Newberry Volcanic Monument - Officially created in 1990 within the Deschutes National Forest, Newberry Crater is a 17sq mile geologic wonder. The monument contains lakes stocked with fish, cinder cones, obsidian flows, waterfalls, camping, hiking and even some elusive hot springs if you know where to look for them. It's two main lakes, Paulina Lake and East Lake are surrounded by lush forests ands amazing peaks. The access road is seasonal and it is not uncommon for it to be blocked until after Memorial Day. The Location: Paulina Lake (the … [Read more...]
Umpqua Lighthouse and State Park
January 17, 2012 By
Umpqua Lighthouse and State Park is an easily accessible and popular general recreation area located less than 100 miles west of Eugene and a short 12 minute drive from Reedsport. The area is known for the 65 foot lighthouse that overlooks Winchester Bay. With its famous red light, the Umpqua Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on the Oregon Coast with a colored light. It was put into operation in 1894 after the prior lighthouse at that location (the first lighthouse in Oregon) fell into the river due to erosion after a short 7 year … [Read more...]
Sunset Bay and Shore Acres
April 13, 2010 By
Sunset Bay, OR - The Oregon coastline is world famous for its stunning scenery, and the area south of Coos Bay is no exception. Erosion and seismic action have created a crumbling, fractured coastline full of geologic interest and curious rock formations. Location: Getting There Take 101 through Coos Bay, and turn right onto Empire Rd before you leave town. Take Empire/Coos Bay Hwy for 2.8 miles, then veer left onto Newmark for 0.5 miles, left again to get onto Cape Arago Hwy, and drive for 8 miles. Adventure … [Read more...]
Matthieu Lakes – Dee Wright Observatory
April 3, 2010 By
The Matthieu Lakes Trail, located on Highway 242 about 15 miles west of Sisters, Oregon, takes you through a pine forest bordering lava beds up to two small, idyllic lakes, with spectacular views of the North and Middle Sisters, Mt. Washington, Three-Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Hood along the way. Location:Google Maps - Directions from Eugene Approximately 1.5 hours from Eugene, Oregon. To reach the Matthieu Lakes trail head, from I-5 south near Eugene, take OR 126/McKenzie River Highway east for approximately 55 miles, and … [Read more...]
Crater Lake National Park – General Information
March 24, 2010 By
Crater Lake National Park is a United States National Park located in southern Oregon, whose primary feature is Crater Lake. This National Park was established on May 22, 1902, and it is the sixth oldest National Park in the U.S. This park encompasses the Crater Lake caldera, which rests in the remains of a destroyed volcano (eventually named Mount Mazama) and the surrounding forestland and hills. This is the only National Park in Oregon. The lake is 1,949 feet (594 m) deep at its deepest point, which makes it the deepest lake in the … [Read more...]
Silver Falls State Park – Waterfalls, Hiking, Swimming
March 24, 2010 By
Silver Falls State Park is known for it's ten gorgeous waterfalls it's many miles of hiking trails. Located 45 minutes outside Salem on Highway 214. Location: Eugene to Silver Falls - Google Maps Links to External Sites: Silver Falls State Park Main Page Great Park Picture Resource ***More to come*** … [Read more...]
Florence Sand Dunes
March 24, 2010 By
The Oregon Dunes offer numerous recreational opportunities for adventurers of all types. The dunes extend from Florence to Coos Bay along the Oregon Coast and were formed by the ancient forces of wind, water, and time. These dunes are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. For more information please see the links below. Location: The dunes start just South of Florence, Oregon and extend all the way to Coos Bay. The Florence access points are about 70 minutes outside of Eugene on Highway 101. Eugene to … [Read more...]
North Umpqua River: Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, Camping, Fishing
March 24, 2010 By
The North Umpqua River offers activities for all outdoor enthusiasts. These activities range from rafting and kayaking to hiking and biking. There are many great waterfalls to hike to and there are some great hotspings to soak in. The river is very clean, clear and refreshing. The North Umpqua River is nestled in the beautiful Umpqua National Forest. Location: Just east of Roseburg Oregon along highway 138, 1.5 hours from Eugene. Eugene to North Umpqua River - General Area - Click Here for the Map Time Involved: A trip here can range … [Read more...]
Trail Bridge Reservoir – Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Swimming
March 24, 2010 By
Trail Bridge Campground surrounds beautiful 120 acre man made reservoir located just over an hour outside of Eugene Oregon. The area around the reservoir is home to 46 camp sites, hiking trails, and some amazing fishing. During the summer, Trail Bridge is often full of campers and other outdoor enthusiasts looking to take in the scenery of the Oregon Cacades. Location: Trail Bridge is located just over an hour outside of Eugene and 13 miles east of McKenzie Bridge, OR on Highway 126. Eugene to Trail Bridge - Click Here for a Google … [Read more...]
Clear Lake – Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Camping
March 24, 2010 By
Clear Lake is a crystal clear glacial spring fed lake located 90 minutes outside Eugene on highway 126. If was formed over 3,000 years ago when lava flows damned the McKenzie river and created the lake the see today. The lake itself is divided up into two sections, the North end and the South End. The water in the lake has a temperature of about 40 degrees farenheit year round. (COLD!) Location: Clear Lake is located approximately 90 minutes outside Eugene Oregon directly off of highway 126. Look for the sign for Clear Lake on the right … [Read more...]