Trip Ideas

Crater Lake Road Trip

Crater Lake is one of Oregon's top natural wonders — and just three hours north of Eugene - Springfield. Every year it draws thousands of visitors to view its brilliant blue waters. It is the deepest lake in the U.S. and also one of the purest (Oakridge's Waldo Lake is another extremely pure…

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Day Trips Near Eugene

Eugene combines its urban arts, entertainment and dining scene with abundant natural landscapes and outdoor activities. One advantage to visiting Eugene is its versatile location, only an hour from the gorgeous Oregon coast and an hour from the verdant Cascade mountains. From the city center…

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Road Trip: Oakridge

At 1,200 feet elevation, these mountain communities are starting to thaw in the spring weather. Put on your mud boots to scout the trails. Forests will be sporting a fresh veneer of green, rivers and creeks will be bursting and the birds will be singing! Spring is not the time for mountain biking…

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Road Trip: Florence

Driving out to Florence for a springtime getaway is an Oregon tradition. As the days get longer, it's a chance to take in fresh ocean air, feel the cold sand on your feet and relax with only the sound of the ocean waves to keep you company. While you'll want to be sure to pack plenty of layers…

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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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Guide to Cottage Grove's Covered Bridges

Who can resist the allure of historic covered bridges? Walk inside the cool, creaky chambers, damp from the water below, and peer through sunlit slats at the river. In fall, autumn leaves frame these gorgeous landmarks; in spring it's wildflowers. In winter the bridges may be dusted with snow or…

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A Bakery Road Trip

Indulge in the comforting smell of freshly baked bread along this bakery loop in the Willamette Valley. While gluten-friendly/free options may occasionally arise, this is a tour highlighting good old-fashioned wheat. Eugene With so many amazing bakeries here... you might never leave the city limits…

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Fall Foliage Road Trips

Autumn is a wonderful season for road trips—scenic views are swathed in golden hues, colorful leaves frame roadways, the air is crisp and bursting with woodsy scents, and roadside farm stands are bursting with squash, pumpkins, apples and the last of the summer crops. Here are three prime fall…

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Car-Free Road Trips on Public Transit

Want to road trip but don't have a car? Explore the region beyond Eugene using public transportation. You can hike to waterfalls, mountain bike renowned trails, walk on the beach, shop farmers' markets, sightsee in small towns, hang out at must-visit bakeries and craft breweries, or just enjoy the…

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Classic Americana Road Trip

Take a fun Oregon road trip to get a flavor of some classic Americana. In this itinerary, you'll taste wine in a bright red barn, see a pro rodeo, travel to the town that inspired "The Simpsons," go axe throwing (yes, you read that right) and keep heading west to the beautiful Oregon Coast. So pack…

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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…