Oakridge

The town of Oakridge is about 45 miles east of Springfield, on the climb towards Willamette Pass. It dates from the early 20th century, when the railroad built the line east over the Cascades. It is a place that has definitely seen better days. The railroad and multiple lumber mills all used to provide substantial employment, but those days are long gone. The trains still pass through, but rarely do they stop, and only a few maintenance workers still live in town. Even up to a few years ago there were several railroad buildings still in use, but those are now gone, too.

Still, it is a good place to see trains. What few there are on the line all pass through, and one can usually find various pieces of maintenance and snow fighting equipment parked in the yard. Occasionally a locomotive, too. The town is a good place to stop for food and fuel on the way to the pass. And of course, once there a detour off the highway to see what's in the yard is always on the agenda. You never know what might be there.