You've heard of these small towns' charms, you have an afternoon open for exploring historic covered bridges and you are tempted by the delicious pastries talked about from Creswell Bakery... but no car. Fortunately, that isn't a hurdle! There is a daily public bus route from Eugene that will take you straight down Interstate 5 to Creswell and Cottage Grove.
From downtown Eugene and the University of Oregon campus ride Lane Transit District Connector Route 98 to Creswell and several stops in Cottage Grove. Buses are bicycle friendly (though there is a limit on bike capacity, so be prepared that traveling with a bike may require some schedule flexibility).
Nearby things you can do from the stops:
Creswell — Of course the Creswell Bakery is a must visit (1st & C street is the closest stop, just two blocks to the bakery). There is also the golf course where the UO Ducks golf teams practice, and a museum (limited hours), but you will need to coordinate transportation, ride your bike or walk.
Main Street — minor stops on Main from 15th Street to River Road are best for strolling and shopping. Take a walking tour of murals, enjoy a craft beer at the local brewery or scout out scene sites from Hollywood movies.
Bus Travel Tips
Check the weather report and plan accordingly.
Buses are bike-friendly, so take your bicycle! But be aware that only a limited number of bikes can be transported on each bus. That means, potentially, there may not be room for you on the return bus, prompting an unplanned overnight.
Rainy Peak in Cottage Grove is a local bike shop if you need to rent a bike or bring yours in for services.
Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy 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.
