Visitor Guide
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Natural Wonders
Outdoor enthusiasts love Oregon for its treasure trove of amazing natural wonders and the abundance of easily-accessible forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, mountain vistas and ocean coastline. Natural preserves, nature trails and observatories are common and eco-inspired travelers can discover nature in its pristine and spectacular grandeur throughout the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region.
Hike beneath towering 500-year-old trees on the Delta Old Growth Nature Trail, or get a new perspective on forests by climbing 200 feet up into the old growth tree canopy on a guided tree-top tour! Bird watchers will appreciate the nature trails around the Delta Ponds or the West Eugene Wetlands.
Take a summer gondola ride up to the top of Eagle Peak for a stunning view of the Cascades-- the athletically-inclined can mountain bike or hike back down. At Clear Lake, row a boat above a petrified forest visible beneath 100 feet of water. Cycle the McKenzie Pass - Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway (closed to cars during the cold season) to the Dee Wright Observatory at the summit, then hike through 1,500 year old lava flows.
Venture across North America's most expansive coastal sand dunes, driving over 500 foot-high dunes in an off-highway vehicle (eco-friendly guided tours reccommended). Visit America's largest sea cave, home to many bellowing sea lions. Oregon Coast scuba divers can observe crabs and octopus at Oregon's first official dive park off Florence's North Jetty. And the stunningly beautiful Cape Perpetua is a great destination for whale watching or storm watching.
On an RV trip or have some leisure time? Drive the scenic byways of the Pacific coast or the Cascade Mountains. Grab your camera to capture spring wildflowers, colorful fall foliage or wildlife. Year-round natural adventures await you!
Alton Baker Park
- Club Rd and Coburg Rd
- Eugene OR 97401
- Phone: 541.682.4800
- Region: Eugene Oregon
- Subcategory: Parks & Public Lands
Comprising of 402 acres (163 ha), Eugene's largest riverfront park comes alive throughout the year with festivals, running and walking races and community events. MORE >>
Amazon Center
- 2700 Hilyard St
- Eugene OR 97405
- Region: Eugene Oregon
- Subcategory: Parks & Public Lands
Shaded picinic area, swimming & wading pools, playground jogging area, and skateboard area. MORE >>
Aufderheide Segment of the West Cascades Scenic Byway
- 46375 Hwy 58
- Wesfir OR 97492
- Phone: 541.782.2283
- Region: McKenzie River - Cascade Mountains
- Subcategory: Scenic Byways
This scenic byway, connecting Highways 126 and 58, winds through the lush undergrowth of the majestic Willamette National Forest and meanders along the cold, clear waters MORE >>
Belknap Hot Springs
- 59296 Belknap Springs Rd
- McKenzie Bridge OR 97413
- Phone: 541.822.3512
- Region: McKenzie River - Cascade Mountains
- Subcategory: Hot Springs
Located at Belknap Lodge on the McKenzie River, about 60 miles east of Eugene. It features two swimming pools heated by hot mineral water. MORE >>
Blue River Reservoir
- Rd 15 (East of Blue River on Hwy 126)
- Blue River OR 97413
- Region: McKenzie River - Cascade Mountains
- Subcategory: Lakes & Reservoirs
Blue River Reservoir offers boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, picnicking, and camping throughout the summer season. Services are available in the community of MORE >>
Brice Creek Falls
- Brice Creek Rd
- Cottage Grove OR 97424
- Phone: 541.767.5000
- Region: Cottage Grove
- Subcategory: Waterfalls
The Brice Creek corridor is a scenic, rocky canyon with numerous small waterfalls and pools in the creek. The .3 mile (.5 km) wheelchair-accessible trail from Cedar MORE >>
Buford Park (Howard Buford Recreation Area)
- 34901 Frank Parrish Rd
- Eugene OR 97405
- Phone: 541.682.2000
- Region: Eugene Oregon
- Subcategory: Parks & Public Lands
This 2,363 acre (945 ha) recreation area is the largest of Lane County's 71 parks. Within the park, 17 miles (27 km) of trails provide access to the summit of Mount MORE >>
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
- 2400 Hwy 101
- Yachats OR 97498
- Phone: 541.547.3289
- Region: Florence - Oregon Coast
- Subcategory: Parks & Public Lands
Towering trees looming through a coastal fog. Frothy surf crashing upon jagged shores. Majestic headlands offering clear views for miles. Located two miles (3.22 km) MORE >>
Carl G. Washburne State Park
- off Hwy 101
- 14 miles (23 km) north of Florence
- Florence OR 97439
- Phone: 541.547.3416
- Region: Florence - Oregon Coast
- Subcategory: Beaches & Dunes
A walking trail leads you under the highway to a five mile sandy beach and day-use area. Great for whale watching, agate hunting, beach combing and picnicking. Another MORE >>
City of Eugene Parks & Open Space Division
- 1820 Roosevelt Blvd
- Eugene OR 97402
- Phone: 541.682.4800
- Region: Eugene Oregon
- Subcategory: Parks & Public Lands
Explore 50 miles (80.5 km) of walking, hiking, and biking trails covering over 3,000 acres (1,215 ha) of publicly-owned open space throughout the city of Eugene. The MORE >>
Clearwater Park
- Clearwater Lane
- Springfield OR 97478
- Phone: 541.736.4544
- Region: Springfield Oregon
- Subcategory: Parks & Public Lands
Go for a refreshing swim, slip your boat into the water or fish along the banks. Step out or pedal along the Willamette on the paved Middle Fork Path. MORE >>
Cottage Grove Lake
- London Rd
- Cottage Grove OR 97424
- Phone: 541.942.2411
- Region: Cottage Grove
- Subcategory: Lakes & Reservoirs
Bring the boat, a picnic, and the kids to Cottage Grove Reservoir for water skiing, swimming, fishing or any of your favorite water sports. Facilities include day use MORE >>
Cottage Grove Lake
- London Rd
- Cottage Grove OR 97424
- Phone: 541.942.2411
- Region: Cottage Grove
- Subcategory: Parks & Public Lands
Cottage Grove Lake offers swimming, boating, fishing and camping. This and other lakes and rivers near Cottage Grove provide anglers with some of the best fishing in the MORE >>
Cougar Reservoir
- Hwy 126
- Blue River OR 97413
- Region: McKenzie River - Cascade Mountains
- Subcategory: Lakes & Reservoirs
Cougar Reservoir is located outside of Blue River along Aufderheide Drive, part of the West Cascades National Scenic Byway. Spend the day boating or swimming at one of MORE >>
Darlingtonia State Nature Site
- HWY 101
- 5 Miles north of Florence
- Florence OR 97349
- Region: Florence - Oregon Coast
- Subcategory: Parks & Public Lands
An 18-acre botanical park dedicated to the preservation of the Darlingtonia californica, a rare carnivorous flower nicknamed "cobra lily." The wayside park provides MORE >>
