An Insiders View - Exploring Eugene Oregon

Eugene Oregon is an eclectic college town located in the Pacific Northwest, with the nickname Emerald City because of its lush green landscape, but most know it by Track Town USA. Eugene is the second-largest city in Oregon.  It's an active town with many bikers, runners, and hikers. There are many hiking trails and bike paths within the city.  It is ranked as one of America’s most bicycle friendly cities. 

Eugene is home to some of the state's best breweries and wineries. There are many local restaurants, interesting sites, and beautiful parks to explore too.

The University of Oregon was founded in 1876.  It is an expansive campus full of large trees, historic buildings, and home of the Oregon Ducks.  Donald Duck, the mascot for the University of Oregon, is the only Disney sports mascot.  

The best time to visit the campus is during fall foliage. 

Villard Hall Built in 1886 - University of Oregon

Anstett Hall built in 1916 - University of Oregon

Peterson Hall built in 1916 - University of Oregon

Johnson Hall built in 1915 - University of Oregon

 Knight Library built in 1937 - University of Oregon

Deady Hall (at end of pathway) was built in 1876 and is the oldest building on the University of Oregon Campus.

University of Oregon Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art was built in 1933.  It is a lovely museum of historic and contemporary art which features special exhibitions.

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

The University of Oregon has many beautiful historic buildings dotting the campus.  The University has a self-guided tour guide available on their website.

The University of Oregon has a variety of beautiful flowers, different species of trees, and several monuments to explore as you walk through the grounds.

University of Oregon

University of Oregon's Mascot

U of O's Hayward Field: Eugene is the only U.S. city to host the U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials three consecutive years: 1972, 1976, and 1980. Eugene also hosted these games in 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. The track meets are held at Hayward Field, which is also the birthplace of Nike. 

Hayward field was built in 1919 for the football team, and in 1921 it also became the site for U of O's track and field athletics.  In 2018 it underwent a massive renovation for the upcoming 2022 World Athletics Track and Field Championships.  It would be the first time this event was held in the United States.  The whole city was excited!

Hayward Field: Shown during the 2022 Worlds Athletics Track and Field Championships.

Hayward Field Tower is ten stories tall and represents the first 100 years of Oregon track and field. The tower depicts five legends in track and field: Steve Prefontaine, Coach Bill Bowerman, Aston Eaton, Otis Davis, and Raveyn Rogers.

Hayward Hall at Hayward Field has interesting history, displays, a short film, and a perfect view of the field.

Hayward Hall

Hayward Hall

Hayward Hall

U of O's Autzen Stadium was built in 1967 and is the largest sports football stadium in Oregon.  It now holds over 54,000 spectators, after several expansions over the years.  It's known for its very loud crowds and is an exciting place to be for Duck football games!

Autzen Stadium

Pretty sunset for this night football game at Autzen Stadium

Autzen Stadium Indoor Practice Field 

Autzen Stadium has a nice courtyard by The Duck Store.  The Hall of Champions/Hall of Fame is across the courtyard from the store.  

Autzen Stadium courtyard

U of O Hall of Champions/Hall of Fame is located on the 2nd floor of the Casanova Center adjacent to the stadium.  It opened in 1992.  There are trophies, plaques, sports memorabilia, and it's where the best athletes, coaches, and administrators are honored.

U of O Hall of Champions/Hall of Fame

Hall of Champions/Hall of Fame

Hall of Champions/Hall of Fame

U of O Matthew Knight Arena is named after Phil Knight's (Nike's co-founder) son. This 12,364-seat facility opened in 2011 and is the most expensive basketball arena on any college campus in the United States.  It is used for men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and concerts throughout the year.  

Matthew Knight Arena

U of O/PK Park is the University of Oregon's baseball field that opened in 2009.  The Emeralds, a minor league baseball team, also used the facility until 2024.

PK Park

U of O/Museum of Natural and Cultural History opened in 1935.  It was established as the Oregon State Museum of Anthropology and Museum of National History.  In 1936 the name was changed to what it is today.  The current building was dedicated in 1987. The museum is full of fossils, artifacts, and so many other interesting displays that relate to the Pacific Northwest.  There is a native plant garden that surrounds the museum.

