Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eugene, Cascades & Coast is not a travel agency but we do have partners that are! If you'd like trip planning and assistance for travel outside of Lane County, including coordination and booking of transportation and lodging, you may wish to consult an independent travel agent. They can help you book hotels, cruises, flights and transportation. Contact the agencies below to see what travel planning services they offer and how they are compensated.

Check our travel alert page for any important region-wide notifications or to find links to local authorities for further information on road conditions, wildfires, natural or civic situations and health and safety.

Our Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center staff are pleased to help you find things to do in Lane County, recommend local restaurants and lodging and answer questions about our region. We can also help you find other regional visitor information centers and tour guides that can provide additional information.

We can also help incoming groups by suggesting meeting space and venues, group-friendly activities and dining places and transportation. If you are planning or hosting a conference, meeting, sports event, travel group, reunion, wedding or event; please contact our Eugene, Cascades & Coast conventions staff for complimentary assistance. We can even provide free visitor guides for your guests and host a visitor information table at your event.

In downtown Eugene, find downtown parking spaces using the Park Smarter app, which also allows you to pay the meter. Parking around the downtown core includes public parking lots and curbside metered parking. The Overpark and Parcade parking garages offer one free hour during the week and all day free parking on Saturday and Sunday unless there is a special event.

Parking RVs and trailers near the city centers may be challenging. For temporary parking (no overnights), consider Alton Baker Park and Skinner Butte Park. Bike paths from the parks connect to shopping and dining. Other large private property parking lots often require patronizing of the facilities and have varying restrictions and time limits. Always check with the property owner first. RV parking violations may be filed with the City of Eugene. 

We recommend utilizing a nearby RV park or campground. There are several in close proximity to Eugene and Springfield.

The Eugene Airport offers a long-term parking lot. They also have an economy lot.

Alternatively, Valley River Inn offers a Park & Fly Hotel Package which includes shuttle service to the airport and a nightly fee to leave your car in their parking lot.

The Eugene Station has non-attended short and long term pay parking available in the surface lot adjacent the station. Other options may be arranging off-site parking and taking an uber or cab to the station.

If you don't have a season pass or special parking permit from the University of Oregon for tailgating, there are special event parking lots near Autzen Stadium. You can also park near the UO campus and walk in, just follow the students as they cross Franklin Boulevard and take the footpaths over the pedestrian bridge to the stadium.

But the easiest way to get to the game is parking at one of the shuttle lots and taking the shuttle to the stadium. Please note, this option does require advance online payment.

There is parking at Matthew Knight Arena but depending on the event or game, parking access and options may differ. For larger concerts, events and games it is likely that a prepaid shuttle service will be offered (with offsite parking at Valley River Center or other sites). For some events there may be limited paid parking in the Matthew Knight Arena 13th & Agate parking garage.

Taking the EmX bus or walking from campus or the surrounding area is always a possibility -- however, be aware that in the immediate neighborhood street parking is metered and limited to two hours which is strictly enforced. Residents in the surrounding neighborhoods have parking permits, and permit violations are strictly enforced during Mathew Knight Arena events. Do not park in a permit-only zone. If you do find street parking outside of the permit-only zone, be prepared for a long walk to the arena.

Around the University of Oregon campus there is metered street parking, mostly limited to two hours. UO campus parking lots are permitted parking only. Visitors may purchase a one-day parking pass or use the metered street parking. Check their website for a campus parking map and more campus parking information. Special events and sports on campus may impact traffic flow and parking lot access.

For parking near the Miller Theatre Complex (University Theatre) near Kincaid and Franklin Blvd there is free parking on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays in the UO parking lots 6A, 6B and 7B in the Zone B-West. At other days and times, permits are required. Accessible parking is available in front of the Miller Theatre Complex and a DMV issued Disabled Person Parking placard is required.

For the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and the Knight Library, there is metered two-hour parking on Kincaid Street. For the Frohnmayer Music complex including Berwick building and Beall Concert Hall, there is five-hour metered parking in Lot 20 off of East 18th. There is also metered parking along University St near Jane Sanders Stadium and McArthur Court and along Agate Street near Hayward Field and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

There are several places to arrange for mobility support rental equipment from scooters to vans.

