Head east on Highway 58 and take the Westfir exit west of Oakridge. Follow signs to Westfir. Park across from the Westfir covered bridge. This 150 foot bridge, known as the office Bridge, is the longest covered bridge in the state. It is unique because it has both a covered walk-way and covered roadway. The Office Bridge, built in 1944, received its name because it was used to get from the Hines Lumber Company office to the mill site across the river. Now the office is the new home of tbe Westfir Lodge Bed and Breakfast. This beautifully restored lodge is an ideal place to spend the night before or after a day on the Aufderheide.
You will find ample parking across the street from the bridge. This ride starts out flat and remains that way for most of the ride except for the last couple of miles to Box Canyon Campground. The elevation gain is approximately 50 vertical feet per mile. From the south, the Aufderheide follows the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. About 8 miles out, the road climbs through a spectacular 1,000 foot deep river gorge. Swimming holes abound for miles. A particularly nice one is about 3.5 miles north of the Office Bridge.
Keith Nelson
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