Location: Paulina Lake (the approximate center of the crater) is about 3 hours from Eugene. The best route to take is the Willamette Highway (58) across the Crescent Cut-off and then north on US-97 until you see the signs for the Newberry Volcanic Monument about 30 miles south of Bend.

Google Maps: Eugene to Newberry Crater

Adventure Specifics

Hiking & Mountain Biking:

There are several great hiking and mountain biking opportunities around the crater. A few of the more notable routes are:

• Rim Trail (#3957) is a 21 mile loop around the crater. It is classified as difficult primarily due to its length and lack of water sources, but has very rewarding views of forests, lakes and volcanic formations. Also open to horses.
• Big Obsidian Flow Interpretive Trail (#3958)is a must see if you are limited on time, the one mile trail wanders through Oregon’s youngest lava flow and has several interpretive signs. Watch your step though, the obsidian is sharp!
• Paulina Peak Trail (#3951) is a steep (8% grade) but short (.5 mile) offshoot of the Rim Trail to the top of Paulina Peak. From the top you can see all the way from Mount Adams to Mount Shasta on a clear day. The views are unbeatable!

Fishing: Paulina and East Lake contain large numbers of Kokanee Salmon, Brown, and Rainbow trout. East Lake also contains some Atlantic salmon. Two record size brown trout have been pulled from Paulina Lake. 

East Lake Fishing Info: East Lake Resort – Fishing Info

Camping/Lodging: There are 7 campgrounds in the Newberry Monument including Little Crater, Paulina Lake, Newberry Group Camp, Chief Paulina Horse Camp.

Snow Sports – The Paulina Lake/Newberry Crater area is popular for snow sports such as snowmobiling, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. The historic Paulina Lake Resort is open all winter to provide lodging to snow sport aficionados.

Additional Adventures: Check out the newly remodeled Lava Lands Visitor Center and nearby lava caves for and additional adventure near the monument.

Time Involved: There are plenty of places to explore in the Volcanic Monument, you can spend as much time as you’d like.

Best Time to Go: Late Spring, Summer, and Early Fall. The roads are not well maintained and many of the attractions in the area are not open after October as the weather is unpredictable.

Amenities: Toilets, Snacks, Restaurant, Cabins, Camping.

Usage Fees: $5 day pass / $30 annual pass.  Northwest Forest Pass is required at some trailheads.

Access: There is easy access to both the put-in and take-out on this stretch of river.

• Put-In - Click Here For a Google Map Location (Coming Soon) – The put-in is located at Quartz Creek Rd in Finn Rock, Oregon, 50 minutes East of Eugene on Highway 126. Cross Quartz Creek Bridge and turn left onto a gravel road at the unimproved Finn Rock Boat ramp. There is a roundabout and plenty of room to pull a boat trailer down to the waters edge. If you’re short on time, you can put in at Silver Creek and Rennie Boat landing further down the river.

• Take-Out- Click Here For a Google Map Location (Coming Soon) – The most common take out is Prince Helfrich Boat Landing, located at the end of Thomson Lane, on the South side of the highway approx. 1 mile below Ben and Kay Dorris State Park. There is ample parking for a boat and trailer at this location. If you aren’t running Marten’s Rapid, you can take out at Ben and Kay Dorris State Park (Google Maps Location). Another take-out is located downstream at the Leaburg Dam boat ramp.

River Specifics

Class: 2(3)         Length: 10 miles            Ideal Flow: 900-3000cfs           Gradient: 21 fpm

Notable Rapids:

Clover Point - Class II -  2 miles below the put in and within site of the bridge at Nimrod, Clover Point is identified by a large flat outcrop on the right bank with some small clustered cabins. This class II rapid is a large hole river right at moderate flows followed by a series of small waves. River left provides a clean passage for all craft. At higher flows, above 4 feet on the gauge, Clover Point is an excellent play hole.

Eagle Rock Rapid - Class II – 1 mile below Clover Point you’ll find Eagle Rock Rapid. Identified by the large rock cliff on the left this rapid is best run down the chute on river left but can be skipped by running river center or center right.

Neil’s Wave - Class II/II+ – Just after Eagle Rock Rapid is Neil’s Wave. Located on river left, this wave is one of the most coveted kayak surfing holes in Oregon. At the correct flows many kayakers can be found here, surfing the hole for hours at a time. The rapid is perfect for long surf sessions due to the numerous calm eddies and pull outs on river left below the hole. At the correct flow and with an experienced paddle crew a raft can even get a good surf in!

Silver Creek Public Boat Landing – Lunch Spot – 4 miles from Put-In (approx 1 mile from Neil’s). Silver Creek Boat Landing is a perfect place to stop for lunch. There is a nice expansive deck that is usually covered in sunshine as well as a pit toilet.

Rennie Public Boat Landing – 2 miles below Silver Creek Boat Landing – This landing has a pit toilet or porta-potty if you need a quick break.

