Aufderheide Drive runs past Cougar Reservoir and Terwilliger Hot Springs.
A forest service road that winds through the Willamette National Forest east of Eugene has been designated as Oregon’s 18th scenic bikeway.
At its Nov. 20 meeting, the Oregon Parks and Recreation commission approved the designation for Aufderheide Drive.
The 60-mile route connects the Oakridge/Westfir area to Rainbow and McKenzie Bridge. It passes Cougar Reservoir and Terwilliger Hot Springs, and parallels the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers.
At the commission meeting, Cycle Oregon’s Steve Shulz said the road is already popular for cyclists.
“The route’s beauty, pristine riding surfaces and geographical positioning to small communities and other recreational activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and kayaking, offer a full outdoor recreation experience for all visitors,” Schulz said.
Aufderheide Drive is already part of a “Scenic Byway,” which is a designation primarily intended for motorists. The new designation will make it the fourth scenic bikeway that lies entirely or partly in Lane County.
The scenic bikeway proposal had been in the works before the pandemic and was on hold until now.
The scenic bikeway program was launched in 1999. It’s the only one of its kind in the United States, according to Shulz.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!
OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE: Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
