University students who leave town for the summer most likely recall Eugene’s colder, rainy months spent indoors, leaving the best outdoor spots relatively unknown. Nearly 9,000 students stay near campus during the summer and may be looking to enjoy Eugene outdoors. Students from the University’s Outdoor Program and students who have spent the summer months in town, share some of their favorite Eugene outdoor experiences.
Sam Appelbaum

“I love biking outside of greater Eugene; it only takes 30 minutes by bike to feel much farther away. That being said, if you’ve got a couple of hours and are looking for a super fun ride, I’d the suggest the Fox Hollow-Lorane-Crow Loop. Get up Fox Hollow, take a right at McBeth, and a left at Lorane. At Bailey Hill Road, continue straight onto Spencer Creek Road. Spencer Creek Road turns into Pine Grove Road, which eventually gets to Crow Road. Take a right on Crow and hop across 126 to the end of the Fern Ridge Bike Path. Don’t forget these essentials: helmet, water, extra tube, tire levers, patch kit, a pump and some nuts. Now go nuts!”
Ted Sweeney

“Bike riding is my personal joy, and Eugene is a great place to do it. The UO Cycling Club introduced me to long, scenic, fast-paced road bike riding, and the country roads of Lorane Valley, just over the hills south of town, are great for it. For a bike adventure closer by, you can ride the river path system. Get in touch with the UO Bike Program or the UO Cycling Club for more information about recreational riding in and around Eugene.”
Alexis Pennington

“My favorite thing to do in the summer is to float the Willamette River. Starting at Island Park in Springfield (located off Mill and Main); we float past the I-5 Bridge down to Alton Baker Park just before hitting EWEB. Remember to watch out for signs along the river so you don’t run into the rocks. The best time to float is when temperatures exceed 90 degrees and the current is relatively mild. The best time to go is right after your morning class ends and the water is calling your name. Allow yourself two hours to complete the float and bring a proper inner tube. This is an awesome way to experience the outdoors. Summers in Eugene don’t get much better than this.”
Skyler Whitley

“The rock slides are about 45 minutes away from Eugene, so they’re perfect for a day trip. Bring your friends and an inner tube. You can swim, jump from rocks and go down the slides. There’s a great waterfall to chill under, and you can definitely relax on the other rocks out in the sun. Sometimes it can get crowded — both families and college kids love to go there — but it’s a great time.”
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