Eugene, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is a haven for outdoor lovers with many activities like biking, hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. It is famous for its natural beauty, the city boasts about 6,000 acres of green area perfect for exploring. Eugene is just 50 miles from the coast, and also home to the University of Oregon, having vibrant art galleries, unique shops, weekly markets, and strange entertainment zones.
Wine lovers will also rejoice in Eugene’s thriving wine scene, with their numerous wineries, wine bars, and vineyards. If you are ready to hike forested trails, visit museums, or indulge in wine tastings, Eugene has many best things to do for everyone.
List Of 7 Best Things to Do in Eugene Oregon
1. The Owen Rose Garden
2. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
3. The South Willamette Wine Trail
4. Mount Pisgah Arboretum
5. Eugene Saturday Market
6. McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
7. Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System
1. The Owen Rose Garden
The Owen Rose Garden is a must-visit in Eugene because it offers over 4,000 roses across 400+ varieties along the scenic Willamette River. This 8.5-acre park has a pavilion, picnic areas, and paved paths lined with flowers with a historic cherry tree as old as the city itself. As one of Oregon’s largest rose collections shows the state’s floral beauty, along with diverse flora and fauna.
You can take a bike on rent and explore the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path, a 12-mile trail linking Eugene and Springfield for an extended visit. The South Bank Path, part of this loop, gets you through the University of Oregon and relates to popular parks like Skinner Butte Park and the Owen Rose Garden.
2. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is located on the University of Oregon campus, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art houses over 15,000 pieces and has traditional East Asian art from China, Japan, and Korea, as well as European and American works. Though compact, the museum has high-quality exhibitions, with unique galleries that change throughout the year. Here admission is free on the first Friday of every month which makes it a budget-friendly attraction in Eugene.
3. The South Willamette Wine Trail
Eugene is the best Pacific Northwest wine destination, with around 20 wineries and vineyards to explore. Bring a self-guided tour, and visit sites like Sweet Cheeks and Silvan Ridge, just 15 miles from the city, or explore the Market District, where numerous wine bars and tasting rooms are within walking distance. Don’t miss the chance to visit the places famous Pinot Noir, and enjoy special events like yoga with a sip of wine.
4. Mount Pisgah Arboretum:
Mount Pisgah Arboretum is located just 10 miles from Eugene, Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a 209-acre wildlife preserve and has a variety of hiking trails ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 miles. The Arboretum has seven miles of riverside trails, over 20 bridges, and interactive exhibitions with the Wetlands, Incense-Cedar, Oak Woodlands, and Oak Savanna exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy workshops, guided nature hikes, and activities like basket weaving.
5. Eugene Saturday Market
The Eugene Saturday Market is the oldest open-air crafts market in the U.S. Held downtown at 8th Ave and Oak Street from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Rain or shine, the market has 15 food vendors in the International Food Court, live music, and local artisans selling handmade items. It is a perfect site for picking up unique souvenirs!
6. McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
The best outdoor attraction near Eugene is the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. It is a 26-mile panoramic path through the Willamette National Forest, showing waterfalls, hot springs, lava formations, and crystal-clear lakes. If the full trail is very long, there are over 10 trailheads for easy entry. You can take a paddleboard or kayak on rent to explore Clear Lake and the underwater forest. You can take the 3-mile Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls Trail, or hike to the stunning Tamolitch Blue Pool for waterfalls.
7. Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System
The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System, also known as the Willamette River Trail. It is a panoramic bike and walking path along the Willamette River in Eugene. It is available from various points and this trail provides flexible ride lengths that is perfect for exploring parks, bridges, playgrounds, and wildlife, including the Owen Rose Garden. You can take an e-bike on rent from Pedego Eugene for an effortless ride. Don’t forget to stop to explore Alton Baker Park, Eugene’s largest park, for a picnic, or enjoy its BMX track, sports fields, and boat launch.
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Bottom Line:
Once you’ve explored your destination of must-do activities in Eugene, make time for more by exploring everything the city has to provide! If you are ready to hike forested trails, visit museums, or indulge in wine tastings, Eugene has many best things to do for everyone.
