Family Fun

Leafy Family Hikes

Crunch through the colorful autumn leaves at the region's many parks, playgrounds and along family-friendly hiking paths. The Row River Trail in Cottage Grove encircles Dorena Reservoir and showcases seven covered bridges. Sixteen miles (26 km) of the Row River Trail are designated-family friendly with easy terrain, marked road crossings and pathways buffered from traffic.

In Eugene - Springfield, the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System features level paved paths looping around the Willamette River. Bike bridges make shorter loops possible. Watch ducks, picnic or romp at the many playgrounds.

Take a easy hike to Sweet Creek's many small waterfalls off Highway 126, and afterward, reward happy hikers with hot freshly baked gingerbread from the Old World Gingerbread Village near Mapleton.

Nature's Friends

Before wildlife and domestic animals bed down for winter, trek to neighborhood farms, parks and wetlands. Get a bird's eye view of eagles, hawks, falcons, ospreys and other amazing raptors at the Cascades Raptor Center. Visit alpacas, sheep and cows and feed goats. Aragon Alpacas has a gift shop full of fleecy sweaters, hats and teddy bears.

The Willamette Fish Hatchery in Oakridge features pools of trout and white sturgeon. Spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead are also reared here seasonally. Along with interpretive signage there is a nine-hole miniature golf course explaining the salmon life cycle, a viewing area of game birds, a museum and picnic area.

Under Cover Romps

Bring the fun indoors! Ride the 1930s carousel inside Roaring Rapids Pizza Company in Springfield. Or hang out in the mall play area at Valley River Center. Drop in and ride the rails, bowls and decks of the largest covered skate park in the country. WJ Skatepark + Urban Plaza is located in Washington Jefferson Park.