Trip Ideas

Taj Barnhart Morgan, Director, Web and Content
Author
Taj Barnhart Morgan

Taj Barnhart Morgan is Director, Web and Content for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.

Road Trip: Creswell and Cottage Grove

Escape into a delightful, undiscovered world of Willamette Valley farms, small towns and waterfall hikes. Start your trip on Highway 99 paralleling the Interstate 5 just south of Eugene. You will arrive shortly in the charming communities of Creswell and Cottage Grove and encounter alpacas, movie…

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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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Spring Wildflowers

Wildflowers are one of the many splendid delights of springtime. As you trek gloriously muddy hiking trails to gushing waterfalls, keep a look out for the region's beautiful blooms. Wildflower Season The wildflower season is heralded by wild daffodils springing up alongside country roads and across…

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7 Cool Things About Springfield, OR

Springfield is a great family destination with a historic downtown, excellent restaurants, shopping centers and lots of parks. We invite you to discover the robust attractions of Springfield. It's a pretty cool place. 1. It's The Simpsons' Springfield — Matt Groening Says So The creator of "The…

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Earth Day Guide to Local Forest Bathing

Oregon is known for its lumber industry, wood products and preserved and protected old growth forests. Our communities have a logging heritage, tree-hugging hearts and tree planting spirits! If you desire a little "forest bathing", here is a tree-focused guide to Eugene - Springfield, and the…

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A Runner's Guide to Eugene

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

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Family Friendly Bike Paths

From trailers to training wheels to "Watch me, Mom!", where are the best bike paths to ride with your kids? We've listed our favorite flat and fairly traffic-free routes around Eugene - Springfield. Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System - Eugene Also known as the Willamette River Trail, this paved bike…

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Ride, Run and Explore in Cottage Grove

If you’re looking for the ultimate weekend of adventure, Cottage Grove, Oregon, is the place to be this May! The Oregon Gran Fondo and the Cottage Grove Half Marathon will take place the same weekend, promising an action-packed experience for runners, cyclists and their support crews alike. Oregon…

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Outdoor Recreation Near Dexter Reservoir

Between Eugene and Oakridge, discover an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities from water sports to hiking. Pleasant Hill and Lowell are the small towns tucked between the two larger outdoor destinations — these tiny rural communities are set against a backdrop of state parks, forests…

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A Mexican Restaurant Round Up

Mexican cuisine is wonderful comfort food, often associated with meaningful family moments, celebrations and nights out with friends. In Eugene - Springfield there are many Mexican restaurants to choose including national and regional chains, Americanized spots and authentic eateries - from sit down…

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