Top Things to Do This Summer

Published: July 30, 2022

Summertime in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is a glorious time of year. From Oregon's sun-streaked beaches to the cool Cascades, nature invites you outside. The weather ranges from hot and balmy to comfortably cool. Daylight stretches out, starting early with rosy hues in the east and concluding with vibrant after-dinner sunsets over the ocean.

Summer Road Trips

There is so much to see across the region. Whether you rent an RV, drive your own car or take public transit, exploring is full of surprises and delights! Plan ahead, bring supplies with you and enjoy the journey.

Adventure Checklist

Don't leave home without checking this handy list of local tips for outdoor adventures!… More ›

Mountain Retreats

Get away from it all with immersion in the beautiful old growth forests of the Cascades. Along the banks of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers rediscover the joy of nature while fishing, rafting or picnicking. Hike to a waterfall, mountain bike a single-track trail, ride horses or an ATV through a remote pasture. Paddle across a mountain lake or look for wildflowers, mushrooms or birds.

McKenzie River

Raft the crystal clear river, fish for steelhead or soak in the hot springs.… More ›

Mountain Biking Alpine Trail by Anthony Smith

Oakridge - Westfir

Charge world class mountain biking trails, hunt for mushrooms or ski the slopes.… More ›

Lowell

Get out on the water at one of three magnificent lakes.… More ›

Cool Off on the Coast

Everybody loves to head to the coast for a reset. From thrilling adventures on the sand dunes to exploring Historic Old Town Florence to serene walks on an empty beach, the much-needed experience is there for you. With so much to do on the Oregon Coast, you'll want to extend your stay or come back several times.

Heceta Head Lighthouse by Melanie Griffin

Florence

A historic riverfront town bustling with restaurants and shops.… More ›

Dune Buggies on the Oregon Coast by Taylor Higgins

Dunes City

Your portal to Oregon's massive sand dunes.… More ›

Summer Water Adventures

Sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding and wakeboarding adventures are within fifteen minutes of the Eugene - Springfield metro area. Kayak across Waldo Lake, one of the clearest lakes in the world. Pools and water parks also offer refreshing destinations on warm days. For the adventure seeker, whitewater rafting offers thrills.

Splash Around Safely - Tips for Water Fun

Playing in the water can be the best part of summer — and Oregon's got plenty of the wet stuff!… More ›

Local Food, Farm Tours, U-Picks & Markets

Tour an alpaca farm or stay overnight on a working farm and lend a hand feeding livestock or weeding a garden. Fill a basket with strawberries, blueberries or peaches at a "u-pick" farm or just stroll the flowery paths of rhododendron and rose gardens. From lavender to hazelnuts, agricultural destinations are humming with activity.

Live Music & Entertainment

Entertainment is back! From the Hult Center for the Performing Arts to our region's standout community theatre, find plenty of shows and music on stage. Listen to live music at the wineries, pubs, coffeehouses, markets and festivals all summer long. Movies and Shakespeare are back in the parks and world class sports are in our stadiums.

Fiddle and Cello by Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas

The Shedd Institute is pleased to welcome Alasdair Fraser, acclaimed Scotland fiddler, and cellist Natalie Haas, Julliard graduate. They are… More ›

Oktoberfest 2022: 17 Days at beergarden

In Munich, Oktoberfest runs from September 17th through October 3rd. In honor of this tradition, beergarden’s Oktoberfest celebration will… More ›

Music Duo Mambira + McLaughlin at Thinking Tree Spirits

Join a special Monday night performance at Thinking Tree Spirits' tasting room by local musicians Tim McLaughlin and John Mambira. PNW… More ›

Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience

Theresa Caputo, star of the hit TLC show, Long Island Medium, will share personal stories about her life and explain how her gift works. She… More ›

"Into the Woods" at the Cottage Theatre

Cottage Theatre and its talented community-based cast presents a hauntingly eery round up of fairytales! There’s a giant in the… More ›

Todd Snider: The American Troubadour Tour with Ryan Montbleau

Troubadour, meaning an itinerant singer of songs, is a word that dates back centuries, and comes from the French verb “trouver,” which is to… More ›

Eugene Symphony's Opening Night

Opening Night at Eugene Symphony is always electric. You’ll be introduced to the fresh sounds of First Symphony Project composer Angélica… More ›

Fall FUNdraiser at Covered Bridge Brewery

Covered Bridge Brewery is hosting an evening for Singing Creek Educational Center, where $1 from every drink sold goes to their nonprofit.… More ›

Singer/Songwriter Storm Tipton at Thinking Tree Spirits

Join Thinking Tree Spirits at their tasting room for a live performance by local musician Storm Tipton. Storm is a singer/guitarist who… More ›

Jazz Band Sage Vagabond at Thinking Tree Spirits

What better way to spend your Monday night than with cocktails and live music? Thinking Tree Sprits is excited to welcome some of Eugene's… More ›

Author: Taj Barnhart Morgan

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.

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