Story and Photos by Anthony Rimel
This summer, many Eugene residents will flee the city at every chance they get. Unfortunately, those who do will miss out on these awesome summer activities:
11. Triangle Lake Rock Slides – Many people from the Eugene-Springfield area will swim in the questionable waters of Fern Ridge this summer, and the more adventurous may make it as far as the Dorena or Leaburg reservoirs, but locals know the best spot for swimming and fun is at the waterfalls on Lake Creek, about a half a mile South of Triangle Lake. In addition to great spots to swim in clean, clear water the falls feature some of the best rock slides in the state. Bring a tube or risk losing the seat of whatever you’re wearing as you slide down the falls. For more about the Triangle Lake Rock Slides visit TravelLaneCounty.org.
10. Butte to Butte – Track Town USA’s biggest road race of the year is held annually on the 4th of July. Runners will enjoy competing for titles like King and Queen of the uphill and non-runners will enjoy the general party atmosphere at the finish line in Skinner’s Butte Park. Runners are often seen wearing everything from Speedos to Uncle Sam costumes. The race is held in the morning, so you’ll have plenty of time to do fireworks later in the day. Those interested in running the race should register before June 26th.
Speaking of the buttes, you also can’t miss…
9. Climbing at Skinner’s Butte – The Columns at Skinner’s Butte Park near downtown Eugene are not the greatest climbing the world has seen, but you can’t beat them for price (free) and proximity (a few blocks East of the Washington/Jefferson Bridge). Crux Rock Gym, near the columns, offers lessons for climbers who are ready for outdoor climbing.
8. The Rodeo – Eugene may lack the sophistication of larger cities like Portland , but there are times when that is a very good thing, like when the Eugene Pro Rodeo comes to town. The rodeo has events every night from July 1st to 4th, and in addition to more old-fashioned fun than you can handle, the rodeo has one of the best fireworks displays you’ll see in town. Tickets are just $18, and can be purchased at EugeneProRodeo.com.
7. Canoe in Alton Baker Park – Putting a boat in the water is one of the best ways to enjoy a sunny afternoon, and Alton Baker offers some of the safest and easiest water in the city for amateur boaters. Canoes and Kayaks are available for rental at Alton Baker from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday through Monday until September. Adventurous boaters can portage their boats a short distance to the pond behind Cuthbert Amphitheater and then paddle to the stream at the South-East Corner of Autzen Stadium.
6. Pick Berries – Later in the summer blackberries will be thriving in every vacant lot in Eugene, and a half hour’s work can yield enough berries for everything from smoothies to crisps. Earlier in the season, local farms, like Lone Pine on River Road, will let you pick strawberries for a fee. Many people will make jam from their strawberries and blackberries, but the less ambitious will still enjoy berries at their peak of ripeness.
5. Lane County Fair – No one who has been to a county fair will need any more explanation. The rides, food, live music, and displays of local artwork mean that there is something for all ages. Entertainment ranges from motocross jumping to pig races. The Lane County Fair is fun for the whole family.
4. Eugene Emeralds Baseball – Baseball is the ultimate summer sport, and watching the even a minor league team like the Ems play is a good way to spend a summer night. Baseball may be a bit slow for many Ducks Football fans, but the more relaxed pace of the game means that you have more time to enjoy the people you are with.
3. Willamette Valley Blues and Brews Festival – Enjoy some of the finest microbrews that Oregon has to offer August 5th and 6th this summer while enjoying blues music in Island Park in Springfield. The festival is only in it’s third year, which makes it much newer than any other event on this list, but it’s hard to beat the combination of a warm summer night, a cold beer and chill music.
2. Swim at Amazon Pool – Eugene has few outdoor pools that are open to the public. The nicest of these is Amazon Pool in South Eugene. Amazon doesn’t open for recreational swimming just opened on June 21st, and the water slides, diving boards and large pools made the it worth the wait. Bring sunscreen and expect there to be crowds.
1. Oregon Country Fair – There is no event more quintessentially Eugene than the Oregon Country Fair. The fair features street performers, multiple stages with live music, more than 50 booths selling arts and crafts and lots and lots of food. Now in it’s 42nd year, the fair has become so much a part of Eugene’s culture that everyone who lives in Eugene should go at least once. The Country Fair is July 8th through 10th this year, and you can buy your tickets at OregonCountryFair.org.