Museum of Natural and Cultural History

Columbia Mammoth live throughout Oregon and 

became extinct about 13,000 years ago.

  Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

McCarther Court was built in 1926.  The first NCAA basketball championship was held in Eugene in 1939, when the Ducks defeated Ohio State 46-33.  McCarther Court was used by the basketball team until the Mathew Knight arena was built.  It is now used for recreational events and available to rent.   

McCarther Court 

Steve Prefontaine’s Roadside Memorial, which is coined Pre’s Rock, is a Memorial to distance runner Steve Prefontaine. It is located at Skyline Blvd. & Birch Lane.  In 1975 Steve Prefontaine, who was an Olympic runner and who ran for the Oregon Track Club beginning in 1969, died at age 24 in an auto accident near Hendricks Park.  The Prefontaine Classic (track meet) is held in Eugene every year. 

Pre’s Rock

Graduate Hotel is where you can see the Nike Moon Shoe on display, as well as other Nike Shoes. Nike was co-founded by U. of O. track athlete Phil Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman on January 25, 1964.  Nike officially got its name on May 30th, 1971.  The Nike Moon Shoe was gifted to 102 athletes who were competing in the Marathon for the 1972 Olympic Trials in Eugene.

The 1972 Nike Moon Shoe is on display at Graduate Hotel in Eugene.

 Graduate Hotel 

Eugene Pioneer Cemetery is located across the street from McCarther Court.  It is interesting to stroll the grounds of this historic cemetery.

Eugene Pioneer Cemetery

Lane Country Historical Museum is an interesting museum full of Lane County's history.  Historic vehicles including an 1851 covered wagon, 1908 Model T Ford, Victorian Hearse, and other wonderful memorabilia are on display, as well as maps, photos, and videos.  It is an excellent museum.

Lane Country Historical Museum:  Anyone who has lived in Eugene for very long, remembers Williams Bakery along Franklin Blvd, which opened in 1908.  The aroma was amazing!  In 2006 it was demolished in preparation for the University of Oregon's Mathew Knight Arena, which was built in its place in 2008 (opened in 2009).

Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House was built in 1888.  This beautiful 7000-square-foot, 3-story Victorian home is furnished with 1930's decor. 

Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House 

McDonald Theater was built in 1925 and is a Eugene landmark.  It was used for movies as well as stage performances.  In the 1950's, Mr. Keysey (the owner) would allow free admission for the Saturday cartoons that were playing, and prior to the movie his son performed magic tricks for the audience.  I remember going to this theater as a kid and receiving free admission with a Willams Bread wrapper.  They often ran Kurt Russell Disney films which were my favorite! 

McDonald Theater 

J.J. Newberry Company is another childhood memory in downtown Eugene.  The store opened in 1959 and was a chain across America.  This dime store was so much fun to shop in, and I especially enjoyed their counter restaurant.  The store closed in the late 1980's or early 1990's.  The lighted sign was restored in 2010.  After 25 years it was shining brightly again.

J.J. Newberry Company

Hult Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1982.  There are two performance theaters within the building. Silva, with seating for 2448, and Soreng, with seating of 295. There is a beautiful lobby and meeting room, with art displayed throughout the building.

Hult Center for the Performing Arts

Eugene Japanese-American Art Memorial is located outside the Hult Center.  This memorial was placed here in 2007 and celebrates the contribution Japanese Americans have made to Civil Rights.

Eugene Japanese-American Art Memorial

  

    Cascade Raptor Center has been open since 1994 and has been helping injured raptors get well ever since.  It's an interesting place to take children to learn, respect, and watch these big birds up close.  

Long Eared Owl at the Raptor Center

Snowy Owl at the Raptor Center

Oregon Air and Space Museum is located next to the Eugene Airport.  It opened in 1991 and is a wonderful place to view historic aircraft and other artifacts on display.

Oregon Air and Space Museum

The Willamette River runs through the middle of the city.  On hot days in the summertime, it's a popular spot to float the river.  The 14-mile Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail, also known as the Willamette River Loop Trail, has four main trails that run on both sides of the river.  There are also side paths that connect the four paved trails.