Brown’s Hole – Class II+ – Located just downriver from Rennie Boat Landing is the famous Brown’s Hole. Barely visible from upstream, Brown’s is at the end of a straight section and can be identified by a large rock wall on river left about 30 yards up from the hole. You’ll notice an apparent drop in the river on river left and see a large rock outcropping that seems to stick out of river center just past the rapid. The hole itself is located 15 feet off the left wall and can flip a small raft or swamp a drift boat if you’re not careful. If the hole isn’t for you, it can be easily avoided by running river right.

Ben and Kay Dorris State Park – Approx. 1.5 miles downstream from Brown’s hole is Ben and Kay Dorris State Park. This is a common take out for drift boats that don’t want to run class III Marten’s Rapid which is just around the corner.

Marten’s Rapid – Class III – Just past Ben and Kay Dorris State Park is the famous Marten’s Rapid, an exhilarating Class III rapid that marks the end of the Finn Rock to Helfrich stretch of river. RUN INSTRUCTIONS: To run Marten’s Rapid, look for the largest boulder in the center of the river at the top of the rapid. This boulder marks the entrance to the main rapid and you’ll find a relatively open channel about 10 feet river right of it. I always run this rapid to the right of the largest boulders. Once you’re past the large boulders there are a few holes and wave trains to be managed. Beware of the large hole river right at the bottom of the rapids. It’s big and can recirculate a kayaker a few times before spitting them out.

Prince Helfrich Boat Landing – Take Out - 0.5 miles below Marten’s Rapid is the most common take out of this stretch of river, Prince Helfrich Boat Landing. It’s marked by a suspension footbridge across the river. It’s somewhat hidden, but there is a full boat ramp and plenty of room to park a few boats.

Resources:

Flow Information: Coming Soon

Shuttle Company Information: Coming Soon

Fly Fishing Information: Coming Soon

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 from a day trip, or stay at any of the campgrounds along the river for a multiday trip.

Adventure Specifics: Over 20 miles of raftable/kayakable class I-IV rapids. Amazing steelhead fishing. Waterfalls include: Toketee falls 82 feet. Watson falls 272 feet. Clearwater falls 30 feet. Whitehorse falls 15 feet. There is a trail that parallels the entire river great for hiking and mt. biking. Toketee hot springs is an incredible hot springs with pools ranging from 110 degrees all the way down to the chilly temperature of the river. All the different campgrounds along the river can accommodate small and large groups.

Warnings: This river is far from gas stations and food.

What to Bring: Camping gear, hiking boots, swim suit, sunscreen, water, food

Best Times to Go: Spring, summer and fall

General Comments:

Links to External Sites:
North Umpqua River Wikipedia
General North Umpqua River Information

Other Adventures Nearby: Crater lake is a short distance away

Location: North bank of the Willamette River smack dab in the middle of Eugene.
Click Here for a Google Maps Link

Activities:

Running:
Alton Baker is best knonw for it’s miles of paved and dirt running trails, which is convenient since it’s located in Track Town USA. The most famous of which is Pre’s Trail, a classic compressed wood chip and bark trail, modeled after the cross country trails that Steve Prefontaine ran on in Europe. Another prominent trail is the river trail that follows the banks of the Willamette on both sides.

Check out the  Alton Baker Park Map for a detailed look at the running trails associated with Alton Baker.

Fishing:
The many ponds and canals of Alton Baker park are regularly stocked with rainbow trout for your fishing pleasures. They provide the perfect setting for both beginner and experienced anglers alike. It’s not uncommon to limit out on trout or catch a nice summer Stealhead in the waters of Alton Baker Park. Click Here to see when Alton Baker was most recently stocked with fish.

Biking/BMX:
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride along the river or some intense BMX action, Alton Baker Park has you covered. The BMX Track can be found near Autzen Stadium off of Leo Harris Parkway

Parks/Gardens:
Alton Baker is home to numerous gardens, wildflowers, and unique ecological zones.

Swimming:
During the hot summer months the banks of the Willamette provide some great swimming opportunities. Poke around the shore to find a nice place to wade, but BE CAREFUL! The water can be swift and COLD!

Time Involved: As much time as you want.

Park Activities: Running, picnicking, biking, BMX track (located near Autzen Stadium), duck ponds, gardens, dog park.

Best Times to Go: Any day of the year, I find nice, sunny days to be the best.

General Comments: Alton Baker is a great place to spend nice day outside. In the summer you can tan on the edge of the Willamette and even go swimming if it’s hot enough. On especially hot days you’ll often see people floating down the river on tubes or inflatable mattresses.

Links to External Sites:
Alton Baker Park Map
Youtube Video of the Park
More General Information

Other Adventures Nearby: Spencer Butte, Skinner’s Butte

Feel free to post more information on Alton Baker Below! I update this regularly.

Photographer: Tori Simmons

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 Map

Time Involved: You can spend half a day or a whole weekend at Trail Bridge if you want. The area around Trail Bridge is full of outdoor adventures.

