventurer

Oakridge and Westfir are an adventurer's dream year-round, with miles of single-track mountain bike trails to ride in the summer and blankets of snow to ski, snowboard, or snowshoe in the winter. Check out Salt Creek Falls, a 286-foot single-drop waterfall with a network of trails and viewpoints to help you take it in. The primary viewing platform is accessible from the parking lot as long as there isn’t any snow, and the trails connect to a loop trail that will take you to Diamond Creek Falls for even more views. 

Where to stay: Embrace the great outdoors and stay in one of the campgrounds in Oakridge and Westfir in the warmer months. Or, stay at the Westfir Lodge and Mountain Market, a cozy lodge that also offers gear rentals, snacks, and anything else you need for your adventure.

For the Beachcomber 

Head to Florence for miles of sand and incredible ocean views. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation area is just outside Historic Old Town Florence’s hub of riverfront restaurants and shops. From sandboarding to dune buggy rides or rolling hills to hike, take your pick of ways to tackle the cascading dunes. Discover the tidepools in places like Strawberry Hill Beach or pick your way across the sands on miles of public coastline. 

Where to stay: Book a room near the beach at Driftwood Shores Resort or along the rocky shores of the Oregon Coast at the Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B. Or stay close to restaurants and shops at Old Town Inn or the River House Inn. 

For the Foodie

Dive into Oregon’s food scene around the Eugene area and experience all the flavors the Willamette Valley has to offer. Catch up with the latest Oregon craft beer along the Eugene Ale Trail or find your new favorite varietal at one of the 20+ wineries on the South Willamette Wine Trail. Discover a farm-to-table favorite with the South Willamette Valley Food Trail, which features farms and restaurants that are passionate about bringing good, local ingredients to tables across the region.

Where to stay: Stay in Eugene and Springfield, right in the heart of the food scene. From Valley River Inn to 5th Street Public Market to Springfield Main Street, you will be just minutes away from delicious, local food and beverages and about 45 minutes from many of our local farms.

For the Outdoorsy

Forest bathe in the Willamette National Forest on winding trails that lead to waterfalls and the bright blue waters of the McKenzie River. Start with Sahalie and Koosah Falls, both accessible by a short walk from the parking lot or from a loop trail that connects them. Take a dip in rustic Terwilliger Hot Springs or discover the gardens at Belknap Hot Springs Resort. For crystal clear and bright blue waters, paddle around Clear Lake, where a petrified forest is visible in the depths.

Where to stay: With an abundance of lodges and cabins, the McKenzie River area is a dream for outdoorsy types. Stay at Belknap Resort for convenient access to their naturally-fed hot spring pool or get even closer to the outdoors at a Willamette National Forest campground. 

For more on these adventures and others to discover in 2023, visit EugeneCascadesCoast.org.