Eugene, Oregon has gained great popularity in recent years. It offers great adventures with nature and a plethora of other activities for all to enjoy.
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About Eugene
Eugene, Oregon is at the south end of the Willamette Valley where two large rivers and many smaller ones meet. It is also a place of converging ideas. Eugene is full of artists, innovators, and visionaries. Alongside the news is the deep history of the Indigenous Peoples who were here first and are here today. This destination strives to be welcoming by designing accessibility into growth plans and taking leaps toward a more sustainable future.
The Huffington Post describes Eugene as “the city where everyone runs“. From Hollywood’s portrayal of Eugene’s track stars to the running trails that crisscross the community. Moreover, Eugene is where world records have been set and personal bests happen all the time.
Eugene has a lot of nicknames because it supports a community that is passionate in all its pursuits. Known “TrackTown USA” for elite athletes around the world. The “Silicon Shire” for leaders in the tech industry. “A Great City for the Arts & Outdoors” for its local residents. Also known as, the “Home of the Ducks” for collegiate sports fans. “Emerald City” because of the lush green fern forests full of trails for exploring in any weather.
Eugene is a renaissance city and the people here are full of dedication and grit. Visit Eugene and experience the energy of a city alive.
Cultural Center
The city is the cultural center of the upper Willamette Valle. Home to the Eugene Symphony, the Eugene Ballet, the Eugene Opera, and the Oregon Bach Festival. The Hult Center for the Performing Arts, the Cuthbert Amphitheater, and the Shedd Institute regularly host national and international acts. The Very Little Theatre, begun in 1929, is one of the longest-running community theaters in the country. Media outlets include the Register-Guard and Eugene Weekly newspapers, six television stations, and more than a dozen radio stations. The famous “chicken salad sandwich” scene by Jack Nicholson; in the 1970 film Five Easy Pieces was shot at Denny’s restaurant on Interstate 5 just south of town. National Lampoon’s Animal House was filmed in Eugene and surrounding areas in 1977.
Interesting Government Facts
Eugene has been home to Oregon governors John Whiteaker, Neil Goldschmidt, John Kitzhaber, and Ted Kulongoski. Senator Wayne Morse lived there for many years. His ranch in the south part of town is now a city park. Counterculture icon and writer Ken Kesey has long associated with Eugene. Although he lived east of town in Pleasant Hill. Other noted residents include artist Maude Kerns, actor David Ogden Stiers, and writers Richard Brautigan, Damon Knight, and Kate Wilhelm.
Sports in Eugene
Eugene has grown steadily during the twenty-first century, from 140,600 in 2000 to an estimated 166,575 in 2016. Enrollment at the University of Oregon has increased from 17,800 in 2000 to 23,600 in 2016. Large sports complexes were built for football, basketball, baseball, and softball. Feeding a strong identification with the university’s athletic teams and sports insignia. The school has consistently been one of the area’s top employers. With more than 5,500 employees in the fiscal year 2017, second only to the PeaceHealth Medical Group.
City Expansion
The city’s downtown has seen a resurgence through the construction of student housing projects, hotels, and businesses that support them. In 2012, a consortium of technology companies began promoting the region as the Silicon Shire. Two years later Lane County had 400 technology-related firms employing 4,500 people with a combined payroll of nearly $300 million. In 2015, Fast Company magazine named Eugene one of the “Next Top 10 Cities For Tech Jobs”. Microbreweries, led by Ninkasi, Hop Valley, and Oakshire, have done well in that neighborhood. The brewery district is on the west side of town.
Projects such as Envision Eugene a long-term land use plan. The city’s 2018 purchase of the Eugene Water and Electric Board’s vacant riverfront property is an effort to create a mix of residential and commercial buildings. Key elements of the city’s focus on balancing social, economic, and environmental concerns in the twenty-first century.
Things to Do in Eugene
Cascade Raptor Center
If you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do, consider visiting one of the best tourist attractions in town: Cascades Raptor Center. This nature and wildlife center focuses on raptor rehabilitation in a gorgeous natural setting. Open year-round to the public, the center is home to 40 resident raptors used in educational programming. Many of the raptor residents are native to the Oregon area.