• David's Chair is a free service by reservation for use of a track chair at several fixed locations. There is one available at Mount Pisgah in Eugene and one available at Heceta Beach by Driftwood Shores Resort in Florence. Arrangements may also be made to transport a chair to other locations.
• City of Eugene Adaptive Recreation at the Hilyard Community Center offers a range of adaptive recreation equipment for rent included bikes, trikes, beach chairs and more.
• Shaw Medical in Eugene offers electric scooters, power lift chairs, wheelchairs, knee scooters, crutches, walkers and canes for rent.
• Bellevue Healthcare Eugene also has a variety of mobility scooters, wheelchairs and lifts that may be rented. 
• United Access Springfield sells scooters and mobility equipment and rents wheelchair accessible vans .
• VK First Class Secure Transport provides wheelchair accessible vans and assistance in ambulatory transfers.

The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region has many wheelchair accessible outdoor adventures. Check out the flat, paved paths through the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System, the Middle Fork Path and the hard-packed dirt path at Delta Ponds — a popular birding site. 

The Hilyard Community Center offers their Adaptive Recreation Services Department for an array of outdoor adventure experiences. 

To roll out over the sandy beaches, book a beach wheelchair rental with the City of Eugene or make a reservation for David's Chair. David's Chair is located at Heceta Beach near Driftwood Shores Beach Resort. The park also features a Mobi-mat from the parking lot to the sandy beach area.

Many places across the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region have hearing loops. The John G. Shedd Institute of the Arts, an excellent performing arts venue in downtown Eugene, is a leader in promoting hearing loops. In addition to being hearing looped, they hold workshops on how to maximize the benefits of hearing loops. 

Hotels and lodging properties offer a mix of hearing looped areas. Please check with the individual properties to determine if check-in, lobbies, meeting rooms or other hotel spaces are hearing looped.

Eugene is still a safe place to visit. Like in any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. It is always a good idea to walk with a companion in isolated areas or at night.

For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police, call 541.682.5111.

Car break-ins can happen. Take precautions and do not leave valuables in your car, particularly at trailheads and parks. Parking in well-lighted pay lots is recommended but parking is still at your own risk.

For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency police, call 541.682.5111.

The City of Eugene, Lane County and community non-profits are invested in making improvements.

• Learn the status of homelessness in Eugene and what is being done.
• Find a list of resources for the unhoused community.
• Report unsafe and illegal camping and activities.

It's not as rainy as our reputation. Do travel with a lightweight hooded jacket because rain showers could happen in any season. However, there are many clear days throughout the year and across the region. Often gray days in the Willamette Valley mean sunshine on the Oregon Coast or Cascades and vice versa. The most rain is November through March, but the temperatures are mild. Locals are outside year-round and aren't deterred by the moisture.

The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is a great year-round destination because of its temperate climate and Northwest lifestyle. Mostly, it will depend on what activities you want to do. Winter is great for snow sports, cozy lodging and the indoor performing arts -- but you will note that residents remain unfazed by our wintertime, still jogging on the trails and gathering around firepits at outdoor venues. Fall and spring are great for even more adventures on uncrowded trails before summer starts.

The most important thing to remember is packing with layers, as no matter the season, as transitions between warmer and cooler temperatures may happen quickly and vary frequently. 

Eugene offers a variety of food truck trucks and food carts that pop up throughout the region. Since food trucks are mobile, the best way to confirm a specific food truck's current location is by checking their Facebook page — if they have one. 

Often you can find food truck "pods" in metro parking lots or squares, near breweries or urban wineries, at special events and festivals, and out in rural areas by winery tasting rooms or along main travel thoroughfares. Locations like beergarden. and Oakshire Brewing offer food trucks right onsite. Other consistent locations to check include Kesey Square, Olive & W. 8th, the Oregon Wine Lab and adjacent to The Monkey's Paw in Springfield.

Your best bets for late night dining are close to the University District or downtown Eugene. However, many places close around 9 or 10 p.m., so call ahead and make your plans.

Do not rely on open restaurants in smaller communities, particularly up into the mountains in McKenzie River and Oakridge. Many small community eateries have varied or inconsistent hours particularly in the slower seasons (fall, winter and spring). Call ahead to confirm hours and always pack along snacks just in case.

