With a population of nearly 180,000 Eugene is the largest city in the Willamette Valley—and the second-largest in Oregon. That gives the community, home to the University of Oregon Ducks, a cosmopolitan appeal that reverberates across markets, brewpubs, eateries, and other quirky stops.
Take a short day trip, however, and a world of wonder awaits beyond city limits. The fun includes award-winning wineries, some of the world’s top mountain-biking trails around Westfir and Oakridge, and a variety of outdoor opportunities along the magical McKenzie River.
Start planning with this guide to memorable day trips around Eugene and in the Cascade Range.
The Willamette Valley is rightfully known for its food, beer, and wine scenes—and some of the region’s most inventive chefs, brewers, and winemakers ply their trade around Eugene and across the southern Willamette Valley.
Start at the 5th Street Public Market in downtown Eugene, where you can choose among nearly 30 restaurants and craft beverage producers—including local distilleries, wineries, and craft breweries. Stop by McKenzie Brewing for old-school ales and lagers, sample creative cocktails at Heritage Distilling Co., and choose among more than two-dozen varietals at J. Scott Cellars & Bistro.
A short walk away, ColdFire Brewing has earned acclaim for its small-batch beers and wide range of draft and packaged offerings that include a citrus-tinged hazy IPA; a West Coast IPA bearing notes of pine, lime, and white tea; and a heavy-hitting stout crafted with cold-brewed coffee. Pair your beer with fare from one of the on-site food carts.
Less than a mile away, Oregon Wine L.A.B. is an urban winery and tasting room that pours a mix of local, artisan brands (the "L.A.B." in the Oregon Wine L.A.B.'s name) as well as selections from its in-house label, William Rose Wines—which sources its grapes from growers throughout Oregon.
Fuel up for your adventures with our guide to vegan-friendly food in Eugene and beyond—featuring local markets, cozy cafés, and other filling stops.
Southwest of Eugene, a number of wineries produce pinot noir, chardonnay, and other popular wines in nutrient-rich soils. King Estate Winery, one of the region’s most popular producers, is the largest biodynamic-certified vineyard in North America (meaning King Estate's wines are only minimally processed—letting nature determine how vines grow and mature). The winery's many blends and varietals—ranging from pinot noir and syrah to pinot gris and rosé—can be enjoyed from an outdoor patio, perched atop a Willamette Valley hillside, that overlooks sweeping vineyards. Learn more about biodynamic wineries throughout the Willamette Valley.
Next door to King Estate is Alesong Brewing & Blending. Each of Alesong's complex beers are aged in barrels and imbued with ingredients that showcase a variety of exciting flavors; one barleywine was crafted with whole-roasted cocoa beans, while the brewery's kriek was matured with Oregon-grown cherries for a smooth, yet subtly tart experience. Alesong’s countryside tasting room serves scratch-made pub fare alongside its wild and sour ales—and routinely hosts live musicians throughout spring and summer.
Planning Tip: Both Alesong and King Estate are about 20 miles south of Eugene in the countryside, so plan your transportation with that in mind
Some 45 miles southeast of Eugene via Highway 58, the neighboring communities of Oakridge and Westfir sit surrounded by some of the top mountain-biking trails in the world.
Don’t take our word for it: No less than the International Mountain Bicycling Association has dubbed Oakridge a gold-level Ride Center—one of only four areas in the United States to receive the honor. It's easy to see why the community has been dubbed the "Mountain Biking Capital of the Pacific Northwest."
Nearly 400 miles of trail crisscross the hillsides and forests around Oakridge, offering a mix of long, flowing rides and technical challenges geared toward riders of all abilities and skill levels. In town, Oakridge Bike Shop & Willamette Mountain Mercantile offers a variety of demo bikes to try, as well as services and rentals. In nearby Westfir, Cascades Outdoor Center provides regular shuttles to some of the most popular trails in the region (as well as guided hikes and paddling excursions on the Middle Fork Willamette River). Another local outfitter, Cog Wild, routinely offers guided rides if you’re new to the sport, don’t have the equipment, or would rather a friendly expert lead the way.
Getting excited? Learn more about outdoor adventures around Westfir and Oakridge, and get the scoop on mountain bike shuttles and rentals in the area.
Another popular day trip from Eugene heads east along Highway 126—which follows the McKenzie River into the heart of the Cascade Range.
Choose among a suite of outdoor opportunities that showcase the lava flows, rugged peaks, and breath-taking beauty of the McKenzie River.
Want to get on the water? Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters offers beginner-friendly river floats lasting 3-6 hours, with views of ancient lava flows and verdant foliage along the shore. You can also sign up for a guided trip with Helfrich Outfitter, which offers half-day and full-day outings that cover various swaths of the McKenzie River—with trips geared toward beginners and veteran rafters alike.
A number of hiking trails bask in the region's beauty—with a few highlights coming along the Waterfalls Loop Trail at Sahalie and Koosah Falls and at Clear Lake (where the McKenzie gets its start). Plenty of mountain bike trails follow the river and head into the surrounding hillsides, as well. Start planning your adventure with our look at outdoor recreation along the McKenzie River—and get more planning tips to the region through Eugene, Cascades & Oregon Coast.
