Skinner Butte, located in downtown Eugene along Cheshire Street and the Willamette River, is a great place to have some fun outdoors. The park was dedicated in 1914,@@yep@@ making it one of the city’s oldest parks. Today, it consists of hiking trails, picnic areas, rock climbing columns and a viewpoint overlooking Eugene.
If you appreciate nature and are looking for a fun hike, then one of the trails might interest you. If you prefer a quicker stop, however, then you can drive up a road straight to the lookout spot, where you can view the city as well as the “O” emblem, which is a large University of Oregon “O” constructed into the side of the butte.
Rock climbing at the columns is also a great way to spend an afternoon. The basalt columns offer dozens of different top rope climbs that are open to the public. If you don’t know how to climb, Eugene’s Outdoor Program at the River House holds community climb times during the summer months to help new climbers get used to climbing and face their fears.
Weather permitting, you can always pack a picnic and head to the north side of the butte overlooking the river.
Whatever you choose to do, Skinner Butte can provide fun and relaxing outdoor activities.