Of note, with your nominal admission fee, you’re welcome to enjoy a self-guided tour of the 30-acre expanse. The center calls it home. During your tour of the center, you’ll see and learn about the nearly 40 resident birds that comprise 21 raptor species. The center’s trails feature some slight inclines, are gravel-topped, and feature several benches for resting. Furthermore, besides self-guided tours, you can schedule private educational programs that provide in-depth lessons about the raptors. One of the best Eugene attractions to enjoy with the whole family. Cascades Raptor Center is a must-visit.
Mckenzie River National Recreational Trail
This national recreational trail is one of the best things to do in Eugene, Oregon. Situated in the Willamette National Park and adjacent to the picturesque McKenzie River. The trail is a wonderful place to enjoy outdoor activities.
It is paved in a lava trail from the old and eroded Mount Washington volcano. The trail is full of local history. Additionally, it also crosses the river via an incredible footbridge. Notably, the trail winds through beautiful forestry, near scenic waterfalls, and through dry creek beds and old forestry growth. The McKenzie River National Recreational Trail is heavily traveled and suitable for both foot and bicycle traffic. Along the route are potable water spigots, scenic overlooks, and nature-viewing stations.
Eugene Saturday Market
This open-air crafts and goods market is one of the most popular places to go in Eugene, Oregon. It features more than 200 vendors specializing in crafts, wares, food, and more. The market is a great place to spend the day. If you’ll be in town this weekend, be sure to pencil in time for this awesome market. Significantly, the market first opened in 1974 and has been something of a local institution ever since.
Artisans at the Eugene Saturday Market purvey goods that run the gamut from original clothing and handmade jewelry to artwork to knotwork. The market also features a live performance stage that regularly showcases local musical acts, poetry readings, and dance shows. The Eugene Saturday Market is an awesome place to grab a bite to eat. The market’s food court is an international affair with several booths whipping up incredible bites. One of the best places to go in Eugene. Make sure to visit the Eugene, Saturday Market, when you’re in town.
Oregon Space and Air Museum
In an apt setting, the museum is situated on the same property as the Eugene Airport. Of note, the Oregon Air & Space Museum is home to a vast collection of aircraft and spacecraft. Established in 1991, the museum’s mission is to collect and preserve artifacts relating to aviation as well as space technology.
Some of the cool exhibits you’ll encounter during a tour of the museum include an A-4 Skyhawk, a T-34 Mentor, and a French Nieuport. Other cool displays showcase aviation engines, uniforms, an astounding model exhibit, and an interesting commercial airlines display. A great little gift shop features unique books, model airplanes, and other unique merchandise. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday so this weekend is the perfect time to visit.
5th Street Public Market
If you’re in the market for cool things to do in Eugene, be sure to check out the ever-popular 5th Street Public Market. This trendy downtown hub is peppered with unique boutiques, chic restaurants, and lively nightlife. Each of the awesome establishments on 5th Street Public Market encircles a central water fountain that makes a great meet-up spot.
Founded in the late 1970s, the market has been a local and tourist mainstay ever since. 5th Street Public Market has a handful of boutique hotels that make for a great place to spend a few days in Eugene. There are sophisticated restaurants, chic gift stores, enchanting shops, welcoming cafes, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for great fashion finds tasty food, amazing gifts, delicious libations, or just a wonderful landscape to meander. 5th Street Public Market has it all.
Ninkasi Brewing Company
This Eugene brewery’s main focus is on using the freshest and most local ingredients in each of its tasty recipes. Dedicated to brewing high-quality beers, a visit to Ninkasi Brewing Company is a fun way to spend the day. The brewery was conceived by two friends over a pint. After poring over their passion for beer with one another, the brewery was established from humble beginnings in 2006.
Currently, the brewery is housed in the Whiteaker neighborhood of Eugene. Surrounded by a colorful culture and arts scene. Though the brewery got off to a slow start, it’s now the 33rd biggest craft brewer in the U.S. One way to check out Ninkasi’s divine offerings is to visit its restaurant. There you’ll be treated to tasty nibbles and excellent beer selections; some of the most popular beers on tap include a series of IPAs, a lager, and a stout.
Spencer Butte Trail
Spencer Butte is not just an iconic backdrop to Eugene. Hiking to the top is one of the most popular city hikes. The trail has steep switchbacks through beautiful forests, meadows, and a rocky summit. It starts at the South Willamette Trailhead. This moderate to difficult 1.7 miles (2.7 km) loop trail climbs 784 ft (235 m). Before reaching the summit of Spencer Butte at approximately 2,000 ft (610 m). The highest peak in the surrounding valley. The 360-degree view from the summit makes this short but challenging trail worth the effort for hikers of all ages. On a clear day, look for views of the Three Sisters to the east and Fern Ridge Reservoir to the west. Hikers can connect this trail with other sections of the Ridgeline Trail System for a longer hike. Watch for poison oak and rattlesnakes along the trail.
The Columns
This popular wall is located in the heart of Eugene. Minutes from Elevation climbing gym, The Crux climbing gym, REI, and downtown pubs and restaurants. Despite its small size, it has a great concentration of cracks. The basalt columns are all trad and TR lines that average 47 feet. They have many nice bolted anchors and chains at the top.
The Columns get an afternoon to evening sun and can be crowded with the after-work crowds. It is a great place to practice crack-technique and leading. The routes mostly range from 5.6 to 5.12. However, the locals will tell you about the “off” holds and variations to make the climbs more challenging.
Finally, while the rock here is generally solid, occasionally the rock might break off. A few years back a large block came off the top of the route “Limp Dick”. As a result, the right half of the crag has a detestable chainlink fence over it. Luckily the best climbs remain open.
History of the Columns
Between 1893 and the 1930s, the columns were exposed by quarrying operations. This provided rocks for the building of Willamette Street and Shelton McMurphey House in Eugene. The material was moved by horse-pulled wagons as well as a narrow gauge railroad to the local construction sites. The remaining wide bowl of rock became popular for rock climbing around the 1940s.
Wine Scene
Upscale and fun, the Market District offers the most wine bars in one location. Between 5th Street Public Market and Market Alley, there is a unique hub of colorful shopping, dining, and entertainment. Enjoy live music and sip your wine on outdoor patios.
J. Scott Cellars on 5th
J. Scott Cellars on 5th has a contemporary tasting room right in the heart of the market. Enjoy wine flights, glass pours, and bottle service. They also offer private wine tastings by appointment. Take a deep dive into the art of winemaking and the nuances of the palate. If you want to learn more about wine, J. Scott Cellars is the ideal destination.
The Tap and Growler
At The Tap & Growler, it’s more than just wine. They have 81 taps featuring craft beer, wine, cider, mead, kombucha, cold-pressed coffee, and soda. But since you are here for the wine, explore taster trays or enjoy a glass of local favorites, and regional and international selections. On Wine Wednesdays, there are special wine-tasting flights and discounts. Locally sourced food is served, growlers are filled to go, and live music or themed events are frequently hosted. And there is a running club that meets here every Tuesday for a drink and a group run.
Blackboard at Provisions Market Hall & Le Bar at Marche
Additional wine-tasting experiences are available downstairs at Provisions Market Hall’s. Blackboard wine bar or at their next door Marche’s Le Bar. Blackboard offers a variety of wines. You can enjoy it along with a pairing plate in a casual seating area within the market. Le Bar, the more formal French restaurant has a full-service bar the restaurant.
Pfeiffer Winery Downtown
Pfeiffer Winery hosts elaborate events at their vineyard. Known for its in-depth wine tutorials. However, now you can indulge in their excellent wines while out shopping or dining downtown. Their Market Alley tasting room location makes it easy to pick up a bottle or two of your favorite, exclusive wine.
Downtown
With easy navigability, engaging street art, food trucks, sidewalk dining, and niche performing arts venues; the heart of downtown Eugene manifests that exciting urban vibe.
Civic Winery & Wines
Civic Winery is a wine bar you can easily love. Not just because of its sophisticated storefront and its on-site fermentation, but because they truly embrace the community. The building’s historical foundation is interesting. Designed by the same builder of Eugene’s 1930s beloved wooden Civic Stadium that burned down in 2015. Civic Winery stocks and pour natural wines made by boutique artisans using organic and biodynamic farming. For fermenting their own Civic Winery label wines they use Oregon-crafted terracotta amphora, an ancient wine-making technique. Topping it off, the Civic Winery rubs elbows with one of Eugene’s phenomenal restaurants the Lion & Owl. Waiting for a table next door? Start your meal off right with a glass of wine and a small plate at the Civic Winery while you wait.
Oregon Wine LAB
Stop, Drop & Yoga on the Oregon Wine Lab patio
Photo: Benjamin Wilkinson
Come here for yoga and mimosas (offered on some Sundays). Or just to enjoy the ultimate urban wine bar experience at one of Eugene’s most friendly wine establishments. The owner of Oregon Wine LAB pours his own very special wines under the William Rose label. He also showcases other local high-quality artisan brands that don’t have established tasting rooms. Come here to find yet-to-be-discovered wines from across the region! There is also another highly prized feature of this particular tasting room. The famed and award-winning Da Nang Vietnamese Eatery food truck is predictably on-site daily.
Oregon Truffle Festival
Like in Italy, France, and Croatia; Oregon truffles are revered. Celebrate the Oregon truffle every January at the peak of the truffle season. The only festival of its kind in North America. The Oregon Truffle Festival features chef dinners, tastings and pairings, forays and truffle hunting, lectures, and cooking classes. This very special event is dedicated to sharing the experience of Oregon’s native truffles with truffle aficionados from around the world.
PK Park
University of Oregon’s PK Park is an outdoor baseball stadium with a capacity of 4,000. It includes 2,000 box seats with backs, 480 general admission bleacher seats, 53 ADA seats, two picnic plazas, and eight luxury suites. PK Park’s intimate design also fosters excellent view lines from every seat.
It is home to both the Oregon Duck and minor league Eugene Emerald baseball teams.
Like the adjacent Autzen Stadium, PK Park is surfaced in an all-weather (baseball version) of FieldTurf. Crossover spaces between Autzen Stadium and PK Park serve as festival areas for post-game celebrations. Game day parking is convenient and close by. The baseball facility includes full locker rooms, clubhouses and team amenities, concessions, and even a “Sluggo FunZone” for children.
PK Park is one of the most ADA-compliant stadiums in the country. It integrates a high level of energy efficiency and sustainability throughout.
PK park was built in 2009 for approximately $19 million. It had support from Oregon’s former Athletic Director and donor, Pat Kilkenny. The 1930s historic Eugene Civic Stadium, which had been home to the Eugene Emeralds prior to 2010. Slated for restoration but destroyed by fire in 2015.
PK Park is close to hotels, dining, and shopping in Oakway Center, downtown Eugene’s Market District, and Springfield. Eugene’s Alton Baker Park is nearby with miles of riverfront paths.
Largest Skate Park
The WJ Skatepark + Urban Plaza is the largest covered and illuminated public skatepark in the country. A half-acre of custom-designed skate terrain. Aptly suited for skateboarders and inline skaters. It features skate elements for both beginners and experts including a ribbon and mini-snake run. Located under the I-105 bridge in Washington Jefferson Park. This skatepark connects downtown Eugene’s 5th Avenue Historic District with the artsy Whiteaker neighborhood. The adjacent urban plaza hosts event space, spectator seating, and utilities. The 23,000 sq ft park was designed by Dreamland Skateparks.
Ridgeline Trail
An extensive 12-mile (19,3 km) trail system in South Eugene is popular for hiking and trail running. Seven trailheads lead to Suzanne Arlie Park, Amazon Headwaters, Mt. Baldy, Blanton Ridge, Moon Mountain, South Eugene Meadows, and Wild Iris Ridge. Spencer Butte, the city’s highest point, crowns the Ridgeline at 2,058 feet (627,3 m) in elevation. This fantastic series of hiking paths integrates Oregon’s natural beauty with the city. Tree-lined paths open onto glorious meadows or mountain vistas.
