Shotgun to McGowan - Mainline

This is a great weekend drive. Go north on Marcola Road out of Springfield. Shotgun Creek Road is on the left just after you pass the covered bridge. Head up to the fork and take a right towards Crooked Creek Staging Area where you will head straight until you reach FS 15-2-24, as you head up the hill, the road turns to gravel with several spur roads to explore. Once you crest the hill, you will be at the Cascade OHV Staging area. Here you can find picnic tables, restrooms, a training area, a loading ramp, and fire pits. It's a great resting spot. As you leave Cascade OHV and head uphill, you will again be on blacktop for a short stretch. Follow the track up and over the hill and back down to McGowan Creek. Leave yourself plenty of time to stop and snap some pictures of the breathtaking overlooks.