If you are fortunate and the local restaurants are open — you'll get to enjoy some pretty great food! Some destination dining includes Creswell Bakery (Creswell), Our Daily Bread (Veneta), Obsidian Grill (McKenzie River), Dueling Spoons (Lowell/Fall Creek), the 3 Legged Crane (Oakridge) and the Westfir Mountain Market (Westfir). But don't be limited by this quick list... you may discover other great options including summertime pop-up carts, markets and lodge dining.

Eugene and Springfield have many convenient and varied grocery stores including big box stores, local favorites like Capella's and Market of Choice, health food stores including the Sundance and Kiva, and chain groceries. West Coast stores carrying groceries include Fred Meyer and Bi-Mart. Florence also has several chain grocery stores along with The Market at Driftwood Shores Resort and the Bridgeport Market. As you get further away from the metro centers, you'll find smaller stores and quick markets like Dari Mart. In McKenzie River, Blue Sky Market and McKenzie General Store are great options. In Oakridge, check out Ray's Grocery, the Willamette Mountain Mercantile and the Westfir Lodge & Mountain Market. You can supplement these stores with fresh produce from farmers markets and roadside stands.

Find locally-made keepsakes and gifts for family and friends:

• Made In Oregon (beer, wine, food, clothing and more)
• The Duck Store (UO logo wear and more)
• Saturday Market (artisan items)
• 5th Street Public Market (high-end boutiques)

For electronics, there is a Best Buy in the Gateway neighborhood of Springfield. You can also go to Target or Walmart on the EmX bus line. If you are downtown, check with CPR Cell Phone Repair (they are located five blocks from The Graduate Hotel on West 7th Ave near the bridge) to see if they have the cable you need for your phone. The Extra Mile Chevron station on West 7th Ave also has a large selection of chargers.

No, Oregon is one of five states without a sales tax. So have fun shopping!

Within the City of Eugene there is a ban on single-use carryout plastic bags - this includes grocery stores, department stores, drug stores and clothing stores. Either invest in a reusable shopping bag, usually available at most large grocery stores, or purchase a recycled paper bag at the check out.

You may encounter roadside farm stands while you are driving in the country. Many rely on the honor system for proper payment, so please follow any posted instructions and be prepared with exact change. If you are wanting to u-pick from open farms, check-in with the farm or store clerk before heading out into the fields. They can tell you what areas are open for picking. Some may provide containers or bags to pick into or scissors to cut with, but you may also want to bring your own buckets, baskets or boxes or cutters. Depending on what you are picking, bringing a small step ladder might be useful too!

The Cascades Raptor Center is a great spot for kids! View hawks, eagles, owls and more up close. 

The Eugene Science Center offers hands on activities for kids and a planetarium.

At the Adventure! Children's Museum kids can get creative with installations like a state park, various countries, as well as building blocks and costumes. 

Splash! is an indoor pool with lap swim, a slide, and a wave pool. A great time for kids and adults.

The Ruth Bascom river path and some of our more popular parks, like Alton Baker, Skinner, or Hendricks are great for walking. For city vibes, check out Kesey Square in downtown.

Right in Eugene, the Ridgeline Trail system including Spencer Butte and Mount Pisgah offer a plethora of trails for all skill levels. Dorris Ranch offers flat walking paths through a hazelnut orchard and along the Willamette River. 

From Eugene - Springfield there is a waterfall in every direction. Our seven favorite falls are consistent year-round and fairly easy to see, and two are wheelchair accessible.

Just an hour southeast of Eugene, Cottage Grove offers a trio of waterfalls that can be done in a day: Moon, Spirit and Pinard. Each of them are around a mile round trip of a hike.

Heading west towards Florence, stop in Mapleton to see Sweet Creek Falls. This quick hike is very kid friendly. The hike offers eleven small waterfalls along the way until you reach the large one at the end. 

Heading east towards Bend, the McKenzie River area has two great waterfalls in one stop. Sahalie and Koosah Falls.

