Sunset Bay and Shore Acres

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Overview: 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 Specifics: Sunset … [Read more...]

Matthieu Lakes – Dee Wright Observatory

Photo By: Andrea Niemiec

Overview: Located on Highway 242 about 15 miles west of Sisters, Oregon, the Matthieu Lakes trail 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 … [Read more...]

Willamette Pass Ski Resort

40ft. Backside Cliff @ Willamette Pass. Skier: Nate Simmons

Overview: Willamette Pass is a medium sized ski resort located 75 minutes outside of Eugene on Highway 58. Base Elevation: 5,120 ft Summit Elevation: 6,683 ft Number of Runs: Alpine Runs: 29 Trails; 6 Beginner, 13 Intermediate, 10 Advanced Expert Nordic Trails: Up to 20 Km groomed and trackset Number of Lifts: 1 six person detachable, 4 triple chair lifts, 1 Tubing lift, 1 Magic Carpet Lift Capacities: 10,200 skiers per hour Difficulty of Terrain: Beginner: 21 % Intermediate: 45 % Advanced: 34 % Average … [Read more...]

Hoodoo Ski Area

Overview: Hoodoo is a medium sized ski resort located 90 minutes outside of Eugene on Highway 20. Base Elevation: 4,668 ft Summit Elevation: 5,703 Number of Runs: 806 skiable acres; 120 acres maintained/groomed; 30 alpine trails Hoodoo has 15.8 kilometres of maintained Nordic trails. Number of Lifts: Hoodoo has 5 ski lifts: Three quads, one triple chair and one double chair and two tow ropes, and one carousel. Difficulty of Terrain: Beginner: 30 % Intermediate: 30% Advanced: 40% Average Snowfall: … [Read more...]

Crater Lake National Park – General Information

Photographer: Charles R. Bacon

Overview: 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 … [Read more...]

Silver Falls State Park – Waterfalls, Hiking, Swimming

Overview: 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...]

Skinner Butte – Hiking, Views of Eugene

Overview: Skinner's Butte is the large prominent butte on the north edge of downtown Eugene. It was named after Eugene Skinner, the founder of Eugene. It tops out at an elevation of just under 700ft. and offers great views of downtown Eugene, especially at sunset. There are many trails going to the top of Skinner's as well as a paved road to the top. Location: The big hill on the North edge of downtown Eugene. You can't miss it. Google Maps Link to Parking - Click Here for the Map Time Involved: The trails on the North end of the … [Read more...]

Heceta Head Lighthouse and State Park

Overview: Heceta Head Lighthouse and State Park is a beautiful general recreation area located about 90 minutes outside Eugene and 15 minutes North of Florence. The area is known for it's beautiful views and primarily, Heceta Head Lighthouse. You have likely seen this area many times before in magazines, movies, and on TV. Fees: $3 for day use parking Location: 90 minutes West of Eugene. Take Highway 126 East to Florence and then 101 North to Heceta Head. Eugene to Heceta Head - Click Here for the Map Time Involved: I usually like … [Read more...]

Florence Sand Dunes

Overview: 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 … [Read more...]

North Umpqua River: Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, Camping, Fishing

Overview: 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 … [Read more...]