Go Kayaking, Rock Climbing and More in Eugene
Eugene is about as well situated as a place can be for lovers of the great outdoors.
Within a drive of an hour or two‚ one can choose from the ocean‚ rivers‚ lakes‚ dunes‚ mountains‚ deserts‚ rain forests or volcanoes for a variety of recreational options. No kidding – the options are that vast.
Wait‚ there’s more. “If you don’t feel like driving to just about any kind of environment one could hope to play in‚ you can simply walk or bike to an incredible array of fun stuff inside the city‚” says Philip Richardson‚ a park planner for the city of Eugene. “Choose from outdoor concerts‚ basalt column rock climbs‚ catching steelhead (trout) in the Willamette River or buying locally grown organic produce at the farmers’ market. We’re a mid-sized university town with big-city cultural and recreational amenities.”
City parks‚ which cover about 2‚900 acres‚ feature 14 miles of hiking and jogging paths‚ 24 athletic fields‚ 23 tennis courts‚ indoor and outdoor pools‚ a climbing wall‚ skateboard facilities‚ rose and rhododendron gardens‚ 2‚300 acres of natural areas‚ and much more.
In addition‚ the West Eugene Wetlands Partnership owns and manages another 2‚800 acres of natural areas. And the city maintains a 122-mile-long bikeway system.
Therese Picado‚ a public relations specialist for the city’s Parks and Open Space Department‚ says a variety of activities await first-timers to the area.
“There is something for people of every fitness level‚” Picado says. “For a more low-impact day‚ we have six community gardens‚ four off-leash dog parks and plenty of places for nature walks. The more adventurous can try out our BMX track‚ kayak‚ mountain bike or rock climb.”
The city is nestled between two mountain ranges at the confluence of the Willamette and McKenzie rivers. The Cascade Mountains – with some volcanic peaks exceeding 10‚000 feet– are less than a two-hour drive to the east. To the west‚ the Pacific Ocean is just across the Coast Range.
With all these bodies of water nearby‚ many types of fishing and boating are logical recreational choices.
“There is a misconception that fly-fishing is too difficult and technical for youngsters‚” says Jim Berl‚ owner of Adventures in Fishing.
“But the truth is‚ it’s not hard at all if you’re with someone who can show you the ropes. It’s very family friendly.”
Berl‚ who has made his living guiding families down the McKenzie River on whitewater rafts and fishing boats for more than 20 years‚ says western Oregon’s abundant precipitation shouldn’t dampen anyone’s outdoor fun.
“Rainy days often make for better fishing‚” he says. “And with a cool drizzle‚ you’d probably be more prone to raft a little further than if you were working up a sweat in the hot sun.”
Contrary to many outsiders’ perceptions‚ Eugene summers and early falls tend to feature sunny‚ warm and dry days and cool nights. At other times of the year‚ it is prudent to be prepared for the kind of weather for which western Oregon is better known. Of course‚ during the winter‚ a rainy day in Eugene usually means snow is falling on the ski slopes and cross-country trails at the higher elevations to the east.
It all boils down to this: Many visitors flock to the region to take advantage of all that the Eugene area offers recreationally; and many residents make enjoyment of the outdoors not just a weekend activity but a lifestyle.
“We have a very active‚ conscientious and involved populace‚” Picado says. “More than 2‚000 people volunteer in our parks and open-space system alone.”
This degree of concern for the preservation of Eugene’s natural wonders will help ensure that generations to come will be able enjoy them‚ she says.
