Mt. Pisgah Arboretum is a beautiful 209-acre arboretum located between Eugene and Springfield, Oregon on the banks of the Willamette River. Full of miles of hiking trails and nature paths, Mt. Pisgah and the surrounding Howard Buford Recreation Area are best known for their diverse wildlife, expansive gardens, and unique habitats. There are several trails along the Willamette River, across the wildflower meadows, through the evergreen forests, and around the stunning water garden. Location: Mt. Pisgah arboretum is located in Lane County, … [Read more...]
Delta Ponds – Bird Watching and Nature Walk
May 7, 2012 By
Known for their fantastic wildlife viewing, birdwatching, wildflowers, and nearby running and biking trails, the Delta Ponds are one of Eugene, Oregon's most well known casual recreation areas. The area is a 150 acre network of ponds, sloughs, and waterways near Valley River Center that act as a major haven for wildlife of all kinds. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded at Delta Ponds and the adjacent stretches of the Willamette River along with numerous fish and aquatic wildlife, including the threatened Western Pond … [Read more...]
Newberry Volcanic Monument – Paulina and East Lake
January 17, 2012 By
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...]
Triangle Lake Slide Rock – Lake Creek Falls, Oregon
August 12, 2011 By
Slide Rock at Lake Creek Falls near Triangle Lake is a unique natural water slide, swimming hole, and cliff jumping area located near Junction City, Oregon, approximately 50 minutes from Eugene. At the entrance to the recreation area, a small waterfall empties into a quaint swimming hole, with a cliff jumping area located directly across the creek. The cliff jumping features dangling ropes and multiple jumping platforms at 25 and 35 feet. The water below is plenty deep, but USE CAUTION. Further down the creek from the waterfall and pool are the … [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...]
Alton Baker Park
March 24, 2010 By
Alton Baker Park is Eugene's largest developed park with over 400 acres to explore. The park features miles of running trails (paved and dirt), river paths, duck ponds, large open fields, a dog park, and an overall beautiful environment. Named after Register-Guard founder Alton F. Baker, the park is divided into two distinct areas: the more developed West Alton Baker Park and the natural and serene East Alton Baker Park. Location: North bank of the Willamette River smack dab in the middle of Eugene. Click Here for a Google Maps … [Read more...]
Buford Recreation Area – Hiking, Scenic Viewing, Picnicking
March 24, 2010 By
The 2,363-acre Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) is the largest of Lane County's 58 parks. The park is home to many activities, including hiking, picnicking, horse back riding, and general recreation use. The park's dominant physical feature is Mt. Pisgah, rising 1,531 feet above sea level or 1,000 feet above the Willamette River's Coast and Middle Forks, which flow around its base. From the summit, hikers and equestrians can enjoy expansive views in all directions except to the north. The HBRA is also home to the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum , and … [Read more...]
Hendricks Park
March 24, 2010 By
Hendricks Park is Eugene's oldest city park. Its 78 acres include a mature forest, a world-renowned rhododendron garden, and now a new native plant garden. Laced with trails, the park is a haven for hikers, birders, and others who enjoy retreating to the tranquility of nature. Without leaving the city, visitors can walk among Douglas fir trees two hundred years old, ferns, and wildflowers, such as trilliums and irises, and over six thousand varieties of rhododendrons and other ornamental plants. Location: Hendricks Park is located just south … [Read more...]