3 Best Hikes in Eugene, Oregon
Many great reasons bring people from all over the world to Eugene, Oregon — the world-class University of Oregon, the lush and diverse landscape, and the plethora of outdoor recreation.
To the world of runners, Eugene is known as Track Town USA. Hayward Field is an icon of track and field, and excellent trail running opportunities abound in the surrounding area.
The Best Hikes in Eugene
Regardless of your reason for visiting Eugene, Oregon, there are numerous great trails to walk, hike, bike, and run. Here’s a rundown of Eugene’s three best hikes.
1. Spencer Butte Trail
Photo: Rick Obst
- Length: 1.7 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Elevation Gain: ~740 feet
To many locals, this is the quintessential Eugene hike. Spencer Butte is the ever-verdant backdrop to Eugene — the hill that rises above the city lights. As such, it’s a popular trail, but the hike never feels overcrowded.
From the parking area for the Spencer Butte Trail, you’ll walk through an old-growth forest along a well-maintained path. The ascent starts gradually and ramps up once you break above the treeline. You’ll encounter stone stairs as you approach the summit where a large mound of boulders rests.
Panoramic views can be seen from the top, where there is plenty of room to spread out and claim your own spot to rest and soak it all in. Eugene and Springfield can be spotted below, as can the distant reaches of the Willamette Valley to the north and the snow-capped Cascade peaks to the west.
2. Pre’s Trail
Photo: Brian
- Length: 4.3 miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Elevation Gain: ~65 feet
Steve Prefontaine is a Eugene idol. He’s a legendary track star immortalized with his own trail — Pre’s Trail.
This wood-chip padded path is the best walking and running path in Alton Baker Park. Along its route, you’ll pass by some of Eugene’s most celebrated community establishments, such as Autzen Stadium and the Cuthbert Amphitheater. Seclusion can be found as well along the canals, ponds, and fields of the park.
This is certainly the best running trail in Eugene, and it also makes for a refreshing stroll.
3. Hendricks Park
Photo: Rick Obst
- Length: 0.25 to 5 miles
- Trail Type: Web
- Elevation Gain: less than 200 feet
Hendricks Park is among the most beautiful locations in Eugene, Oregon. Residing up the hillside adjacent to the University of Oregon, you can find sweeping views of campus and the rest of Eugene between the tall trees.
This park is best visited in spring when the countless rhododendron plants are in full bloom, with colors that pop from all across the spectrum. Though less colorful during the other seasons, it’s still a lovely area to hike for those in search of a quick escape to the woods.
The web of interconnecting trails makes Hendricks Park a choose-your-own-adventure sort of hike. Longer trails lead away from the park toward the miles of Ridgeline Trail for those seeking longer hikes, but there is enough within this hillside park to provide up to a couple hours of leisurely hiking.
