Don’t Hibernate, Take a Hike!

Salt Creek Falls
This is an ideal time to visit the waterfalls in Eugene, Cascades & Coast. Combine winter as our rainy season with early spring melt-off, and the falls are usually thundering with high volume flow. Plus, you and your traveling companions are more likely to have the whole wondrous place to yourself. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring winter waterfall is Salt Creek Falls. We love it for the snowcapped trees in the deep canyon, the towering falls (second tallest in the state), the dramatic icy basalt walls and the easy walk from the parking lot.

Make sure to bring your winter tires or chains and purchase your Sno-Park permit. For even more winter wonderland bliss, rent snowshoes in Oakridge for the hike to Diamond Creek Falls from Salt Creek Falls. The excellent team at the Willamette Mountain Mercantile offers rentals and can also tell you what gear is necessary to make the trek. Sometimes, your trusty pair of sturdy hiking boots will do the job! Also nearby is the Salt Creek Sno-Park where the whole family can enjoy tubing or sledding.

Haceta Head Lighthouse
Everyone loves the coast in the summer but true Oregonians know the magic of a wintery Oregon Coast, where winter storms create a spectacle of crashing waves. Fog blanketing the coastline makes everything feel mysterious and romantic and the occasional warm and sunny days make you forget it was unmistakably winter just the day before. And to observe it all from Haceta Head Lighthouse is perfect. There’s a protected cove beach ideal for tide pooling, a historic lighthouse shining into the fog with waves crashing on the cliffside below and easy access to the Oregon Coast Trail which leads through beautiful evergreen coastal forests.

Hot Springs Hopping
Choose between rugged, wild hot springs in the forest and floating in a clean pool filled with mineral-rich, hot springs water beside a cozy lodge. A couple of each we suggest are Terwilliger, where a short hike leads to six natural pools in a gorgeous waterfall setting, and Belknap Hot Springs Resort on the banks of the McKenzie River. The naturally occurring minerals in all hot springs are said to be great for the skin, sore muscles and hair - all of which tend to suffer during the winter months and could use the extra love. Some hot springs require fee for entry so bring cash and snacks.

Mount Pisgah
A beautiful bronze relief statue on the top of Mount Pisgah has vertical slits along its length through which the summer and winter solstice sun shines perfectly. Although visiting during the winter solstice is a special treat, this hike is wonderful all winter long. High above the fog, the summit has stunning nearly 360-degree views of the valley and beyond. The miles and miles of trails mean you can see something new hike after hike. When Eugene gets ice, this hike is extra magical as you gain elevation going through a variety of landscapes from oaky savannahs to fern forests.

5th Street Public Market
Finally, just outside your door, literally, enjoy the charming boutique stores and fine restaurants at the 5th Street Public Market and adjacent Market Alley where friends sip wine or hot cocoa on the veranda and children toss pennies in the fountain.
After you’ve enjoyed a decadent meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants and finished all of your shopping, submit to the urge to cuddle up and get cozy, inside the Gordon Hotel, your ideal winter escape. Enjoy a room with a jacuzzi and a fireplace to warm your bones. If you get hungry again, order room service from Marché and share it with someone special as the lights twinkle at the market outside.

We can’t wait to host you and share all the details to ensure your winter adventuring is as enjoyable as it is beautiful. Call today to make your reservation!