11. Triangle Lake Rock Slides – Many people from the Eugene-Springfield area will swim in the questionable waters of Fern Ridge this summer, and the more adventurous may make it as far as the Dorena or Leaburg reservoirs, but locals know the best spot for swimming and fun is at the waterfalls on Lake Creek, about a half a mile South of Triangle Lake. In addition to great spots to swim in clean, clear water the falls feature some of the best rock slides in the state. Bring a tube or risk losing the seat of whatever you’re wearing as you slide down the falls. For more about the Triangle Lake Rock Slides visit TravelLaneCounty.org.
10. Butte to Butte – Track Town USA’s biggest road race of the year is held annually on the 4th of July. Runners will enjoy competing for titles like King and Queen of the uphill and non-runners will enjoy the general party atmosphere at the finish line in Skinner’s Butte Park. Runners are often seen wearing everything from Speedos to Uncle Sam costumes. The race is held in the morning, so you’ll have plenty of time to do fireworks later in the day. Those interested in running the race should register before June 26th.
Speaking of the buttes, you also can’t miss…
9. Climbing at Skinner’s Butte – The Columns at Skinner’s Butte Park near downtown Eugene are not the greatest climbing the world has seen, but you can’t beat them for price (free) and proximity (a few blocks East of the Washington/Jefferson Bridge). Crux Rock Gym, near the columns, offers lessons for climbers who are ready for outdoor climbing.
8. The Rodeo – Eugene may lack the sophistication of larger cities like Portland , but there are times when that is a very good thing, like when the Eugene Pro Rodeo comes to town. The rodeo has events every night from July 1st to 4th, and in addition to more old-fashioned fun than you can handle, the rodeo has one of the best fireworks displays you’ll see in town. Tickets are just $18, and can be purchased at EugeneProRodeo.com.
7. Canoe in Alton Baker Park – Putting a boat in the water is one of the best ways to enjoy a sunny afternoon, and Alton Baker offers some of the safest and easiest water in the city for amateur boaters. Canoes and Kayaks are available for rental at Alton Baker from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday through Monday until September. Adventurous boaters can portage their boats a short distance to the pond behind Cuthbert Amphitheater and then paddle to the stream at the South-East Corner of Autzen Stadium.
6. Pick Berries – Later in the summer blackberries will be thriving in every vacant lot in Eugene, and a half hour’s work can yield enough berries for everything from smoothies to crisps. Earlier in the season, local farms, like Lone Pine on River Road, will let you pick strawberries for a fee. Many people will make jam from their strawberries and blackberries, but the less ambitious will still enjoy berries at their peak of ripeness.
5. Lane County Fair – No one who has been to a county fair will need any more explanation. The rides, food, live music, and displays of local artwork mean that there is something for all ages. Entertainment ranges from motocross jumping to pig races. The Lane County Fair is fun for the whole family.
4. Eugene Emeralds Baseball – Baseball is the ultimate summer sport, and watching the even a minor league team like the Ems play is a good way to spend a summer night. Baseball may be a bit slow for many Ducks Football fans, but the more relaxed pace of the game means that you have more time to enjoy the people you are with.
3. Willamette Valley Blues and Brews Festival – Enjoy some of the finest microbrews that Oregon has to offer August 5th and 6th this summer while enjoying blues music in Island Park in Springfield. The festival is only in it’s third year, which makes it much newer than any other event on this list, but it’s hard to beat the combination of a warm summer night, a cold beer and chill music.
2. Swim at Amazon Pool – Eugene has few outdoor pools that are open to the public. The nicest of these is Amazon Pool in South Eugene. Amazon doesn’t open for recreational swimming just opened on June 21st, and the water slides, diving boards and large pools made the it worth the wait. Bring sunscreen and expect there to be crowds.
1. Oregon Country Fair – There is no event more quintessentially Eugene than the Oregon Country Fair. The fair features street performers, multiple stages with live music, more than 50 booths selling arts and crafts and lots and lots of food. Now in it’s 42nd year, the fair has become so much a part of Eugene’s culture that everyone who lives in Eugene should go at least once. The Country Fair is July 8th through 10th this year, and you can buy your tickets at OregonCountryFair.org.
