Trip Ideas

Beachcombing on the Oregon Coast

Oregon's beaches are especially perfect for long sandy strolls because there are miles of pristine beaches with relatively few people. In 1967 Oregon's Beach Bill secured the public's recreational access to all beaches up to the vegetation line. The scenic beauty includes dramatic cliffs, evergreen…

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Oregon's Wine Story

The Willamette Valley is the same latitude as Burgundy, France; and shares a similarly mild climate aptly suited for growing grapes. Additionally, like France's Terroir; the Willamette Valley floor is exceptionally fertile. Volcanic rocks rich in iron and magnesium rolled into the valley during the…

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See Three Waterfalls on One Hike

If you are a waterfall enthusiast, here is an outstanding waterfall hike which delivers three amazing waterfalls in the late spring and early summer. The loop hike is easy to moderately challenging and just under 4 miles (6.4 km). Tip: Check weather conditions before setting off for this hike, as…

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Cycling McKenzie Pass Hwy 242

In past years, cyclists and pedestrians have accessed Highway 242 prior to the road re-opening to cars in mid-June. This is part of the well-known summer-based "McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway" and it is a beloved bucket list ride. And each year this shoulder season has been an eagerly anticipated time…

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Kids' Fishing Spots

Eugene is a great place to go fishing, if you live here, or if you are here for a day trip or for the week. There are tons of great ponds, lakes, canals, creeks, and rivers to head for. And there is a wide variety of bass, salmon, Steelhead, trout, Bluegill, Sunfish, etc. There is beautiful nature…

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A Family Guide to Summer Vacation

Time to plan the best family vacation ever! Discover new hiking trails, hidden waterfalls, serene camping spots, and find out what's around the next bend in the road. This summer, slow down and take it all in — the birds singing, the bugs crawling and the flowers blooming. Or speed up and charge…

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Top Places to Picnic

It's time for a sunny day picnic! Here is a list of the top places to picnic in peace in the Eugene - Springfield area and beyond. Hendricks Park Hendricks Park is a beautiful rhododendron and native plant garden located near the University of Oregon. After a lazy lunch among the flowers, hike the…

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Oregon Sand Dunes Getaway

Grab the weekend and head for Oregon's stunning coastline just outside of Florence, Oregon. Here is the start of massive sand dunes that transform the landscape into an endless playground. From admiring the sheer beauty of the rolling sand drifts, to trying out daring and exciting sand sports, to…

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Explore Our Communities

Whale Watching at Sea Lion Caves
: Melanie Ryan Griffin

Visit the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center in downtown Eugene. Find information on things to do and see in Lane County, purchase park passes and locally-made gifts and souvenirs, and…