After what feels like a long summer, Eugene is here to welcome us back for another year. With cool weather, changing leaves and less rain, it’s the perfect opportunity to get outside. Whether you’re new to Eugene, or just need a refresher for what the area has to offer, here are a few hikes to check out.
1. The Classic: Skinner Butte
Skinner Butte is the perfect hike for those not looking to travel very far — it’s nestled right outside the downtown area of Eugene, just a 0.3-mile walk from the 5th Street Public Market.
If you start on the trailhead on the North side of the Butte, it’s around a two-mile hike round trip, considered to be of moderate difficulty due to the elevation gain. There is potable water, picnic tables and restrooms available at the trailhead.
“It’s a shorter hike, and because it’s pretty close to campus, it’s nicer for people who can’t drive super far to go on hikes,” junior Abby Nolan said. If you don’t feel like hiking, there’s always the option to drive to the top to take in the views of the city.
2. The Gauntlet: Ridgeline Trail System
This is a 12-mile trail system popular for both hiking and trail running, with seven different trailheads. The system is made up of semi-connected parklands around South Eugene, with options for hikes ranging in length.
To hike the entire trail, start at the Blanton Road trailhead, which is a 15-minute drive from campus. If you do all 12 miles, the trail will spit you out at the Spring Boulevard trailhead near Mount Baldy Park (a 20-minute drive from campus). There are also options for shorter hikes, if you’re looking for a more casual experience.
Spencer Butte, another popular hiking destination, is a part of this trail system. The summit hike offers views of the Willamette Valley, the city of Eugene and the Cascades. It’s a 2.2-mile round trip.
“Spencer Butte is great — it’s a little challenging, but it provides really great views of all of the Willamette Valley. Even though it’s a hike that almost everybody does, I really enjoy it,” junior Marco Montemore said.
3. The Belle of the Ball: Mount June Trail
About one hour from Eugene, the Mount June trail is a two-mile out-and-back hike that takes you through mossy forests, wildflowers and rhododendrons, depending on the time of year you go. It’s accessible from April to December.
“It gives you a great view of Oakridge, and you can see Eugene from really far away. It’s very pretty,” Montemore said.
If the weather allows, you can also see Mount Bachelor, the Three Sisters, Mount Hood and more. At the top of Mount June, you’ll be able to check out the old foundation of a now-defunct fire lookout. If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can opt for the 7.5-mile trail that’ll bring you to the same views.
4. The Crown Jewel: Trail of Ten Falls
This trail is located in Silver Falls State Park – the largest state park in Oregon — and is a 7.2-mile loop that takes you to the foot of the eponymous 10 waterfalls, and behind four of them! If you plan on doing this loop, start at the South Falls Lodge trailhead.
The trail is accessible year-round and is considered to be moderately difficult. To accompany the waterfalls, the trail offers colorful foliage during the fall, making it well worth your while. Up toward Salem, the Trail of Ten Falls is about a 1.5-hour drive from Eugene.
For a shorter hike with similar views, there is the North Rim trail in Silver Falls State Park, which is a one-mile out-and-back hike and is accessible from the North Canyon Trailhead. There are also other shorter trails if this one doesn’t interest you.
You will need a permit for this trail; there’s a day-use parking permit available on-site for $10, or you can get the annual Oregon State Parks pass.
Regardless of where you’re hiking, always make sure to check permit requirements, along with advisories for wildfire damage. The Outdoor Program is also a great resource for gear rental and trip planning. Happy hiking!
