Parks and Trails Review: Mt. Pisgah Arboretum in Eugene, Oregon

Looking for a place to walk in the woods or by the river without traveling for an hour or more out of town? Mt. Pisgah Arboretum in southeast Eugene is a perfect destination for a quiet walk or a family outing. The park is 209 acres that host a variety of terrains and plants - you can walk through an oak valley, colorful with autumn leaves, then rise up into an evergreen forest, then drop back down to walk by the Coast Fork of the Willamette River and water gardens full of aquatic plants. The paths are smooth and well-maintained. You can hike straight up to the summit on a wide gravel trail, or take the more winding paths to reach the top. Numerous picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the arboretum, and wild turkeys, deer and other wildlife are a frequent sight.

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum hosts an annual fall Mushroom Festival that offers one of the largest displays of mushrooms on the West Coast. There are great family-friendly events such as hayrides and a scarecrow contest, as well as live music, wine tasting, and craft vendors. Food vendors sell fungi favorites like wild mushroom soup, Portobello mushroom burgers, and mashed potatoes with Chanterelle mushroom gravy.

The Mushroom Festival typically happens on the last weekend in October. There is also a Wildflower Festival in May, featuring the sale of native plants and flowers.

The Arboretum offers many nature walks as well, such as a Hawk Walk, Mushroom Walk and Autumn Tree Walk for Seniors. They also offer craft workshops: Pine Needle Basketry, Open-Field Sketching and Papermaking with Natural Materials are just a few of those available throughout the year. And they host special events such as an Arboretum Book Club, where members can gather to discuss nature-inspired writings.

There is also a large pavilion that can be rented for special events, as well as picnic areas and an oak grove for outdoor ceremonies. The application and rental fees are available on their website.

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum is a non-profit organization that depends on volunteers to keep it up and running. Volunteer opportunities can are available from the more physical - trail restoration, removing invasive species - to less physical - volunteering at the festivals or for educational activities. They are a great community resource that has been active in the community since 1981.

The Arboretum started charging parking fees a while back on weekends and during the week in peak months. Fees are $2.50 and a ticket is purchased as you drive in. Bring quarters - the machine does not take dollar bills

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum has an extensive website offering information on programs and detailed trail maps as well. It is a quiet and peaceful place for reflection or solitary hiking; a gathering place in summer to swim in the river; a place for weddings and celebrations and parties; and a living tree museum dedicated to maintaining Pacific Northwest plant communities. And even better, it is only about fifteen minutes away from downtown Eugene! Enjoy this local treasure whatever the season, it is open year round. They are located at 34901 Frank Parrish Road off Seavey Loop Road in Eugene.