Area Activites:
Camping – 46 campsites – 27 walk-in/tent sites and 19 RV sites (without hookups)
Fishing – Some amazing fishing with hatchery rainbow and brook trout
Hiking – The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is nearby as are other trails in and around the campground – see the link below for more hiking information.
Boating – Boating is allowed (max speed 10mph). You will usually just see rowboats and float tubes.
Swimming – Trail Bridge is a nice place to swim, however the water is cold (max 55 degrees), even in the summer months

Warnings: During the Winter and early Spring, Trail Bridge is usually covered in snow. Also, because Trail Bridge is fed by the McKenzie, water temperatures, even during the summer time usually stay below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to Bring: A fishing rod, camping gear, sunscreen, and anything else you might need.

Amenities: One seasonal restroom, paved access roads, fishing platform, tables, piped drinking water, gravel boat launch, fire rings

Best Times to Go: The “season” for Trail Bridge is April-September, however the campground is open year round with no services or fees during the off months.

General Comments: Check out the links below for more details on Trail Bridge and the surrounding area.

Links to External Sites:
Willamette National Forest – Trail Bridge Reservoir
Willamette National Forest – Trail Bridge Campground
Willamette National Forest – McKenzie River Trail

Other Adventures Nearby: Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, Tamolitch Pool, Clear Lake

Photographer: Gary Halvorson

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 side of the road about a mile after you pass Sahalie Falls.
Google Maps – Eugene to Clear Lake – Click Here for the Map

Adventure Specifics:

Hiking:
The Clear Lake Hiking Loop is a 5 mile off shoot of the McKenzie River Trail that circles Clear Lake and passes the headwaters of the McKenzie River and traverses through a 3,000 year old Lava flow. It’s open to hikers and mountain bikers, but the west side of the trail closes periodically to protect nesting Bald Eagles. Check with the ranger at Clear Lake before you set out on your hike. The trail has moderate trail rating and is usually open from late spring until the first snow of fall.

Fishing:
During the late Spring and Summer the fishing at Clear Lake is fantastic! The lake is regularly stocked with trout and it’s not uncommon to pull out daily limits. The best fishing is towards the southwest end of the lake as the fish tend to congregate in the shallow, more vegetated waters. I’ve been diving here many times and it’s not uncommon to see some larger 16-20 inch trout swimming around.

Boating:
Non-motorized boating is allowed on the lake and Clear Lake Resort rents rowboats for a small fee. Please check additional boating regulations with the rangers at the lake.

Camping:
Clear Lake is a full Resort with cabins and campsites available for rent. Please check out the Clear Lake Resort page below for more information: http://www.co.linn.or.us/parks/parks/clearlake.html

General Comments:The North end of the lake is the most well know area of Clear Lake. There is a small lodge, cabins available for rental, a small snack/food/general store. The south end has a small boat ramp and is home to a large campground.

Time Involved: There is tons to do at Clear Lake, you can spend as much time as you’d like.

Best Time to Go: Late Spring, Summer, and Early Fall. The major amenities at Clear Lake are open in the summer months. The main road down to the lake is usually snowed in during the winter months.

Amenities: Toilets, Snacks, Restaurant, Cabins, Camping, Row Boating.

Warnings: The water in Clear Lake is extremely cold year round. About 40 degrees farenheit. Hypothermia can set in quickly if you swim without proper exposure protection.

Link to More Information:
http://www.co.linn.or.us/parks/parks/clearlake.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/recreation/tripplanning/water/clearlake.html
http://www.campingfriend.com/clearlakeresort/default.asp?file=Home

Adventures Nearby: Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, Tamolitch Pool, Trail Bridge Reservoir/Campground

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 a few hours here just relaxing and swimming on a hot summers day.

Adventure Specifics:
Cliff Diving – There are a few points where you can jump off the cliffs into the swimming hole itself. The main one is a little to the left of the main falls (standing at the top). Be sure to check the depth before you jump.
Swimming -The water at Wildwood is relatively cold year round and usually only maxes out in the low-mid 70′s even during the hot summer months.
Hiking – This area is fun to explore and there are a few trails here and there.

Warnings: This swimming hole is VERY dangerous at high flows. Also, the runoff area by the falls is extremely dangerous as well. Do not swim directly beneath the falls. There is a small cave underwater and behind the falls that you can become trapped in. The rocks to the swimming hole entrance are also fairly slippery. DO NOT try to go down the waterfall.

What to Bring: Bathing Suit, Sun Screen, Tennis Shoes, Water shoes for climbing rocks, etc.

Amenities: Picnic Tables, Porta-A-Potty

Best Times to Go: Summer and Early Fall before the rains arrive.

General Comments: Wildwood is a great place to cool off in the summer. On extremely hot weekends the area can get pretty crowded though. The swimming hole is just over 20ft. deep.

Other Adventures Nearby: Bohemian Mining Country

Wildwood Falls at 410 cfs. Paddler: Cory Lescher