For better or for worse, college and the recreational use of alcohol often go hand in hand. However, the University and the city of Eugene offer various functions for those under 21, proving that intoxication is not a prerequisite for fun. Here are a few local, inexpensive activities for the adventure-seeking student who prefers not to imbibe:
Attend a WOW Hall Concert

Woodmen of the World Hall, a historic community gathering place at the corner of 8th Avenue and Lincoln Street, is one of Eugene’s only all-ages venues. No matter what kind of music you are into — be it hip-hop, rock and roll, reggae, folk or metal — WOW Hall offers a positive and (usually) drug-free environment to enjoy the arts. The hall’s schedule is available online at www.wowhall.org, and often features links and ticket information for shows months in advance.
Hike Spencer Butte

For those wanting to get “high” in the literal sense of the word, this 2,050-foot majestic landform located five miles south of the University is climbable for even the most novice hiker. The 360-degree view of the Willamette Valley from the top is like no other in town, making the one and a half mile hike to the summit well worth the trek.
Float the Willamette River

On long, hot summer days, it is not uncommon to see troupes of university students hooting and hollering as they traverse the gentle rapids of this winding waterway. Though drifting along with the river’s steady current offers an inexpensive catharsis for the stresses of academia, any newbie drifter must bring these few necessities with them into the water: 1) a flotation device, which could be anything from a black rubber inner tube to a derelict air mattress; 2) at least a basic swimming ability; 3) some kind of proper swimming attire to protect valuable organs from the sandpaper-like rocks in the shallows. The Willamette is easiest to access by walking east on the river path for a mile past the Ferry Street Bridge, and then floating past Alton Baker Park where there are plenty of landing spots before hitting downtown. Just remember to be safe while floating, as the current has been known to have a mind of its own.
Climb a Tree

One of the greatest qualities of the Emerald City is its wooded wealth. The bliss imparted by sitting on a branch 50 feet in the air, gazing through a thicket of leaves at the tops of buildings beats out any cocktail-induced meditative happiness one could hope to achieve on the ground. Washburne Park, conveniently located at 20th Avenue and Agate Street past Prince Puckler’s, boasts a grove of bamboo and several climbable trees for the wayward student trying to relax. One of the tallest and most difficult trees to climb is a 100-foot redwood growing at the park’s north side. The tree’s lowermost branches have all been sawed down in recent years, so brave climbers have to shimmy up a sagging branch at a 45-degree angle.
Frequent the Saturday Market

One perk of laying off the booze on Friday nights is being able to wake up before noon on Saturday morning to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the Eugene Saturday Market. Located at 8th Avenue and Oak Street, the market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, from the first Saturday in April through mid-November. Authentic food, folk music and handmade wares await the clear-headed early riser, and the health conscious eco-freak can find all the fresh, organic produce that the Willamette Valley has to offer. Even for the most sober, penniless vagabond, a sunny weekend morning spent perusing through the colorful merchandise stands will leave the onlooker punch-drunk off of Eugene culture.
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