South Willamette Valley: Eugene, Lane County, Springfield
Alton Baker Park - Eugene
Location: 200 Day Island Road: East of Ferry Street Bridge along north bank of the Willamette River
Why Go There? 400 acres of forest, fields and miles of gentle walking trails along the Willamette River; close to University of Oregon's Autzen Stadium. Several events hosted in the park, including Art and the Vineyard, Eugene Rotary Duck Race and Cuthbert Amphitheater concerts.
More Information: Alton Baker Park + Eugene Facility Details
Hendricks Park - Eugene
Location: Just south of the University of Oregon campus at Summit and Skyline Drive.
Why Go There? Eugene's oldest city park, its 80 acres include an impressive rhododendron garden, native plant garden (6,000 varieties of rhododendrons and other ornamental plants), 200 year-old Douglas fir trees, ferns, wildflowers; several paths, trails to wander; northern terminus of the 12-mile Ridgeline Trail; nearby neighborhoods are interesting to walk around.
More Information: Hendricks Park
Mount Pisgah Arboretum - Eugene
Daily, dawn to dusk
Location: 34901 Frank Parrish Road (Howard Buford Recreation Area)
Why Go There? 209-acre living tree museum with riverside trails, quiet paths through evergreen forests, water garden, wildflower meadows, open views across oak savannas.
More Information: Mount Pisgah Arboretum
Skinner Butte - Eugene
Location: 248-298 Chesire Avenue
Why Go There? Just north of downtown, numerous trails meander to the top of Skinner's Butte (262 feet elevation gain), offering a great panoramic view of Eugene. Distinctive basalt columns attract rock climbers on the western facing side of the butte. The historic Campbell House Inn sits at the south base of the butte; a convenient location for inn guests to enjoy a walk before or after dining. Ornate architectural landmark Shelton McMurphey Johnson mansion (now a museum), is close by on edge of the park.
More Information: Skinners Butte + SMJ House
Spencer Butte - Eugene
Year-round
Location: Three trailheads: Willamette Street, South Willamette Street, Fox Hollow.
Why Go There? Choice of three trails varying in length from 1.7-6 miles round trip to summit 2080 ft elevation Spencer Butte; awards walkers/hikers with vast view of Eugene area. Popular year-round.
More Information: Eugene Outdoors + Spencer Butte Trail
Diamond Creek Falls - Lane County
Location: South of Oakridge off of Highway 58, turn right for the Salt Creek Falls Observation Site. After 0.1 miles, keep right at the junction with Forest Service road 5893, continue another 0.5 miles, and bear right at the parking circle (fee, or use pass). Access to Diamond Creek Falls is a spur trail from the parking lot (well signed). There are restrooms (closed in winter), interpretive signs at the trailhead.
Why Go There? The nice leg stretcher approximately 3.5 mile loop trail passes through rhododendrons and leads to the cascading falls, offering different views from the top or bottom of the falls, and heads back up the canyon to the parking lot. Popular, so expect to share the trail, unless hiking very early or in inclement weather (when it can be slippery).
More Information: Diamond Creek Falls Loop Hike + Diamond Creek
Salt Creek Falls - Lane County
Location: South of Oakridge off of Highway 58, turn right for the Salt Creek Falls Observation Site. After 0.1 miles, keep right at the junction with Forest Service road 5893, continue another 0.5 miles, and bear right at the parking circle (fee, or use pass). There are restrooms (closed in winter), interpretive signs at the trailhead.
Why Go There? One of the taller and most spectacular waterfalls in Oregon, can observe the falls which plunge over a 300-foot-thick basalt ledge from a very short stroll from the parking lot. The trail down towards the base of the falls is steep, but offers a breathtaking view. (Note: as of October, 2019, signs were posted to NOT go all the way to the bottom of the falls, as the trail had been eroded, was dangerous. If wanting a longer hike, return to the parking lot and take the Diamond Creek Falls loop trail).
More Information: Salt Creek Falls
Dorris Ranch - Springfield
Monday-Friday, 5:00am-9:00pm; Saturday-Sunday (opens 6:00am)
Location: 205 Dorris Street, Springfield
Why Go There? National historic site, working farm (oldest planted commercial hazelnut orchards in Oregon); public park walking trails, natural areas. Dorris Ranch serves as the western access point of the paved, 4-mile long Middle Fork Path, which runs to Clearwater Park.
More Information: Dorris Ranch