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February 3, 2012 - February 19, 2012
Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
To kick off their 30th season, Cottage...More
February 3, 2012 - February 5, 2012
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Huge outdoor recreation show featuring...More
February 4, 2012 - February 4, 2012
Enjoy an all A Cappella show featuring...More
February 5, 2012 - February 5, 2012
Come out to watch the Super Bowl on...More
February 6, 2012 - February 6, 2012
This event brings together local food...More
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Fresh, local seafood, berries and cheese. Diverse flavors from around the world. A casual, affordable picnic lunch. All this and more is yours to discover in Eugene, the Cascades and the Oregon Coast.
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Visitor Guide
Order a Visitor Guide Today! Plan your trip to Eugene, Cascades & Coast with our official Visitor Guide.
Three Days in Eugene, Cascades & Coast
Discover the wonders of Oregon when you visit the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region. Explore from the Oregon Coast to the Cascade Mountains in this easy three-day itinerary.
Day 1 Options
Located in the Willamette Valley, the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area is the perfect base for your travels through the region. With all the conveniences of a large city but the ease and charm of a small town, Eugene and Springfield provide many cultural, culinary and recreational opportunities.University of Oregon
Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, the state's largest educational facility. Walk through the beautiful campus, visit historic Hayward Field and the new Matthew Knight Arena, or stroll through one of the University's museums - the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History - to experience Eugene's vibrant campus life. The University of Oregon's American English Institute provides intensive English language instruction to international students.
Scenic Drives
Take a leisurely drive through the agricultural community surrounding nearby Junction City on the Long Tom Country Trail, see six covered bridges on the Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Loop, or travel a short distance to Coburg for antique shopping. Or head into the foothills of the Cascade Mountains along the Aufderheide Scenic Byway, stopping by the Middle Fork or McKenzie Ranger Station for an audio tour to guide your way.
Wineries
The Willamette Valley often compares with the wine-producing region of Burgundy, France because of similar latitudinal, soil and climatic conditions. Known as Oregon Wine Country, this region produces exceptional Pinot noir and Pinot gris. Tour one of over a dozen wineries just outside Eugene, and don't be surprised if the winemaker is the one pouring your tasting glass. From the intimate, boutique Pfeiffer Winery to the grand tasting room of King Estate, the South Willamette Valley wine country effortlessly pairs world-class wines to match its world-class scenic views.
Museums
From extensive art collections and vintage aircraft to interpretive historical exhibits and hands-on children's museums, museums in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region offer fascinating guided and self-guided tours. Arboretums, orchards and self-guided nature paths extend your experience to the outdoors.
Arts & Entertainment
The spotlight shines on the region's performing arts scene. Spend the evening enjoying performances at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, the McDonald Theatre, Cuthbert Amphitheater, The Shedd Institute, Actors Cabaret, Lord Leebrick or many other performing arts venues. Meander through Eugene's eclectic downtown galleries at the free First Friday ARTWalk, or explore Springfield's historic downtown on the Second Friday Art Walk.
Day 2 Options
Just an hour west of Eugene-Springfield, visit the Florence area to experience the wonders of the Oregon Coast. Beachcombing, golfing, shopping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and boating are all popular activities in Florence. Explore 40 miles (64 km) of awe-inspiring sand dunes by dune buggy or sandboard.Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends from Florence to Coos Bay with many access points along the All American Road, Highway 101. The towering sand dunes reach heights of over 500 feet (150 m) and provide opportunities for recreation and wildlife viewing. For a wild ride on the dunes, take a guided dune buggy trip with Sandland Adventures or Sand Dunes Frontier. Or stop by Sand Master Park for a sandboarding lesson on 40 acres (16 ha) of private, sculpted dunes.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Take a tour of this most-photographed lighthouse in the United States. An easy stroll from Heceta Head State Park takes you past the Heceta Head Bed & Breakfast, formerly the lightkeeper's house, built in 1894. For spectacular seascape views, take the 6-mile round-trip hike through the coastal forest to the lighthouse from the Hobbit Trail.
Sea Lion Caves
This natural wonder is the only mainland home of Steller sea lions. Descend 5 stories into the cave, where a large opening allows a glimpse into the world of the sea lion. Watch the sea lions splash about the waves and rocks, and view native birds, sea lions and migrating gray whales from the ocean-view pathways.
Day 3 Options
Just an hour east of Eugene-Springfield, travel to the magnificent Cascade Mountains. Travel along Highway 126 and the scenic McKenzie River, or take Highway 58 to the communities of Oakridge and Westfir. Go rafting or fishing, experience glorious forest hikes and spectacular waterfalls, ride miles of mountain biking trails, golf and ski with the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped Cascades.Willamette Pass/Oregon Skyway
In the winter, Willamette Pass is home to seven ski lifts, including a high-speed, six passenger lift that gets you to the 6,683-foot (2037-m) summit in as little as five minutes. When the snow has melted, travel to the top via the Oregon Skyway Gondola for a slower, scenic ride to hiking and mountain biking trails. Stop by the town of Oakridge for a meal and freshly brewed beer at the Brewer's Union Local 180.
Water Recreation
Whitewater adventurers and anglers adore the stunning beauty of the McKenzie River. Take an exhilarating rafting trip or a scenic tour in McKenzie River drift boat. Fish for trout in the upper Willamette River, or go sailing, canoeing, waterskiing and wakeboarding on one of the area's many lakes.
Waterfalls
Dense old-growth forest and striking lava beds provide a stunning backdrop to area waterfalls. Hiking trails provide easy access to Lower and Upper Proxy Falls, Sahalie Falls and Oregon's second highest waterfall, Salt Creek Falls.
