With more than 1,700 miles of trails, 1,500 miles of rivers and streams, more than 375 lakes and more than 80 campgrounds, the forest provides ample recreational opportunities, including hiking and camping. The forest is open to hunting and fishing in regular seasons. Big game animals include elk, bears and deer; fishing enthusiasts can find several varieties of trout in the many lakes and streams.
Four wilderness areas have extensive volcanic formations. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail winds along the summit of the Cascades through wilderness areas, offering scenic vistas of waterfalls and mountain lakes.
Self-guiding tour CDs of the Aufderheide Scenic Byway, part of the West Cascades Scenic Byway, are available free of charge from the Middle Fork ranger district office on SR 58, (541) 782-2283, and the McKenzie River ranger district office on McKenzie Highway, (541) 822-3381. The drive is about 70 miles in length. Visitors should call the office before beginning their trip as weather and snow conditions at high elevations may be different from those on the valley floor.
The Hoodoo and Willamette Pass ski areas provide many skiing opportunities, and snowmobile areas are located near Willamette Pass on Waldo Lake Road and near Big Lake just off Santiam Pass on Highway 20. For further information contact the Forest Supervisor, Willamette National Forest, 3106 Pierce Pkwy., Suite D, Springfield, OR 97477; phone (541) 225-6300.