Where to Run

Both a hazelnut farm and public park, Dorris Ranch is known for its beautiful scenery, wooded trails, and views of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. Whether you extend your long run (from Pre’s trail) to Dorris Ranch, or do a few loops on the trails here, you won’t be disappointed. From Dorris Ranch, you can also take the 4-mile paved Middle Fork Path out to Clearwater Park and back.

Trail begins: 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR 97477

Distance: 2-10 miles

From the parking lot at Fairmount Blvd, you have several options (including running through the Rhododendron Gardens), but our favorite is to use Hendricks Park for hill work. Take a right on Fairmount Blvd and run for about 0.5 mile until you are able to hop on the West Trail just down to your right. This will bring you back toward the parking lot, where you will take a right to the paved “Old Road Trail” where you can do hill loops or repeats. If you’re doing loops, crest the hill and take your first right, which follows a gradual dirt trail back to the bottom of the hill.

Trails begin: Summit and Skyline Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403

Distance: 2-6 miles

This beautiful peak is just a short drive from downtown Eugene, but totally worth it. Many hikers take the direct route to the summit (distance), but for a longer run, take the base loop from the main parking lot for a scenic, flat to moderate 8 mile trail run (starting at trail 5, navigate your way to trail 4 and finally end on trail 17). As there are many trails at Mt. Pisgah, you may want to bring a map or an experienced friend if you haven’t run here before. Be sure to bring your $ (cash or card accepted) for the parking fee.

Trail begins: 34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR 97405

Distance: 3-8 miles

Have you been looking to pay your respects to Steve Prefontaine and see this famous landmark? To get here, start at Hendricks Park, take Burch Ln for about 0.3 miles to Skyline Blvd where you’ll turn left. Pre’s Rock will be on your right. You can extend this run by looping back to Hendricks Park and following (insert name of) road up to the white posts where you’ll take an immediate left to the Ribbon Trail for a somewhat hilly, wooded trail.

Trail begins: Hendricks Park, Summit and Skyline Blvd, Eugene, OR

Distance: 1+ miles

Whether you’re a Eugene resident or a visitor, you can’t go wrong with this well maintained, hard to get lost on, flat trail along the river. Starting at Alton Baker Park, head out on the bark trail toward Springfield. You can turn around at the pond, complete the loop, or keep going on into Springfield for a few bonus miles.

Trail begins: Alton Baker Park, 100 Day Island Road, Eugene, OR 97401

Distance: 3-6 miles

This flat cedar trail begins at Martin St between East and West Amazon and follows the Amazon Creek on either side. The trail is conveniently marked every quarter mile. For a longer run, start at the Amazon Trailhead and run toward the Rexius trail (going under the 30th street bridge), or from Rexius, head up Canyon St to the Ridgeline Trail for a decent dose of hills.

Trail begins: Southern trailhead at 911 Martin St, Eugene, OR 97405

Distance: 3.5 miles

Hiking or trail running? Look no further than the Ridgeline Trail where you’ll find moderate to more challenging inclines and plenty of beautiful scenery. This trail has several trailheads allowing you many options. You could even do a (hilly) half marathon by running from Blanton Trailhead to Spring Blvd and back.

And if you’re looking for a view, be sure to take the Spencer Butte trail to the top where you’ll scale the peak to enjoy the view of the entire Willamette Valley. On a clear day, you might even have views of the Three Sisters Mountains.

Trail begins: at several locations. We’ve marked the Martin Street Trailhead. Visit the City of Eugene website for a full map of the Ridgeline Trail System.

Distance: 4-13 miles

Whether you need a group to run with, shoes to run in, or advice on where to run, stop into Run Hub. Also a great parking spot to get to the Ruth Bascom Riverpath system.

Store Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This paved path along both the north and south banks of the Willamette River includes park access, bathrooms, water fountains, and bridges for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Our favorite way to enjoy this path is shortly after sunrise when it’s just you, the rushing Willamette River, and a few other early birds.

Several bridges allow you to create loops of many distances to meet your training needs. From Alton Baker Park, you can run a four mile loop crossing over the river at the Autzen and Defazio bridges, or from Maurie Jacobs Park you can also run a four mile loop crossing the river at the Greenway and Owosso pedestrian bridges.

The path connects to several others, including Pre’s, at many locations.

Trail begins: at several locations. The Downtown Riverfront Park is marked here.

Distance: 4-14 miles

Map: https://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/62310/Ruth-Bascom-Riverbank-Path-System

This paved path follows the Amazon Creek from the middle of Eugene through neighborhoods and behind West 11th Ave out to the West Eugene Wetlands that are filled with tall grass, birds of all kinds, and beautiful scenery. Pedestrians and cyclists use this path frequently.

Trail begins: Western trailhead at 88525 Greenhill Rd, Eugene, OR 97402

Distance: 4-12 miles

Click here to access the City of Eugene’s park and trail maps.

Looking to run among the trees without traveling too far? Located just about 45 minutes outside of Eugene, this gentle trail provides spectacular views of Brice Creek and waterfalls along the way. And if you get too hot, there are several points you can hop in for a dip.

Click here for all trail options.

Trail begins: Brice Creek Road #2470, 25 miles SE of Cottage Grove, West Trailhead

Distance: 5-10 miles

Whether you’re seeking a scenic hike or a seriously challenging trail run, Hardesty trail will fit the bill. From the lower trail, you can take Hardesty Trail #3469 for some serious elevation (3,323 feet in five miles) then a left at the Eula Ridge Trail #3463 and finally a left a the S. Willamette Trail #3465 for a 14 mile loop. For a more gradual adventure, start from the upper trail and do an out and back on the S. Willamette Trail #3465. Hardesty Mountain is also home to the annual Hardesty Hardcore 5.5 and 14 mile races in September.

Trail begins: Highway 58, milepost 20.7, 7.7 miles from Lowell, OR

Distance: 10-20 miles

The “MRT” as it’s fondly referred to, is located just 90 minutes from Eugene and is a favorite of runners, mountain bikers and walkers alike. This gentle dirt trail follows the McKenzie River with flat and moderately hilly sections. We recommend starting at Carmen Reservoir and either running south to Blue Pool for the gorgeous view or north, up and around Sahalie Falls and then Clear Lake and back.

Trail begins: Highway 126 – Carmen Reservoir, milepost 69, McKenzie Bridge, OR

Distance: 4-26 miles

This rails to trails paved path follows the Row River for 15.6 miles from Cottage Grove to Culp Creek and passes Dorena Lake. Scenic views and flat terrain make this a great option for a car free long run. Parking lots along Dorena Lake can be used for group runs and bathrooms are located along the path. The trail is used by runners, walkers, and cyclists.

Trail begins: E. Main St and S. 10th St, Cottage Grove, OR 97424

Distance: 15+ miles

Whether you need a group to run with, shoes to run in, or advice on where to run, stop into Run Hub.

Store Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

This 260 acre park lies just outside of Eugene/Springfield near Marcola, OR. This gradual trail goes through old growth forest and along Shotgun Creek with some uphill sections. The Shotgun Trail Blast happens here in April with distances of 5-50K. There is a parking fee of $3.

Trail begins: Shotgun Creek Road, Marcola, OR 97454

Distance: 3-6 miles

This trail is the perfect addition to a day spent on the Oregon Coast. The gentle hike follows Sweet Creek with uninterrupted views of gorgeous waterfalls and old growth forest. While the trail may be brief, the views are worth a stop.

Trail begins: Homestead trailhead, 11 miles south of Hwy 126 on Sweet Creek Rd, Mapleton, OR 97453

Distance: 2.2 miles