Enjoy The Simple Life When You Visit This Tiny Rural Community In Oregon
By Will Suphan|Published August 30, 2023
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Will Suphan
Author
Will has been living in Arizona off and on for 30+ years in the Phoenix Metro and Tucson areas. He has traveled all over the state as well as having lived all over the Southwest. He's been writing for OnlyInYourState for one year and has previously written for Digital Journal. Will has a passion for travel and writing and combining the two is what he loves most. He loves solo international travel and has been to Thailand, France, Japan, and Cambodia.
When we think of cities and towns in Oregon, our minds usually jump to places like Portland, Eugene, and Bend, each with its own culture and each one quintessentially Oregon. But the Beaver State also has an abundance of charming small towns where life is simpler and at a slower pace. They also tend to be quite stunning. One town that is perfect for enjoying the simple life is Oakridge, Oregon.
Once known as Hazeldell, established in 1888, the town became Oakridge in 1912 when the Southern Pacific Railroad was built. It became a boomtown and a logging town and is now an attraction for those who love the great outdoors.
The Southern Pacific Railroad runs through Oakridge to this day, emerging from the mountains, cutting right through the middle of town, and then disappearing into a tunnel as this town of about 3,200 people becomes quiet once again.
Running parallel to the tracks is Highway 58 and when you arrive in Oakridge, you’ll have to stop at Stewart’s 58 Drive-In Restaurant. This is an old-fashioned diner that has been a staple in town under different names since 1950.
The menu is quite varied with hearty breakfasts, Asian bowls, and wraps, alongside classic diner fare like burgers, hot dogs, and shakes.
If you’re in the mood for barbecue instead, then a tiny shack with a smoker named Smoken BBQ is the place to go. Locals come from all over the state to Oakridge just for the mouthwatering meats that are served here.
It’s a gorgeous park that rivals those you’d find in larger towns with walking and hiking trails, a rock fountain, and an amphitheater for live music and entertainment. Local events and festivals are held here quite often.
Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Oakridge as it is surrounded by lush hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs. It’s a lovely rural town surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery and invigorating natural spots and is well worth at least a day trip.
Have you ever been to Oakridge, Oregon? What were your favorite things about it? Let us know in the comments. While you’re in the area, head over to nearby Odell Lake, and be sure to check with AllTrailsfor the best hiking trails in the area.
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