Rain, Rain, Stay and Play!
Early spring gets wet in Eugene and much of the Oregon Coast, but hiking in the rain can be invigorating! All you need are some good hiking boots for puddles, a steady step, a water bottle, and a rain jacket with a hood. Eugene and the surrounding wilderness is a great place to explore as you hop between the raindrops, and this month, we’re here to tell you why, and where you might go to make the most of your visit.
The Ridgeline Trail is an extensive 12 mile trail system popular for hiking and trail running. It has many neighborhood trailheads in Southeast Eugene with each trail meandering along the low hills and ridges that skirt the edge of town. Seven trailheads lead to Suzanne Arlie Park, Amazon Headwaters, Mt. Baldy, Blanton Ridge, Moon Mountain, South Eugene Meadows and Wild Iris Ridge. Spencer Butte, the city’s highest point, crowns the Ridgeline at 2,058 feet in elevation. Zigzagging up wooded hillsides, plunging through wide open meadows, crossing small creeks and cresting along sweeping viewpoints, the trail system provides easy access to hikers of all skill levels and offers a diversity of hiking experiences. This fantastic series of hiking paths is easy to get to from The Gordon Hotel; plan short or long hikes depending on your mood and ability.
Spencer Butte is easily the jewel of the Ridgeline Trail system, standing out because its sheer height, alone. One of the most popular city hikes, this short trail has steep switchbacks through beautiful forests, meadows, and a rocky summit, and it can be muddy in the rain given that several streams and rivulets are likely to flow across the path. But that doesn’t render it unpassable; stone steps near the top of the summit make the final ascent easier. Starting at the South Willamette Trailhead, the moderate to difficult 1.7 mile loop trail climbs 784 ft before reaching the approximately 2,000 ft peak— the highest peak in the surrounding valley. The 360-degree view from the summit makes this short but challenging trail worth the effort for hikers of all ages, as long as you break through the clouds. On a clear day, look for views of the Three Sisters to the east and Fern Ridge Reservoir to the west. Looking for more? Hikers can connect this trail with other sections of the Ridgeline Trail System for a longer hike. Depending how early in the season you decide to hike, you may find that the trail is frozen near the top so wear your best hiking boots, sure your step, and be ready for an adventure!
A coastal hike can't be beaten in the rain. With the swirl of mist, the roar of the waves and the steady beat of the rain, all your senses are sure to come alive. With so many great options here from beaches to wooded trails, it can be hard to pick one, but we recommend the hike to the Heceta Head Lighthouse. This shorter, gravel trail handles wet weather well and provides some historic intrigue at the same time.
More of a ramble than a hike, touring Lane County's covered bridges is a great rainy day excursion, too. In Cottage Grove there are six covered bridges and you can cycle or hike between them. For the best hike, follow the Row River Trail on foot. The remaining county bridges require some road-tripping. The great thing about covered bridges in the rain is that they are covered! Enjoy a respite from the rain as you walk through them (some still allow car traffic but many don't). Bring a picnic and listen to the sound of the rain on their roofs.
You might not think of an urban walk through Downtown Eugene as much of a hike, but it can be a great way to stretch your legs and explore all the city has to offer. Rain saturates the already vibrant and uplifting colors of the downtown’s cheerful storefronts and businesses, making for inspired photo opportunities and inviting window shopping. But look where you step! Sidewalk art that only appears when wet is fun to discover underfoot. Tour the brightly painted murals or historic buildings, plaques and memorial tributes along your way. Note the lush parks that punctuate the city blocks. As you go, you'll pass cozy coffee shops and homey wine bars, gift shops, and galleries. Don’t let us stop you– enjoy a brief reprieve from the rain, but do take your coffee to go so you can see what else the city has to offer.
One thing we can promise, no matter where you choose to point your boots, once you are out in the rain and breathe in deep, the fresh and cool mountain air will revive and invigorate. Listen to the rain drops on the leaves, the song of a bird, and the rustle of the breeze. Relish walking with your head in the clouds, literally, and come back to sleep easy with us at the Gordon Hotel.