Willamette River

Hendricks Park is just over 80 acres and Eugene’s oldest park. It was established in 1906.  There are beautiful hiking trails, pretty wildflowers, and a lovely rhododendron/native plant garden of over 6000 varieties. The park includes the Francis M. Wilkins Shelter that was built in 1938 and is available to rent.  Henricks Park is a wonderful place to go birding too.  

Hendricks Park

Wild Turkey in Hendricks Park

Hendricks Park

Hendricks Park

Skinner’s Butte Park is a historic site nestled against the Willamette River with lush green grass and old growth trees.  Eugene is named after its founder, Eugene Franklin Skinner. Until 1889 it was named Eugene City.  It includes a replica of his log cabin that was built in 1972.  A drive to the top of the Butte provides an amazing view of the city, especially at night.  There are several hikes throughout the park, including a 1.6-mile loop trail to the top. The park has a playground for the kids, as well as running/biking/walking paths.  A  50-foot basalt rock column on the west side of the butte is popular for beginner rock climbers.  Don't forget the short walk to the adjacent Owen Rose Garden.

Skinners Butte Park

    Skinners Butte Park:  This play structure was presented to the City of Eugene by the Jaycee-ettes in 1958.

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Pretty Trail at the top of Skinners Butte 

One of several expansive views at the Top of Skinners Butte. Looking eastward where you can see 2 of the 3 snowy Three Sisters Mountains near Bend Oregon. 

Skinners Butte - 50-foot basalt rock columns

Owen Rose Garden is an 8.5-acre park along the Willamette River near Skinners Butte Park. This beautiful rose garden has 400 varieties of fragrant smelling flowers.  It also includes the giant Owen Cherry Tree.  It is believed that it was placed in the garden by Eugene Skinner in the mid 1800's.

Owen Cherry Tree in Owen Rose Garden

Owen Rose Garden

Spencer’s Butte features a 2.2-mile out-and-back climb to the top.  This is a perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise/sunset on clear days.  The elevation is 2058 feet.  There are two different routes you can take.

Spencer’s Butte view from the top, with Fern Ridge Reservoir in the distance.

Popular Sunrise hike on Spencer’s Butte

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum is 209 acres of beauty!  You can walk along the Willamette River loop, enjoy the more strenuous 3.5-mile in and out trail to the top of Mt. Pisgah with its stunning views, or check out one of the several other options. It's a favorite birding location too.

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum

Pileated Woodpecker at Mt. Pisgah

Cute Bushtit at Mt. Pisgah

Mt. Pisgah

Alton Baker Park is another beautiful park in the heart of the city.  It has a walking/biking path that runs along the river that is part of the Eugene River trail system. The park also features the popular 4-mile Prefontaine’s cross country and running trail loop. Cuthbert Amphitheater and the Eugene Science Center are also within the park.

Alton Baker Park

Cuthbert Amphitheater is located in Alton Baker Park and is an outdoor theater which is popular for summertime concerts.  

Cuthbert Amphitheater

Eugene Science Center was founded in 1961 and originally was a branch of OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry).  In 1977 it became a privately owned non-profit entity.  In 1980 it moved into a 10,000 square foot facility in Alton Baker Park.  There is a planetarium and many hands-on exhibits to enjoy.

Delta Ponds is a 150-acre waterway, and a great place to go bird watching and see other wildlife and pretty plants.  There are numerous ponds and channels of water throughout the site that flow from the Willamette River on this 1.4-mile loop trail. One section of the trail system starts near Valley River Center and crosses over to Goodpasture Island Road.  Be sure to bring binoculars!

Oregon Grape (Oregon's State Flower) at Delta Ponds.  

Bird Watching at Delta Ponds

Hooded Merganser at Delta Ponds

Delta Ponds

Fern Ridge Reservoir is a 350-acre lake.  The reservoir was created in 1964 when the Long Tom River was dammed. It's a wonderful place to go birding, fishing, canoeing, boating, or to have a picnic.  There are 6.5 miles of trails within the park.  There are five recreational areas: Orchard Point, Richardson Park, Perkins Peninsula, Kirk Park/Pond, and Zumwalt Park.  It's one of my favorite places to go birding (when it's not duck hunting season!). 

