Halfway through spring break, students who chose to stay in Oregon may be running out of things to do. But rest assured, there are plenty of places in and around UO to explore. Oregon has many beautiful places to visit with amazing outdoor activities, trails to explore and wildlife and landmarks to see. Here are three outdoor excursions to go on to make the most of the remainder of the break or to visit later into spring.
1. Florence, Oregon
This 1900s-style fishing village is located on the central Oregon Coast, only 60 miles from Eugene. Built along the coast and right next to the Siuslaw River, the historic town has a lot to offer visitors. Right outside of town, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area offers opportunities for surfing, windsurfing, ATV tours and even sandboarding. The Oregon Dunes are a part of the Siuslaw National Forest and also one of the largest coastal dune areas in the world. After visiting the dunes, make your way to the Hecta Head where a beautiful white lighthouse sits on the edge of a 1,000-foot-high cliff. The lighthouse can be viewed from afar from an easy-to-reach sheltered beach below, or up close by taking a hike up the Oregon Coast Trail. Before venturing into town to explore the marina, restaurants and shops, make sure to stop by the Sea Lion Caves to observe wild sea lions in a naturally-formed basalt cave, a part of the Oregon/Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve.
2. Oakridge-Westfir, Oregon
Located within the foothills of the Western Cascade Mountains, Oakridge is an incredible spot for outdoor activities in the springtime. It’s close to the Willamette National Forest, and there are plenty of lakes, rivers and waterfalls to experience. The Middle Fork of the Willamette River runs through the south part of the town and provides excellent spots for spring trout fishing, along with spots for bird watching near the Willamette Fish Hatchery. Also, near the Oakridge-Westfir area, is Salt Creek Falls, the second-tallest waterfall in Oregon, plunging at 286 ft. Being a renowned town for mountain biking, Oakridge has many trails ranging in skill level for all types of mountain bikers. There are more than 300 miles of singletrack trails to explore year-round with a growing and thriving community dedicated to the sport. Make sure to check the trail report beforehand in case of muddy conditions, and if the trails aren’t fit for riding, Oakridge offers hiking trails as great alternatives.
3. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Last on this list is a must-see natural spectacle. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, lying in the caldera of the still active volcano. Located in Southern Oregon in the Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake National Park is the only national park in Oregon. Encompassing 183,224 acres of land, the park consists of 90 miles of trails that take you through forests and to peaks where you can view the clear and blue lake from above. To witness the beauty of the lake without so much hiking, visitors can drive along Rim Drive, a 33-mile-long loop that circles the lake and offers 30 different viewpoints. For those looking to prolong their stay, Crater Lake National Park also offers numerous camping locations and lodging options.
