5 Outdoors Activities in Eugene, Oregon

Eugene, Oregon, is known as Track Town, USA, and there's no shortage of running trails in and around the city.

From Pre's Trail on the north side of the Willamette River to the Amazon Trail in south Eugene, runners have plenty of woodchip-covered paths in the area.

There's more to the city's outdoor opportunities than running trails, however. Here are five options for outdoor activities in Eugene:

Eugene Parks

Eugene has a handful of parks with outdoor opportunities, including Alton Baker Park, which rests alongside the north bank of the Willamette River. The park has a nice, big field for picnicking, soccer, football and Frisbee, as well as a pond that's home to ducks and geese. You'll find a multi-use trail running through the park alongside the river, accommodating runners, walkers and bicyclists, as well as access to the river's south shore via a pedestrian bridge.

Eugene Hiking Trails

You won't have to travel outside of the city limits to find a good hike in Eugene. Check out Spencer's Butte on the south end of town, a 1.7-mile trail with views of Eugene, Springfield and the surrounding area. Skinner's Butte near downtown Eugene also has hiking trails and city views, and if you're lucky, you'll catch an occasional hawk or bald eagle soaring around the trees nearby.

Eugene Sporting Events

Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, offering plenty of options to take in outdoor sporting events. In the fall months, the Oregon football team plays in Autzen Stadium, the women's soccer team has home games next door at Papé Field, and you can catch the cross country team running in meets at Amazon Park and other locations around town. Spring brings UO women's lacrosse, baseball, softball and track and field. During the summer months, Eugene is home to minor league baseball with the Single-A, short-season Eugene Emeralds, an affiliate of the San Diego Padres, playing at the University of Oregon's PK Park.

Eugene-Area Fishing Opportunities

The Willamette and McKenzie rivers run through Eugene; the McKenzie on the north side of town and the Willamette through the middle of the city. Anglers pull salmon, steelhead and trout from the rivers without having to travel outside of the city limits. Shore-fishing opportunities are available along both rivers, and anglers also fish from boats and canoes, and fly fish in shallow spots on the edge of each river.

Eugene Golf Courses

RiverRidge Golf Complex on the north side of town includes the 18-hole RiverRidge Course, the nine-hole SuttonRidge executive-style course, and the nine-hole par-3 ShortRidge Course. RiverRidge also has Eugene's largest golf practice area, with a driving range, a large putting green and two chipping greens, one of which has a practice bunker. Oakway Golf Course is an 18-hole executive-style course in town, and Laurelwood Golf Course, near the University of Oregon campus, is a hilly nine-hole course that also features a driving range.

Sources:
Recreation Report: Willamette Zone: Fishing, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife
RiverRidge Golf Course
Oakway Golf Course
Laurelwood Golf Course
The University of Oregon Official Athletics Website
Eugene Emeralds