Spirit Falls is a gorgeous 40ft channeled waterfall, flowing over moss covered rock on Alex Creek near Cottage Grove, Oregon. Accessible year round at an elevation of 1900 ft and only a 2/3rd mile round trip day hike, Spirit falls is a great adventure for the whole family. Spirit Falls and nearby Moon Falls and Pinard Falls make a great full day adventure! Location: Spirit Falls is located approximately 50 miles from Eugene, on Forest Service Road #1790 off Layng Creek Road (FS Road #17) outside of Cottage Grove, Oregon. The trailhead is … [Read more...]
Mt. Pisgah Arboretum – Hiking, Festivals, Gardens
June 19, 2012 By
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...]
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...]
Tamolitch Pool
April 3, 2010 By
Tamolitch Pool (also known as Blue Pool) is the basin of Tamolitch Falls, once a natural waterfall on the McKenzie River that has since been diverted by EWEB, buried by lava flows, and is now a "dry" waterfall. What remains is a large, breathtaking pool of spring-fed water that shades from deep purple to turquoise. The Trailhead: The trail to Tamolitch Pool (near Blue River, Oregon) leaves from a trail head a few hundred yards off of Highway 126, and is a four mile loop along part of the popular 26-mile-long McKenzie River Trail. For the … [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...]
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...]
Spencer Butte – Hiking Guide
March 24, 2010 By
Spencer Butte, also know as Spencer's Butte, is the big mountain right in the backyard of Eugene. It tops out at an elevation just over 2,000ft and offers the some of the best views of Eugene and the Southern Willamette valley that you will ever see. There are numerous trails in Spencer Butte Park ranging from short and easy to long and steep. All of the trails follow meandering paths through wooded forests and eventually plant you at the top of the treeless, expansive, flat butte. Location: Willamette Trail Head (Google Maps) - Longest of … [Read more...]
Wildwood Falls
March 24, 2010 By
Wildwood Falls is a beautiful swimming hole and waterfall located on the Row River near Cottage Grove, Oregon. The falls are about 20ft. and pour off a rock ridge into a large swimming hole. The cliffs above the swimming hole are great for cliff diving and jumpers usually leap off to the left of the main falls. Location: Wildwood is located about 45 minutes outside Eugene, Oregon or 25 minutes outside Cottage Grove, Oregon. Google Maps - Eugene to Wildwood Click Here for the Map Time Involved: All day or just an afternoon. I usually spend … [Read more...]