Trip Ideas

Melanie Ryan Griffin - Art Director
Author
Melanie Ryan Griffin

Melanie is a University of Oregon graduate who studied Cultural Anthropology. After finishing school, she worked as a touring photojournalist writing concert and album reviews for online publications. Melanie is now the Art Director for Travel Lane County. She has lived in Eugene for more than a decade and spends nearly every weekend searching for new favorite places in the county. She has also lived in California, New Mexico, Florida, Spain and Slovakia but loves Oregon the most.

Melanie enjoys exploring the vibrant arts and culture scene in Eugene.  She also loves painting, cooking for friends, dancing, hiking and learning new things.

Best Spring Camping

As the days get longer and the nights get warmer, we start daydreaming a little more about sleeping under the stars and sharing stories around a campfire. Luckily, you don't need to wait for summer to relish getting cozy in a sleeping bag and enjoying the Oregon outdoors. Start your season of…

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52 Adventures to Try This Year

A new year is a new opportunity to live life like you mean it. We've collected 52 great adventures in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region — one for every week of the year. Many of these are low-cost and easy to access. 1. Snowshoe to an icy winter waterfall. 2. Soak in a mineral-rich hot spring. 3…

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Oregon Mushroom Foraging

Adventure awaits in the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. A mild climate and abundant rainfall make the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region a perfect place for hunting for impressive varieties from the iconic chanterelle to the elusive morel. Mushrooming is an experience that connects you with…

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Instagram-worthy Spots in Eugene

There is much to love about Eugene, so capture these iconic destinations whether you are just visiting or living here. From beautiful wild places to exhilarating sports venues where you can take a selfie with Olympians, Eugene has a lot of great places to create content for your feed. Skinner…

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Guide to Hot Springs in the Cascades

Oregon's Terwilliger Hot Springs may be a natural draw with its pristine beauty and maintained facilities, but there are several more nearby mountain hot springs to discover – each offering a unique experience that shouldn't be missed. If you are planning a dip into nature's warm waters just outside…

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A Runner's Guide to Eugene

If you are here to run — this is the right place! Eugene, Oregon is celebrated as TrackTown USA, and runners enjoy getting their miles in while exploring our running heritage. Festivals and events frequently have a 5K component, and on a daily basis —in all weather— you'll spot runners out on the…

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Best Vegan / Vegetarian Dining

If you check HappyCow before traveling anywhere, this blog is for you. If you have no idea what that is but you have vegan guests coming to Eugene, this is also for you! Here is a list of the best plant-based options in the city, written by a picky herbivore. Some of these restaurants are entirely…

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Best Eugene Coffee Shops by Neighborhood

No matter where you are in Eugene, you are never far from a delicious, Instagram-worthy latté. That is why we asked @EugeneCascadesCoast Instagram followers to choose their favorite coffee shop in each of Eugene's neighborhoods. Add these locations to your Eugene bucket list and discover what makes…

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Oregon Road Trip Playlist

Hit Play and Hit the Road The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is full of beautiful back roads and designated scenic byways, making it the perfect road trip destination. From Eugene, you can day trip past Americana-style red barns on the gently winding roads of wine country. If clear, rushing rivers…

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Two people look out toward the ocean from a high point with railing.
: Melanie Ryan Griffin