Oakridge, Oregon

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Oakridge, Oregon
City
Highway 58 in Oakridge
Highway 58 in Oakridge
Nickname(s): 
The Center of Oregon Recreation, Mountain Biking Capital of the Northwest
Location in Oregon
Location in Oregon
CountryUnited States
StateOregon
CountyLane
Incorporated1912
Government
 • MayorJerry Shorey
Area
[1]
 • Total2.20 sq mi (5.70 km2)
 • Land2.10 sq mi (5.44 km2)
 • Water0.10 sq mi (0.26 km2)
Elevation
1,240 ft (377.9 m)
Population
 (2010)[2]
 • Total3,205
 • Estimate 
(2011[3])
3,221
 • Density1,526.2/sq mi (589.3/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (Pacific)
ZIP code
97463
Area code(s)458 and 541
FIPS code41-54100Template:GR
GNIS feature ID1166689Template:GR
Websitewww.ci.oakridge.or.us
Oakridge as seen from a hill to the north
Oakridge as seen from the north, along the North Fork Trail, with snow-capped Diamond Peak in the distance

Oakridge is a city in Lane County, Oregon, United States. The population was estimated at 3,205 in 2010.[4] It is located east of Westfir on Oregon Route 58, about 40 miles (64 km) east of Eugene, and 150 miles (240 km) southeast of Portland. Surrounded by the Willamette National Forest, Oakridge is popular with outdoor enthusiasts for its hiking, mountain biking, wildflowers, fly fishing, birding, watersports, and nearby Willamette Pass ski area.

History

The area now known as Oakridge was first explored in 1852 as a possible route for pioneers coming from Central Oregon to the Willamette Valley. In 1912, a new community was formed and officially named Oakridge. Since its beginnings as a mountain ranch, Oakridge has been a railroad boomtown, a lumberjacks' haven,[5] and an outdoor enthusiast's destination.

The early boom for Oakridge can be attributed to the Southern Pacific Railroad. By 1910, work had already begun on Tunnel 22, a short route to connect Oakridge to the area now known as Westfir. Oakride was a station on Southern Pacific's Cascade subdivision, a line that goes over the Cascades Mountains and over the Cascade Summit via the Natron Cutoff that was built in 1926, the railroad played an integral part of the economy and lifestyle in Oakridge,and today the Union Pacific Railroad operates the rails, and trains are still a common sight in Oakridge.[6]

On July 2, 1946, Pope and Talbot Lumber Company purchased timberland near Oakridge. By 1948, the company built a large sawmill in Oakridge and began a massive timber logging operation. While the railroad and Westfir's Hines sawmill began to slow down, the Pope and Talbot mill expanded and eventually employed more than 500 people. The combined economic base of the railroad and sawmills accounted for the population growth of the 1960s and '70s. However, in 1978 the Hines Mill in Westfir closed, and by 1985 the Pope and Talbot Mill had laid off all of its workers. The City of Oakridge now owns the property that formerly housed the Pope and Talbot sawmill.[7]

Today, Oakridge is popular with outdoor enthusiasts for its many recreational opportunities.[8]

Called that jewel of a city in the mountains very early in history, Oakridge was first named Big Prairie and later Hazeldell. But in 1912 the City changed its name to Oakridge and now has a population of 3,680 residents. Willamette City merged into Oakridge in November 1972, after a decades long effort to unite the community. 1920 US Census references Hazeldell, Lane County

Geography

Oakridge sits at an elevation ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 feet (370 to 490 m) above sea level.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.20 square miles (5.70 km2), of which, 2.10 square miles (5.44 km2) is land and 0.10 square miles (0.26 km2) is water.[1]

Oakridge lies in a small valley in the foothills of the Cascade Range and is completely surrounded by Willamette National Forest. Five rivers are located in and around Oakridge, including Salmon Creek, Salt Creek, Hills Creek, and the Middle and North Forks of the Willamette River, the latter of which has been designated Wild and Scenic. Diamond Peak, a shield volcano located in nearby Diamond Peak Wilderness, can be seen from various spots in and around Oakridge. Waldo Lake, known as one of the purest lakes in the world, and Salt Creek Falls, the second highest waterfall in Oregon, are located 20 miles (32 km) east of town.[9][10]

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 3,205 people, 1,437 households, and 849 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,526.2 inhabitants per square mile (589.3/km2). There were 1,605 housing units at an average density of 764.3 per square mile (295.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.7% White, 1.0% African American, 1.8% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 1.5% from other races, and 4.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.4% of the population.