Oakridge along Hwy 58, stop in at Salt Creek Falls to see the second largest waterfall in Oregon. For more of a hike, check out the Diamond Creek Falls Loop from the same parking lot as Salt Creek Falls. 

There is a wide variety of options for getting on the water really close to town. Including the Alton Baker Canoe Canal, Coyote Creek at Fern Ridge and Dexter Reservoir. 

During summer season kayak rentals are typically available on weekends and holidays at Alton Baker Park (Fern Ridge and Dorena Lake also have on-site vendors). Additionally, you can rent equipment from a outdoor supplier or sign up for a guided river tour.

Oregon Watershed is a great go-to resource for all needed rental gear and watercraft with a convenient location in Springfield. Oregon Paddle Sports also offers stand up paddle boards, rafts and river tubes to rent or buy. Eugene Gear Traders sells used seasonal recreational clothing and gear in downtown Eugene. There may also be onsite seasonal concessionaires at Alton Baker Park on the canoe canal, Baker Bay on Dorena Lake in Cottage Grove, Orchard Point on Fern Ridge in Veneta and at Cleawox Lake on the Oregon Coast. Equipment availability may vary.

Dispersed camping is permissible on some USDA Forest Service lands including sections of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Willamette National Forest. All campers are urged to adhere to Leave No Trace standards.

 Florence on the Oregon Coast is just 61 miles (98.2 km) from Eugene on Highway 126. Travelers should plan on an hour and fifteen minutes depending on weather and road conditions. The drive is beautiful with hikes, waterfalls and covered bridge excursions along the way.

LinkLane provides twice a day transportation from Eugene to Historic Old Town Florence and back. One way is $5. Purchase a ticket in advance from LinkLane or Amtrak online or pay with exact cash. Drivers do not provide change or accept other forms of payment. Stops along the way include Veneta, Mapleton and Three Rivers Casino. LinkLane also has service that continues to Yachats, but no longer goes south to Coos Bay. Buses are wheelchair accessible and bike-friendly, space available.

Once in Florence there is the Rhody Express, providing limited service Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. within town. Their routes do not go to the beach but you can either take a taxi to Heceta Beach on the Pacific Ocean, or a .5 mile walk from Old Town to Exploding Whale Memorial Park on the Siuslaw River. This park has a sandy riverfront beach and views of the sand dunes but you cannot see the ocean from there. 

Lucky you! Walk along the Bay Street boardwalk for shopping and sightseeing. Historic Old Town Florence has many antique shops and novelty stores, art galleries, a seasonal farmers market, and a movie theater. Visit the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum and take a walking tour of the Dancing with Sea Lions public sculptures. Enjoy a cup of crab chowder down on the docks or a warm cup of tea at Lovejoy's. The Florence Event Center hosts theatre productions and exhibits, and the Three Rivers Resort & Casino has entertainment, games and dining. 

1. Historic Old Town Florence for shopping and dining
2. Sand dune buggy rides
3. Three Rivers Resort & Casino
4. C&M Stables beach rides
5. Sea Lion Caves
6. Heceta Head Lighthouse
7. Cape Perpetua

All these questions and more are answered at Coast Like a Local.

• Yes, you may have a beach fire - but check to make sure the beach location isn't under current restrictions (these change seasonally) and put out your fire with water, not sand.
• Dogs are usually welcome on the beach under voice control or leashed depending on the site. Due to wildlife protections, some sites and some seasons have restrictions for dogs - so always check.
• And drones may be flown, adhering to FAA regulations, and privacy considerations. Please familiarize yourself with the guidelines. 

To roll out over the sandy beaches, book a beach wheelchair rental with the City of Eugene or make a reservation for David's Chair. David's Chair is located at Heceta Beach near Driftwood Shores Beach Resort. The park also features a Mobi-mat from the parking lot to the sandy beach area.

Yes, Oregon voters approved a bill to legalize recreational marijuana, however; there are important laws around cannabis transfer and use. You must be 21 years or older and using in public is illegal. Buying and selling marijuana is only legal in licensed cannabis dispensaries. Please "educate before you recreate.

While neighborhoods may offer different features, you'll discover that our Eugene - Springfield communities are well-connected with bike paths and excellent public transportation. We recommend you work with a real estate professional to identify your price range and show you available housing.