So you’ve walked Pre’s Trail, hiked up Spencer Butte and you believe you’ve explored everything in Eugene you wanted to see. Try expanding your knowledge of Oregon’s awesomeness with these attractions that are all less than a day away.
Wildlife Safari

What do you get when a zoo meets an African safari? The drive-through Wildlife Safari in Winston.
Located an hour and a half from Eugene, this wildlife park is home to more than 500 exotic animals. Touring from the comfort of your own car, a designated route leads visitors through five main areas: Village, Asia, Africa, Wetlands and the Americas. Expect to see giraffes roaming free, ostriches curiously walking alongside your car and rhinoceroses just feet away.
Wildlife Safari opened more than 30 years ago under Frank Hart’s vision to create a place in the Pacific Northwest dedicated to saving rare and endangered species from around the world. The Safari Village, located at the entrance of the wildlife reserve, houses a playground, petting zoo, reptile house and restaurant. The drive-through experience takes one to two hours, and admission allows for visitors to experience it twice. Visit www.wildlifesafari.net for hours and more info.
Astoria

Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean lays the charming town of Astoria, the westernmost point of the Lewis and Clark Trail.
A refreshing day trip leads you to this calm, Victorian-influenced town, which is also the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Here, you experience a variety of attractions such as the Astoria Riverfront Trolley, Fort Clatsop, the Astoria-Megler Bridge and the Astoria Column. After taking in the sights of Astoria, visit Fort Stevens State Park across the bay in Warrenton and enjoy the sandy beaches.
Rose Gardens

The International Rose Test Garden, which is part of Portland’s Washington Park, was established in 1917.
The garden is committed to introducing new rose varieties. More than 550 varieties of roses are featured in several smaller, themed gardens. For example, Shakespeare’s Garden features herbs, trees and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s works.
The garden is also home to varieties of roses named after the characters in Shakespeare’s plays. Public gardens, fountains, statues and other works of art make the International Rose Test Garden a great day trip. Download a map of the gardens or sign up for a public tour at www.rosegardenstore.org.
Florence

Adventure and relaxation — Florence has it all, from forests, lakes, rivers, to sand dunes, the ocean and shopping.
The town has 10 miles of sandy beaches and is also home to the Sea Lion Caves, the largest sea caves in the world. Visitors can visit the Heceta Head Lighthouse on weekends in Devil’s Elbow State Park, and thrill-seekers can go for dune buggy rides on the 40 miles of sand dunes 300 feet high. If that isn’t enough, you can drive half an hour up Highway 101 to Yachats to visit Cape Perpetua, the highest point on the Oregon Coast, and take in the spectacular views.
Mount Hood

This mountain, located about 75 miles from Portland, makes a great day trip with endless options for visitors any time of the year.
In the winter, snowboard, ski, snowshoe, sled or hike in the snow. In the summer, enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding and an endless amount of hiking trails, including the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Visit the National Historic Landmark and Timberline Lodge, and see where portions of Stephen King’s “The Shining” were filmed.
Columbia River Gorge and Hood River

The Columbia River Gorge is home to some of the most beautiful scenery Oregon has to offer.
Start your day trip by driving along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Stop at the Crown Point Vista House and Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint for beautiful views ideal for snapping pictures. Continue to Multnomah Falls, where you can enjoy many different hiking opportunities and experience the breathtaking waterfalls. Before you head home, stop in Hood River, a quaint town that offers great restaurants and world-class windsurfing.
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