Plan the Perfect Oregon Road Trip: Eugene, Cascades & Coast in 3 Days

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown Eugene 

We started our day with brunch at Lion & Owl, a beloved downtown spot that began as an Airstream trailer in 2016. Crafted by James Beard-nominated chef Crystal Platt, the New American menu highlights hyper-seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from the Willamette Valley. The menu changes frequently, but when I visited, I ordered freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. It was delicious and refreshing! 

Next, we wandered through 5th Street Public Market & Market Alley, a lively shopping and dining district that blends historic charm with modern flair. Originally established in 1976 within a historic 1929 poultry plant, the market has transformed into a bustling hub featuring top-tier cafés, boutique shops, diverse eateries, tasting rooms, and luxury accommodations like Inn at the 5th and The Gordon Hotel. Just across the street at Market Alley, you’ll find even more to enjoy, including Café Yumm!, Handel’s Ice Cream, Euphoria Chocolate, and local wine tastings.

We checked into the Graduate by Hilton Eugene, just steps away from the 5th Street Public Market and the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. We loved the oversized duck sculpture in the main lobby! The hotel’s beautiful decoration perfectly balances collegiate charm with modern amenities, including an indoor pool, 24-hour  fitness center, The Trophy Room restaurant and bar, Poindexter Café, a Topgolf Swing Suite, and rooftop event spaces with stunning views. Our accessible king suite, featuring visual doorbells and light alerts, was both cozy and spacious, truly ideal for a comfortable stay. We were genuinely impressed by the hotel’s commitment to accessibility with thoughtful features like doorbell lights and bed shaker alarms to ensure every guest’s needs are met. 

Day 2: Raptors, Saturday Market & Waterfalls 

The next morning we got up close to nature at the Cascades Raptor Center, home to over 30 birds of prey housed in spacious outdoor aviaries. Book a private tour for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with expert guides and catch a seasonal flight show featuring trained raptors in breathtaking aerial displays. This educational and unforgettable experience is perfect for wildlife lovers of all ages. We booked a private tour with a knowledgeable guide and an interpreter, which made the experience even more personalized. They did an excellent job answering all our questions about the raptors and their work at the center. We had the rare opportunity to meet resident birds up close, learn about their unique personalities, and gain meaningful insight into the center’s rehabilitation efforts. We learned that if you ever come across an injured raptor, it’s important not to touch or move it. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife professional like the experts at the Cascades Raptor Center who are trained to handle these situations safely and responsibly. 

At lunchtime, we dove into the vibrant local culture at Eugene’s Saturday Market, running rain or shine from April through mid-November. With over 200 vendors selling handcrafted goods, artwork, and delicious food, it’s a lively spot to shop and snack. Remember to bring a reusable bag! We grabbed wood-fired pizza from a food truck, some tasty tacos, and refreshing lemonades. Everything was delicious and hit the spot perfectly! 

Afternoon

About an hour’s drive from Eugene, the stunning Sahalie and Koosah Falls are a must-see. Sahalie Falls plunges 100 feet (30.5 m) over a lava dam, while nearby Koosah Falls drops 70 feet (21.3 m) into a deep, turquoise pool. The two waterfalls are connected by a scenic 2.6-mile (4.18 km) loop trail that winds along the McKenzie River through lush, old-growth forest. Although we didn’t have time to complete the full loop, even a short visit offers breathtaking views. If your schedule allows, we highly recommend doing the entire trail for a peaceful and immersive nature experience. 

Instead, we decided to unwind in the serene natural oasis of Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs, nestled in the lush Willamette National Forest. The four terraced geothermal pools offer a tranquil retreat surrounded by breathtaking forest beauty. Access requires a short 0.4-mile (0.64 km) hike, taking about 15 minutes, so I  recommend wearing comfortable sneakers. When we arrived, the parking lot was full, and we had to wait briefly for a spot to open up. A $12 per person day-use fee applies, and keep in mind that clothing is optional. We visited in the evening and found it quite crowded. For a more peaceful experience, I recommend visiting in the morning and arriving early to secure a parking spot.

We headed back to Eugene for dinner at Tiger Mama, a vibrant Korean restaurant led by the talented Chef Sunny Moon. The menu features classic Korean street food favorites like bibimbap and Korean fried chicken, elevated with creative twists like refreshing mocktails and vegan-friendly appetizers. Every dish was bursting with flavor! The Bulgogi Udon and Kimbap were delicious - rich, satisfying, and perfectly seasoned! 

Day 3: Florence & Oregon Coast Wonders 

Just an hour’s drive from Eugene, Fresh Harvest Café in Florence is known for its warm hospitality and fresh, locally sourced dishes. The cafe offers sweet and savory crepes, specialty omelets, hearty sandwiches and fresh salads. I had the chance to try the marionberry crepes, a true Oregon specialty and they did not disappoint! 

After breakfast we headed to Sea Lion Caves, where you descend over 200 feet (61 m) by elevator into America’s largest sea cave, home to hundreds of Steller sea lions—the only mainland rookery for this majestic species. Open year-round, with outdoor viewpoints and a visitor center, this sanctuary offers unforgettable coastal views and the chance to witness these incredible animals in their natural habitat. Admission is $18 for adults. It was raining that day, so we stayed cozy and dry exploring inside the caves. 

Further north is the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse. Built in 1892, this is a classic, iconic lighthouse on the West Coast and it’s still active today. From April to October, you can tour the lighthouse (when docents are available), stroll the scenic beach trail, and visit the historic Assistant Keeper’s House, now a charming bed & breakfast and interpretive center. The trail to the lighthouse was an easy 10-minute hike with convenient parking nearby. 

To enjoy the great outdoors, we recommend the Hobbit Beach Trail. Follow a whimsical one-mile (1.6 km) trail through a moss-draped forest that leads to a secluded, hidden beach. With its leafy tunnel and breathtaking coastal views, it feels like stepping into a fairytale. The beach was quiet and peaceful - just the way we like it! 

Located near Cape Perpetua, Thor’s Well is a dramatic sinkhole that appears to swallow the sea, while Spouting Horn shoots seawater through rocky formations like a natural geyser. Visit during high tide and stay on paved trails for safety - it’s a striking natural wonder not to be missed. 

Late Afternoon 

We concluded the day in Historic Old Town Florence. We took a leisurely walk along the Siuslaw River and explored local galleries, shops, and parks. Relax at Gazebo Park or visit the Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Center for stunning views and people-watching.