The Matthieu Lakes Trail, located on Highway 242 about 15 miles west of Sisters, Oregon, 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 55 miles, and … [Read more...]
Silver Falls State Park – Waterfalls, Hiking, Swimming
March 24, 2010 By
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...]
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...]
Clear Lake – Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Camping
March 24, 2010 By
Clear Lake is a crystal clear glacial spring fed lake located 90 minutes outside Eugene on highway 126. If was formed over 3,000 years ago when lava flows damned the McKenzie river and created the lake the see today. The lake itself is divided up into two sections, the North end and the South End. The water in the lake has a temperature of about 40 degrees farenheit year round. (COLD!) 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 … [Read more...]
Sahalie Falls
March 24, 2010 By
Sahalie Falls is a beautiful 140ft. waterfall located 75 minutes outside of Eugene on highway 126. The word Sahalie is a Chinook word meaning "high". These falls were formed 3,000 years ago when lava flows formed the McKenzie River. Location: Sahalie falls is located approximately 60 miles outside Eugene directly off highway 126. Google Maps - Eugene to Sahalie Falls - Click Here for the Map Adventure Specifics: The waterfall is easily accessible via a paved path from the parking lot. The are also numerous dirt and paved paths in the … [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...]
Cougar (Terwilliger) Hot Springs
March 24, 2010 By
Cougar (Terwilliger) Hot Springs is located approximately 60 minutes outside of Eugene in the beautiful Willamette National Forest. The springs themselves consist of five tiered pools that become cooler as they flow away from the source. Recent improvements by Hoodoo Recreation has turned made the hot springs even better and cleaner than before. There is also a brand new covered shelter/changing area. Type: Natural Hot Springs Temperature: 112 Degrees in the upper pools to 85-90 Degrees in the lowest pool Hours: Day Use Only Fee: $6 Per … [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...]