Here’s How You Can Find 3 of the Most Breathtaking Oregon Hiking Trails

Explore Mother Nature for fun and for free in Eugene, Oregon

Eugene, Oregon, is one of my favorite places to hike. Because we get an average of 151 days of rain each year, we get to appreciate the greenery of the multitude of trees and native plants. Now that we live here again, I’ve been discovering new hiking and walking trails.

Many Eugene residents hike in all types of weather year-round. They don’t let the rain stop them from playing outdoors. They throw on a parka and beanie then they’re good to go. I’m not accustomed to the cold yet, but maybe next year I’ll be out with the rest of the longtime Eugene locals.

We’ve had a lot of sunny days in April 2021, so I tried a new-to-me hike, Spencer Butte. I plan to find other less traveled trails in the near future.

Here are a few hikes you can explore for free or cheap in Eugene, Oregon:

Wild Iris Ridge

When I first moved to Eugene in 2018, a new parent friend told me about Wild Iris Ridge, at the corner of South Bertelson and Bailey Hill Road. I found it by entering those streets in my phone’s GPS. It’s considered an easy hike for most, so I thought it would be a great introduction.

I was right. It’s easy and accessible, only around 3–4 miles in total. There’s a small lot at the public entrance, but even the busy days accommodate hikers. You can opt to park on the side of the road if it’s full. There’s another neighborhood entrance at the top of the ridge, strictly for residents. The city provides a port-a-potty near the main entrance for your convenience.

The trails are gravel and dirt, with some larger rocks underfoot in the first half-mile. Though I love to hike barefoot on Oregon trails, I wear shoes for that part. The path lets you meander through the forest of Oak Madrones and Ponderosa Pines on the way to the loop, where the path widens.

Wild Iris Ridge gets its name from the early springtime wild iris blooms. I started going in the wintertime, and got to see all the changes nature brings as the months passed.

The first thing I noticed were the llamas at a nearby farm. One of them was particularly friendly, and appeared to smile and talk to me.

Cougars, also known as mountain lions, live in the forest, as do bears. I’ve never seen them, but hikers beware. To show them you’re not a threat, you’re supposed to back away slowly. Don’t try to run from a bear or cougar. You won’t win. Some visitors get loud on purpose to keep them at bay. I prefer to send my gratitude for the wildlife sharing their land and hope for the best.

Like most nature hikes, you share the space with wildlife. Be respectful and cautious. You might spot a deer or two, before they gracefully dash away. Wild Iris Ridge is a great way to spend the day enjoying the vast beauty surrounding you.

Spencer Butte

I’ve only been up to Spencer Butte twice. I decided to park at the main entrance, off of Willamette Street, although you can hike up from a few different directions all over town.

The first time I explored Spencer Butte, I went to the left, where you can take the difficult path that’s .78 miles to the butte.

I know, it doesn’t sound like it’s a far distance, but most of the trail is covered in boulders with a steep incline. There were times I had to climb. I didn’t think I could make it with my old running shoes. So about 3/4 of the way, I turned around.

I decided to try the “easy” route on the right this time. I’d say easy is relative, because the 1-mile hike does get steep, especially near the top. There are several flights of stone steps leading to it, and everyone tells each other, “You’re almost there, you’ve got this.”

The hiking path is a vibrant forest, thick with trees, lush with ferns and other flora. I sent my friend a photo and she called it a fairy wonderland.

When I finally reached the top, I could see the snow-covered Sisters mountain peaks and all of Eugene and surrounding areas. There’s a 360-degree view to enjoy. I had a snack and some water and met a funny, friendly squirrel who sometimes gets fed, according to fellow hikers.

Because of its steep inclines and series of steps, I got a good workout that I felt for the next couple of days. The weather was amazing the last time I went, 60 degrees and sunny. It’s been especially warm for April. Everyone I met was friendly and cordial. We were all overjoyed to be out in nature.

The total distance is a 1.7 mile loop, which I’ve yet to try. It’s relatively busy, but that’s only if you’ve lived in Oregon a while. I’m originally from Santa Barbara, CA, where “crowded” takes on a new meaning. I saw about 3 dozen cars in the lot the other day, which was half-full. We made space for each other when passing, and still had plenty of time to be alone in the woods.

Mt. Pisgah

I’ve been to Mt. Pisgah Arboretum several times over the years. It’s a delightful, easy hike, with educational resources and group tours available. Parking is $5, on the honor system. Admittedly, I couldn’t find the pay kiosk the first few times, which is on the upper road near the entrance. The last time I went, a woman saw me with my two kids, and offered her ticket on her way out. Eugene folks are often generous like that.

Mt. Pisgah trails run alongside the Willamette River, and people like to swim and play there during the summer season. The 8 miles of hiking trails lead in various directions, and offer educational landmarks like a footbridge covered with reeds, or information about the environment.

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum is a non-profit organization that serves our community by providing environmental education, field trips and workshops, and preservation efforts.

Come to Eugene and get outside. It’s good for you.

Hiking provides a great workout with an opportunity for spiritual connection. Anytime we spend in nature is time well spent. You’ll have solitude amongst the trees and maybe meet a friend or two along the way.

Oregon offers breathtaking beauty everywhere you go, and hiking is the best way to appreciate it. I hope you get to take a hike here in Eugene the next time you visit.

Related reads:

Let’s stay in touch. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Thanks for reading.