Set in Oregon's Willamette Valley, this university town sits between the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. Its arts scene, bike paths, and proximity to the Pacific Coast make it a cultural hub.
Eugene, Oregon lies at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, surrounded by evergreen forests and rolling hills. You can climb Spencer Butte's 2,058-foot summit for valley views, watch performances at the Hult Center, or join thousands of locals at the Saturday Market. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum houses Asian art collections, while 20,000 University of Oregon students create an active atmosphere around campus year-round.
Exploring Eugene's Trail Network
You can walk or run on over 40 miles of trails across Eugene. The 4.4-mile Pre's Trail in Alton Baker Park has a woodchip surface popular with local runners. The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path runs along both sides of the Willamette River, connecting parks and neighborhoods. At Spencer Butte Park, three hiking trails lead to the summit where you can see the Cascade Mountains and Coast Range. The 12-mile Ridgeline Trail links several parks through Eugene's southern hills.
Biking Around Town
Cyclists in Eugene can use dedicated lanes and paths throughout the city. The Amazon Creek Trail and Fern Ridge Path give you car-free routes across town. Downtown bike shops rent equipment by the hour or day, and local cycling clubs organize weekly group rides. Marked bike boulevards connect residential areas to downtown and the University of Oregon campus.
Arts and Culture
The Hult Center hosts the Eugene Symphony's classical concerts, Eugene Ballet performances, and touring Broadway shows. At the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, you'll find rotating exhibitions of contemporary works and a permanent collection of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean art. The Whiteaker neighborhood's buildings display large-scale murals, and you can find art studios and live music venues along Blair Boulevard. From April through November, local artists, craftspeople, and musicians gather at the Eugene Saturday Market.
Food and Craft Beer
The Whiteaker neighborhood contains many of Eugene's 25 breweries. Local restaurants work with Willamette Valley farmers, and downtown wine bars specialize in Oregon Pinot Noir. In January, the Oregon Truffle Festival celebrates the region's wild truffles with cooking demonstrations and guided foraging trips. Near the university campus and downtown, you'll find food cart pods serving international cuisine.
Weather and Getting Around
Rain falls mainly between October and May, with an annual average of 47 inches. Summer days reach 75-85°F (24-29°C), while winter temperatures typically range from 40-55°F (4-13°C). You can fly to major West Coast cities from Eugene Airport, or take Amtrak's Cascades and Coast Starlight trains from downtown. Local buses connect Eugene and Springfield, with extra routes running during university terms.