There were 1,437 households out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.9% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.79.

The median age in the city was 48.1 years. 20% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.8% were from 25 to 44; 32% were from 45 to 64; and 22.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.2% male and 49.8% female.

2000 census

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 3,148 people, 1,345 households, and 891 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,659.8 people per square mile (639.7/km2). There were 1,526 housing units at an average density of 804.6 per square mile (310.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.57% White, 0.32% African American, 1.59% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.87% from other races, and 3.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.02% of the population.

There were 1,345 households out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 104.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,622, and the median income for a family was $33,017. Males had a median income of $28,285 versus $18,672 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,885. About 12.2% of families and 14.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.1% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

The Pope and Talbot mill closed in 1992 leaving the community without a major employer. Following the closure many residents struggled to find employment, working low paying service jobs in the community or commuting to Eugene. The town's two largest employers continue to be the Oakridge School District and the United States Forest Service. However in recent years there has been a cultural and economic revival centered around the excellent outdoor recreational activities and local artists and craftspeople of the Oakridge area. Many new small businesses have opened including a bicycle shop/ski shop/mercantile, an outdoor guide service, a local micorbrewery and a local bakery. The Uptown business district has formed the Uptown Business Revitalization Association (UBRA) and has made significant progress in improving the face of the business district as well as attracting new businesses. While there is still a scarcity of local employment Oakridge is creating new businesses and jobs and twenty years after the lumber mill closed its doors Oakridge is reinventing itself as the recreation paradise it has always been.[11]

Transportation

Land

State Highway 58, a designated freight route,[12] serves as a major connection between Highway 97 and Interstate 5. Running east-west, Highway 58 links the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon while crossing through the Willamette National Forest and Cascade Range.

Rail

Union Pacific Railroad's main north/south line in the western two-thirds of the United States, with cargo shipping services, runs through Oakridge. Amtrak shares the rail line and provides passenger train service to nationwide destinations from Eugene.[13]

Bus

Lane Transit District's Diamond Express runs three trips inbound and outbound on weekdays to the Eugene/Springfield area.[14]

Air

Oakridge State Airport is a public airport located one mile west of Oakridge. Eugene Airport, located 45 miles (72 km) west, is the closest regional terminal providing passenger and cargo air services with access to all world markets.

Ports

The closest International Shipping Ports to Oakridge are the Port of Coos Bay, located 145 miles (233 km) to the west in Coos Bay, and the Port of Portland, located 149 miles (240 km) to the north in Portland.

Education

The Oakridge School District consists of two schools and serves the children of Oakridge, Westfir, and outlying areas including High Prairie.

  • Oakridge Elementary School - Grades K-6

In 2008, Oakridge High School was recognized as one of the best high schools in America by U.S. News & World Report.[15]

The University of Oregon and Lane Community College are located 40 miles (64 km) west.

Notable people

References

  1. ^ a b "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-21. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-21. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2013-01-04. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ "Race, Hispanic or Latino, Age, and Housing Occupancy: 2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File (QT-PL), Oakridge city, Oregon". U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder 2. Retrieved October 31, 2011.
  5. ^ Jacklet, Ben. "Trouble in Timber Town". Oregon Business. Retrieved 2010-12-13. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ "Oregon Railfan Sites". Frograil. Retrieved 2010-12-04. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ Tobe, Lisa. "Oakridge,Oregon" (PDF). Sierra Institute. Retrieved 2010-12-04. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ "Former Lumber Town". NPR. Retrieved 2010-12-04. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ Waterfalls of Oregon
  10. ^ Willamette National Forest - Waldo Lake Wilderness
  11. ^ Eckholm, Erik (2006-08-20). "Rural Oregon Town Feels Pinch of Poverty". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-20. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  12. ^ Oregon Department of Transportation, State Highway Freight System, March 2006
  13. ^ Amtrak, [1], JAN 2011
  14. ^ http://www.ltd.org/diamondex/index.html
  15. ^ Bates, Doug (2009-10-10). "Oakridge: A mill town on the mend". Oregonian. Retrieved 2010-11-24. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

External links

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