Scenic Viewpoints & Turnouts

This park features a beautiful sandy beach nestled at the confluence of fresh water Cape Creek with a historic bridge, the never-to-be-forgotten Heceta Head Lighthouse and several impressive rocks just offshore in the ocean waters. A seven mile network of hiking paths join the short hike to the lighthouse. Sea lions and whales can be seen from the beach and cliff-top lighthouse. The lighthouse keeper’s house functions as a museum and bed and breakfast. Easy beach access from the parking lot. Gift shop. This is a must-visit beach. State Day Use Fee area. (Formerly Devils Elbow State Park.)

Towering trees looming through a coastal fog. Frothy surf crashing upon jagged shores. Majestic headlands offering clear views for miles. Located two miles (3.22 km) south of Yachats, this coastal wonderland - where the forest meets the sea - captivates locals and visitors alike.

A cavernous sea cave adopted by a herd of Steller sea lions, some years numbering as many as 200. Take an elevator ride 200 feet (61 m) down into the cave as tall as a 12-story building and as wide as a football field. During the fall and winter barking sea lions lounge around inside the cave's natural amphitheater and during the summer months they sprawl along outside rock ledges with their young. Believed to be America's largest sea cave and the only known mainland home of wild sea lions in the world. Outside paths and viewing platforms. Gift and snack shop.

At Historic Old Town Florence, the Siuslaw River flows under Highway 101's historic Siuslaw River Bridge and into the Pacific Ocean. From the interpretive center view the Siuslaw River Bridge designed by architect McCullough. Learn about the river, its history, the bridge and native plants. Enjoy wheelchair-accessible paths, an observation deck, benches and picnic tables along with wetland foliage.

Four pullouts along Hwy 101, known as Gwynn Creek, Neptune, Strawberry Hill and Bob Creek; comprise Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint. Cliffside benches overlook Cumming Creek, the beach and pounding shore break. An excellent vantage point for whale watching, storm watching, birding and other wildlife observations. Sea lions can occasionally be spotted along the shore and deer often visit the creek. Hunt for agates in the shallow creek. At low tide stroll along the beach to the south to see a natural cave and tide pools. Recreation includes fishing and windsurfing. The restroom is ADA approved.

Part of the Siuslaw National Forest, the Oregon Dunes cover 40 miles (64 km) along the coast, North America's largest coastal dunes. There are many ways to explore this dramatic natural wonder: by air, foot or off-highway vehicle (OHV). Recreational opportunities include quiet nature trails through vegetation teeming with wildlife, birding, beachcombing, fishing, sandboarding or sand sledding, stargazing and camping. Dune buggy rides with a professional guide are encouraged.

At approximately 2,000 ft (610 m), Spencer Butte is the highest peak in the surrounding valley. It is an iconic backdrop to Eugene and provides some of the best views of the city. Starting at the South Willamette Trailhead, this moderate to difficult 1.7 mile (2.7 km) loop trail climbs 784 ft (235 m) before reaching the summit of Spencer Butte, the highest peak in the surrounding valley.

The trail meanders through wooded forest and leads toward a treeless, rocky butte. The 360-degree view from the summit makes this short but challenging trail worth the effort for hikers of all ages. On a clear day, look for views of the Three Sisters to the east and Fern Ridge Reservoir to the west. Hikers can connect this trail with other sections of the Ridgeline Trail System for a longer hike. Watch for poison oak and rattle snakes along the trail.

This easy one mile (0.6 km) forested trail provides a picturesque view of the Willamette River, Spencer Butte (the surrounding valley’s highest peak) and downtown Eugene. There is also a large University of Oregon “O” that is used as a photo opportunity by students and visiting families. There is a parking lot with nearby restrooms located on the north side bottom of the butte. The hiking trail begins across from the parking lot.

An alternative hiking route was recently been added on the West side of the butte, allowing hikers to walk around the basalt columns. On sunny days, many rock climbers go to Skinner Butte to climb the columns. You can also drive to the top of Skinner Butte.

For the most part, bikes are prohibited on the trails around Spencer's Butte with the exception of the Ridgeline Trail System - a network of over 12 miles (19.3 km). Begin at the trail head on Martin Street and ascend on singletrack through Eugene's south hills.

A variety of easy to moderate loop trails from 0.5 miles to 1.5 miles (0,3 km to 1,2 km) make Mt. Pisgah a great place for all ages and abilities to explore. The trails wind along the river through trees and wildflowers labeled to help visitors learn plant identification. Watch for bullfrogs and turtles in the water garden. Mt. Pisgah Arboretum provides maps of trails throughout the park. Adjacent Howard Buford Recreation Area offers longer and more strenuous hikes. DAY-USE FEE AREA/RECREATION PASS REQUIRED

This natural space features a pond, seasonal wild iris and panoramic views of West Eugene when you hike or mountain bike to the top. Explore 288 acres of woodland and upland prairie. Watch for poison oak.

OPEN FOR 2019 SEASON In the midst of a barren lava landscape discover this memorable monument. This historic observatory, built of lava rock, offers stunning panoramic views of Cascade Mountain peaks. There are interpretive panels, a half-mile (0.8 km) paved trail through lava flows, and a wheelchair accessible trail up into the observatory. Hwy 242 access to the Dee Wright Observatory typically closes to vehicles between November and June depending on snow conditions.