Spring in Eugene is the perfect time to get outside. After months of rain, it’s finally time to take advantage of everything Eugene and the surrounding areas have to offer.
For many, winter term is a long, treacherous 10 weeks of torture. Limited sun and continuous downpours turn many University of Oregon students to indoor activities, and it takes a toll on mental health.
Since a good portion of our student body is from California or warmer climates, seasonal depression can hit hard.
According to data from the fall term of 2024, the UO’s Office of the Registrar says the university has 20,626 undergraduate students.
It’s hard to get through the winter term, even as someone who grew up in Oregon. This puts much more pressure on getting outside and spending time in the sun during the spring.
Hannah Dean is a freshman English major from the Big Island of Hawaii. She said she is looking forward to spring after her first rain-intensive winter in the Pacific Northwest.
“I didn’t realize how much the sun influences my happiness,” Dean said. “Waking up to gray and gloomy weather makes it hard to have motivation.”
While talking about her home, Hannah mentioned how much she missed swimming.
“I honestly was really privileged to go to the beach and swim with my friends,” Dean said.
In the spring, you can do that here in Eugene too! There are over 13 natural swimming holes in Lane County alone, with tons more in nearby counties.
The weather in spring is also warm enough to enjoy swimming holes, but there is no intense heat like in summer, making hiking much more doable.
Kemper Flood, a senior advertising major originally from the Portland area, said she agrees. She is finishing up her last year here in Eugene and knows how to make the most out of the warmer weather once spring comes.
She shared some of her favorite memories during spring in Eugene such as day trips to Dexter Reservoir and hiking Tamolitch Falls.
These spots aren’t as enjoyable when the weather is chilly or with intense heat. Spring offers that perfect happy medium.
Both spots offer gorgeous views and are great day trips if you have the means to get there and the chance to cool off in the water. Be careful with Tamolitch Falls though, the water remains at about 37 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
“The number one thing is to get outside. There are so many lakes and hikes,” Flood said. “Just leave the campus bubble. There’s a lot more fun things to do outside of campus.”
From Koosah Falls to Scott Lake, there are some incredible views and hikes to make the most of as the sun arrives.
If hiking and day trips aren’t your thing, there are still many activities to be done in the city.
There are a plethora of parks spread throughout the city, and the comfortable weather in Eugene offers the perfect time to go for a picnic, toss the frisbee or even just take a nap in the sun.
Some of my favorites are the Owen Rose Garden, Hendricks Park and the Rhododendron Garden.
The Eugene Saturday Market is also a hot commodity in spring, with various artisan goods and produce.
Once May and June arrive, the berries and fresh fruit are out of this world.
Eugene may be soggy and grey for a good portion of the year, but all that precipitation allows for insanely gorgeous scenery once the season turns.
Get out there and enjoy it, but be sure to stock up on allergy medication if pollen gets you!
