Eugene's beckon
Eugeneans have the chance to hike mountain trails
and scramble up rock walls minutes from home
BY ASHLEY GRIFFIN
FREELANCE REPORTER
The University is notorious for re
cruiting students by showcasing the
school’s proximity to recreation-rich
coastal and mountain towns. But
sometimes recruiters neglect to men
tion the abundance of great outdoor
activities just a stone’s throw away
from campus.
The surrounding campus areas have
many outdoor recreation opportuni
ties, including biking and running
paths, hiking trails and parks. Here are
some of Eugene’s highlights and some
hints to help you experience them at
their best.
Mount Pisgah
Mount Pisgah Arboretum is located
between the Coast Fork of the
Willamette River and the slopes of
Mount Pisgah in the Howard Buford
Recreation Area. The arboretum easily
draws repeat visitors with more than
200 acres of grounds and hiking trails,
picnic areas with homemade benches
and tables, and more plant and animal
species than it’s possible to list.
“I like Pisgah (for hiking). It’s a
quick, good heart rate raiser with a
great view to hike to the top. Or you
can cruise around the trails at the base
for a more mellow hike,” said Suzanne
Hanlon, the Assistant Director of the
University’s Outdoor Program.
The park’s elaborate maze of hiking
trails — eight miles in all — is the main
attraction. Each trail winds through
various ecological habitats including a
meadow and a wildflower garden. The
bird-watching opportunities are plenti
ful and the long hike to the summit is
worth the view of the sprawling south
end of the rural Willamette Valley.
Hint: During the weekend, the
park’s main parking lot fills quickly.
Tty visiting at off-peak hours like dur
ing the evenings or weekdays.
Spencer Butte
Spencer Butte is another popular
hiking trail located just five miles
south of downtown Eugene. It pro
vides a steeper grade than Pisgah in
a short but challenging 1.5- to 2-mile
hike.
“Spencer’s is a wonderful forested
hike and also a good heart thumper
to the top,” said Hanlon. “While Pis
gah is open grassy hillside, this is
forested all the way to the top until
you break out onto a rocky, open top
with stunning views of the valley.”
Spencer Butte loop is part of the
South Hills Ridgeline TYail and has
two different trail options for hikers.
For a steep climb, the left-veering trail
is the best option. Both routes lead
hikers to the top of this 2,062-foot
high butte. From there, they have a
sweeping view of the Willamette Val
ley, Fern Ridge Reservoir and the
Three Sisters.
Chemistry and physics major El
liott Hinds has a specific time and
season he enjoys hiking the butte.
“I mainly hike the butte in summer
and my favorite time is actually at
night, but I wouldn’t recommend it
for others as it’s fairly dangerous,” he
said. “I know a number of people
Riverbank
who’ve gotten lost on their way
down, myself included.”
Hint: Tty the hike as part of a train
ing program for a sport, or use it as a
fantastic place to watch the sunrise
or sunset.
Skinner's Butte
While Skinner’s Butte also provides
some short hiking trails and a
panoramic city view, the 100-acre
property near downtown Eugene is
mainly used as a local gathering place.
The park features baseball and softball
areas, a community garden, picnic ta
bles, a playground, a climbing area,
and numerous walking and
hiking paths.
jjBSagEaSagfl*——i—11^——
Steven Neuman | onune/supplements editor
The park has two well-known at
tractions. The first is the overlook area
that provides a sweeping city view and
photo opportunity that captures all of
Eugene, including the University
neighborhood and many well-known
city landmarks.
NATURE, page 10B
Volunteers Wanted!
Duck Preview is a visitation day for high school seniors who are
interested in the University of Oregon. Its success depends on
volunteer support from you... current UO students!
Duck Preview 2005
Sunday, November 6
023391
Volunteering at Duck Preview
is a great way to:
• Get involved on campus
• Meet other students
• Get better acquainted
with the university
• Help prospective students
• Share your Duck experiences
with visitors
Contact the Ambassador Program by phone at
346-1274 or by e-mail at ambass@uoregon.edu
There will be two training sessions
to choose from:
• Monday, October 24 at 5:00 p.m.
in 461 Oregon Hall
OR
• Wednesday, October 26
at 5:00 p.m. in 461 Oregon Hall
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON