Summer Information For Eugene In Oregon






Jul 19, 08

Eugene
Oregon

The Perfect Cultural and Recreational Destination

Located in Lane County at the confluence of the Willamette and McKenzie rivers, Eugene is a great cultural and recreational destination.

Lane County is known for its nostalgic covered bridges. It has more covered bridges than any other county west of the Appalachians. Seventeen of the bridges are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Arts and Culture

Eugene has a well-established arts community. Visitors will find a variety of galleries, museums and shows. The Actors Cabaret of Eugene, the Eugene Ballet Company and the Eugene Opera offer spectacular performances that will entertain and delight.

The Lane County Historical Museum includes settlement-era exhibits and artifacts from the Oregon Trail, and the Oregon Museum of Art contains more than 12,500 diverse works.

Special events contribute to the cultural flavor here as well. The Oregon Bach Festival and the Oregon Festival of American Music are just a few of the many celebrations Eugene has to offer.

A wide variety of specialty shops and dining opportunities await Eugene visitors. The many specialty shops and unique restaurants provide something to suit most any taste. The area's wineries and breweries have gained national attention and are well worth a stop.

Fun in the Sun

Eugene offers a bounty of recreational prospects along with its cultural offerings. Surrounded by mountains and forests in the Willamette Valley, opportunities for outdoor adventures abound.

A plenitude of trails provides something for hikers and mountain bikers of all abilities. Trails range from city and county parks to nature trails to forest paths. Everything from a relaxing stroll or gentle glide to a strenuous climb or a technical descent can be found here.

Spencer Butte is the highest point in the Eugene area. At 2,065 feet, it dominates the skyline. Several hiking and bicycling trails are available. The South Hills Ridgeline Trail is well known for its thick fir trees and ferns. Beware when hiking, however; poison oak can be found along trails, as is the case with many grassy areas.

The Willamette River Recreation Corridor runs along the river and through several parks in Eugene and neighboring Springfield. Hendricks Park, an ornamental property known for its rhododendron garden, is Eugene's first park. Its 300-year-old Douglas firs, hiking trails and breathtaking views give visitors a unique experience.

Golfers have the choice of several quality courses. Golfers of all abilities will find a course to suit their playing talents. Some courses include Riveridge Golf Course and Fiddlers Green Golf, which claim to have the largest on-course golf shop in the United States.

Explore the Waters

Several small lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities. The McKenzie River harbors rainbow and cutthroat trout and the Willamette River carries Chinook salmon. Fern Ridge Reservoir and Delta Ponds also are popular waters.

The local waters provide chances for rafting as well. Martin's Rapids and Brown's Hole on the McKenzie River are just the place for some excitement.