Getting Oriented
The byway runs north-south through the central Willamette National Forest, parallel to and east of I-5. The north end leaves OR-126 at McKenzie Bridge, climbs over a low forested divide, and follows the South Fork McKenzie River past Cougar Reservoir. From the reservoir, FR 19 climbs across the Box Canyon divide and drops down the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River to Westfir and Oakridge on OR-58. The McKenzie River Ranger District handles the north end, the Middle Fork Ranger District the south.
Trail Overview
Sixty miles of paved forest road, point-to-point. The pavement is narrow, with tight curves on the higher segments and almost no shoulder. The road is open year-round in the lower elevations near both ends but the central crossing closes by snow most winters, generally November through April. The Forest Service publishes road-condition advisories through the Detroit and McKenzie River ranger stations.
The byway runs through second-growth and old-growth Douglas fir for most of its length, with the Cougar Reservoir and the North Fork Willamette corridor providing the most open viewpoints.
Points of Interest
- Cougar Reservoir. A 1,300-acre reservoir on the South Fork McKenzie about 4 miles south of OR-126. Day-use sites and a Forest Service campground.
- Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs. Forest Service-managed hot spring complex on a short trail off the byway near the reservoir's south end. Day-use fee.
- Box Canyon. Forest Service guard station and dispersed camping area near the road's high point.
- French Pete Creek. Old-growth Douglas fir corridor with a Wild and Scenic River segment and a hiking trailhead.
- Constitution Grove. Stand of old-growth Douglas fir near the route's central divide, named in 1987 for the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution.
- Westfir Covered Bridge. 180-foot covered bridge at the byway's south end, the longest in Oregon, built in 1944.
- Oakridge. Mountain-bike town on the byway's south end with restaurants, the Brewers Union pub, and trail-system access.
Where to Camp
Forest Service campgrounds on the byway include Slide Creek and Sunnyside (Cougar Reservoir), French Pete, Box Canyon Horse Camp, Kiahanie, and Sacandaga. Most run reservations through Recreation.gov in summer. Dispersed camping is allowed on Willamette National Forest land along most of the route. Detroit and McKenzie River ranger stations hold current site information.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Confirm the central crossing is open before driving in shoulder season. The Forest Service does not maintain FR 19 for snow.
- The pavement is narrow with tight curves. Watch for oncoming RVs, log trucks, and cyclists.
- Terwilliger Hot Springs requires a day-use fee and parking fills early on summer weekends.
- The Westfir Covered Bridge sits a quarter mile off OR-58; signed and worth the stop.
- Combine with the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass byway and OR-126 for a multi-day Cascade loop.
