Hidden in the hills behind Oakridge is the perfect day’s outing. Start with a visit to an overlooked mountain lake with a cute little campground. Then hike  through one of the state’s most diverse wildflower meadows to a historic shelter with mountain views. Top off the day with a soak in a natural warm springs pool on the way home.

The day begins in Oakridge’s real downtown—not the fast food joints you see along Highway 58. At the traffic light on Highway 58, turn north 0.2 mile on a bridge across the railroad tracks. Then turn right on First Street.  The old downtown here features the reasonably priced Oakridge Hostel, the Lion Mountain Bakery, and the Brewers Union Pub.

Continue straight a total of 9.2 miles . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes : Central Oregon Cascades