Kirk Pond: American White Pelicans

Fern Ridge Reservoir: Common Garter Snake on the trail.  It seems like I see these harmless snakes too often out there!  The only venomous snake in the entire state is the Western Rattlesnake.  I have only seen one in all the years I've lived and hiked all over Oregon.

Spring wildflowers at Fern Ridge Reservoir

Greater Yellowlegs at Fern Ridge Reservoir.  There are several less used trail sites such as the Royal Unit where this photo was taken. 

Wayne Morris Family Farm is a park in Eugene which was previously owned by Oregon senator, Wayne Morris.  It sits on 27 acres and includes the family home.  There are plenty of places to stroll and it has a fenced dog area to bring the pups to play. 

Wayne Morris Family Farm

Wild Iris Ridge is 3.6 miles out and back. This trail is a section of the Ridgeline Trail and Eugene's newest trail. It has become very popular with runners too.  This is best in the Spring when the Wild Iris' are in bloom.  

Andrew Reasoner Wildlife Preserve is 294 acres.  It has a trail system to enjoy the wildflowers, native plants, Oregon White Oak trees, and Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine.  Birds, deer, elk, and other animals can be spotted here as well.  We have even found bear tracks!

Andrew Reasoner Wildlife Preserve

Fungi at Andrew Reasoner Wildlife Preserve

Andrew Reasoner Wildlife Preserve

Suzanne Arlie Park Trail is the largest single park in Eugene at 515 acres and is located near Lane Community College.  It's about a two-mile trail, and a fun place to go birdwatching.

Suzanne Arlie Park Trail

Views of Spencer Butte with a ribbon of fog from Suzanne Arlie Park Trail.

Ridgeline Trail is a 12 mile out and back trek which is very popular for hikers and bikers.  Completing the entire 12 miles can be challenging.  There are seven main trailheads where you can access the trail. Some trailheads have been previously mentioned: Spencer's Butte, Suzanne Arlie Park Trail, and Wild Iris Ridge.  Other trailheads include Blanton Ridge, South Eugene Meadows, nearby Moon Mountain,  and Mt. Baldy. 

You never know what you might find on the Ridgeline Trail!

Wineries: Another way to spend a relaxing afternoon is visiting the many wineries in the area. Sarver, Silvan Ridge, Sweet Cheeks, King Estate, Iris, Lavelle, Chateau Lorane, and Noble, just to name a few. On Summer weekend evenings many have live music to enjoy.

Oregon's Wineries

Sweet Cheeks Winery

King Estate Winery

Maude Kerns Art Center was founded in 1950 and is named after Maude Irvine Kerns, who was the first person to head up the Art Education Department at the U of O.  There is a delightful collection of her work displayed at the center.  It is also used for classes, workshops, lectures, and performances.

Maude Kerns Art Center

5th Street Public Market has many yummy restaurants, shopping, and high-end hotels.  Every weekend in December features the Holiday Snow Show.

Prefontaine Bronze was on display in July during the 2022 Worlds Athletics Track and Field Championships at the Covered Market Alley in 5th Street next to the Nike Store. 

Hiron's Drug Store has been a fixture in Eugene since the early 1930's.  There are two locations in town.  It's an interesting store to browse as it has a little bit of everything!

Hirons Drug Store

Saturday Market (Saturdays April to mid-November) is an outdoor market that began in 1970 where local vendors sell their arts and crafts. It includes a farmers' market, food booths, and music as well.  

Saturday Market

Eugene has two malls for shopping.  Valley River Center has stores, a food court, movie theater, an arcade, restaurants, with additional stores, restaurants, and hotel nearby.  The popular Oakway Mall has local restaurants and higher-end shopping.

Eugene is only one hour to the Coast and two and a half hours to Bend and Crater Lake National Park.  It's no wonder why I have lived here my entire life.  It pretty much has it all.

Happy Exploring!

Other Related Posts:

    Visiting Crater Lake National Park

    Oregon Waterfalls

    Lighthouses Along the Oregon Coast