School is finally out, tank tops are present, cold drinks are flowing and Eugene residents have made their way to the riverfront. With more time to relax and enjoy the beautiful Oregon summer, Eugene’s Willamette River provides the perfect place for outdoor fun and recreation. On any given (sunny) day along the north bank of the river, you’ll surely catch a glimpse of the bikers, kayakers, swimmers, fishers and, of course, sun-soakers.
Alton Baker Park, along the north bank of the river, hosts 402 acres of preserved land, bike paths and recreational features and facilities, ideal for outdoor fun-seekers.
Eric Cariaga has lived in Eugene for 25 years and uses the Willamette River in almost every aspect. As an avid fisherman and cyclist, Cariaga believes that the river is a key factor that makes the Eugene community so great.
“I’m glad to see that they are building even more connectivity and putting in some new bridges and paths,” Cariaga said.
Cariaga commutes daily along the riverfront to work by bike, enjoying the natural beauty of the river.

“I inner tubed home from work one day,” Cariaga said. “I knew the weather was supposed to be over 90 degrees, so I walked down to the river after work, jumped in on my tube and tubed about three, or three and a half miles on the river and walked the rest of the way home.”
The river’s many bike paths and pedestrian walkways allow residents to enjoy the riverfront without having to brave the cold water temperatures.
“I won’t get in the water unless is over 90 degrees,” said Christie Hayden,  a longtime resident of Eugene, “I’m not comfortable riding my bike in traffic, so the off-street paths are really great for me. I really appreciate the environment of the riverfront, being around it, in it and near it. I can’t think of anything we do on the weekends that’s not around the river.”
For those slightly more adventurous, the riverfront offers a variety of water sports including kayaking, bodysurfing, swimming and canoeing. First-timers should be cautioned that parts of the river in Eugene have class two rapids and can be dangerous for those who are less experienced.
The Willamette is also a great place for recreational fishing, for those with a fishing license. Currently the river is filled with steelhead and will be until the end of the summer.
“Fishing in this stretch of the river is really an unknown resource,” Cariaga said.
The Willamette River acts as a central part of the Eugene community and recreation. The development surrounding the riverfront, such as Alton Baker Park, allows residents to enjoy the riverfront safely and efficiently with bike paths and pedestrian walkways. In the curves of the river, sandy banks have formed, which have turned into afternoon lounging areas for the young people in the community. From biking to kayaking, the Willamette River is an ideal place to spend some of the long, warm days that summer brings.
As Cariaga puts it, “I think the best is the commuting. If you can inner tube home from work, you’ve got it made.”