Eugene, Oregon, is a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it the perfect base for exploring the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking to venture beyond Eugene for a day of adventure, there are plenty of exciting day trips from Eugene OR to choose from. Whether you’re craving outdoor exploration, cultural experiences, or simply a change of scenery, these day trips offer something for everyone. From the rugged Oregon coast to the picturesque Willamette Valley wine country, the possibilities for memorable day trips from Eugene OR are endless.
Portland, Oregon
Travel tips
- Distance from Eugene OR to Portland, Oregon: 110 miles
- Time to get there: Approximately 2 hours
- How to get there from Eugene OR: You can take the Greyhound bus from Eugene Station to Portland Union Station. Alternatively, you can also take the Amtrak train from Eugene Depot to Portland Union Station.
- Click for Google maps directions: Portland, Oregon
Exploring Portland, Oregon: Things to do
Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city known for its eclectic mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights. A must-see place for travelers seeking a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, Portland offers a unique experience that caters to a wide range of interests.
One of the top things to do in Portland is to explore the iconic International Rose Test Garden, where visitors can marvel at over 10,000 rose bushes representing more than 650 varieties. The garden’s stunning blooms and serene ambiance make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a visit to Forest Park is a must. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this urban forest oasis offers miles of hiking and biking trails, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park’s lush greenery and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for nature lovers.
Foodies will delight in Portland’s renowned food scene, which boasts a plethora of farm-to-table restaurants, food carts, and artisanal coffee shops. Don’t miss the chance to sample local delicacies at the bustling Portland Farmers Market or indulge in a culinary adventure along the vibrant Alberta Arts District.
Art and culture aficionados will find plenty to explore in Portland, from the vibrant street art scene in the Pearl District to the world-class galleries and museums in the downtown area. Be sure to check out the Portland Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of contemporary and traditional artworks.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, Portland, Oregon, offers something for everyone. Plan your day trip from Eugene and immerse yourself in the unique charm of this dynamic city.
Crater Lake National Park
Travel tips
- Distance from Eugene OR: Approximately 80 miles
- Time to get there: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by car
- How to get there: The best way to reach Crater Lake National Park from Eugene is by car. Take OR-58 E and US-97 N to reach the park. If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus from Eugene to Klamath Falls and then rent a car to drive to the park. There are no direct train stations near the park.
Exploring Crater Lake National Park: Things to do
Crater Lake National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park is renowned for its stunning deep blue lake, which is actually a caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano thousands of years ago. One of the top activities at the park is to take in the breathtaking views of the lake from various viewpoints along the rim drive. Be sure to stop at Discovery Point, Watchman Overlook, and Cloudcap Overlook for some of the best vistas.
For those looking to explore the park on foot, there are numerous hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. The Garfield Peak Trail offers a moderate hike with rewarding panoramic views of the lake, while the Cleetwood Cove Trail takes you down to the water’s edge where you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
If you’re interested in learning more about the park’s geology and history, be sure to visit the Sinnott Memorial Overlook and the Steel Visitor Center. Here, you can discover fascinating exhibits and displays that delve into the formation of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider taking a boat tour on Crater Lake. These guided tours provide a unique perspective of the lake and its geological wonders, allowing you to appreciate the sheer beauty of this natural wonder up close.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, Crater Lake National Park offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this iconic destination and create lasting memories amidst its awe-inspiring beauty.
Oregon Coast
Travel tips
- Distance from Eugene OR: Approximately 70 miles
- Time to get there: Around 1.5 to 2 hours by car
- How to get there: Take US-101 S from Eugene and follow the signs for Oregon Coast. The nearest bus station is the Eugene Greyhound Station and the nearest train station is the Eugene Amtrak Station.
Exploring Oregon Coast: Things to do
The Oregon Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline that offers visitors a diverse range of activities and attractions. One of the main reasons why it is a must-see place is its natural beauty. The rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque lighthouses make it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
When visiting the Oregon Coast, make sure to explore the charming coastal towns like Cannon Beach and Newport. These towns offer a glimpse into the local culture and history, with quaint shops, art galleries, and delicious seafood restaurants to enjoy.
For outdoor adventures, consider hiking along the Oregon Coast Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and opportunities to spot wildlife such as whales and seabirds. You can also try your hand at surfing, kayaking, or beachcombing along the pristine shores.
Don’t miss the iconic Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, a towering sea stack that is a popular spot for birdwatching and tidepooling. And for a dose of history, visit the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, which offers guided tours and panoramic views of the coastline.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, the Oregon Coast has something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your day trip and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this beautiful coastal region.
Silver Falls State Park
Travel Tips
– Distance from Eugene OR: Approximately 60 miles
– Time to get there: Around 1.5 hours by car
– How to get there: Take I-5 S from Eugene, then follow OR-22 E to Silver Falls Hwy SE in Marion County. Continue on Silver Falls Hwy SE. Drive to Silver Falls Lodge in Sublimity.
– Click for Google maps directions: Silver Falls State Park
Exploring Silver Falls State Park: Things to Do
Silver Falls State Park is a natural wonder that showcases the beauty of Oregon’s lush forests and stunning waterfalls. The park is home to the famous Trail of Ten Falls, a moderate 7.2-mile loop trail that takes you past, you guessed it, ten breathtaking waterfalls. Each waterfall has its own unique charm, from the towering South Falls to the serene Lower South Falls.
Aside from waterfall gazing, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The park offers over 35 miles of well-maintained trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes for the adventurous souls.
For those interested in history, Silver Falls State Park also has a rich cultural heritage. The Silver Falls Historic District showcases historic buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, adding a touch of nostalgia to your outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat from the city, Silver Falls State Park is a must-visit destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
McKenzie River Scenic Byway
Travel tips
- Distance from Eugene OR: 55 miles
- Time to get there: Approximately 1.5 hours
- How to get there: From Eugene, take Highway 126 east towards Springfield and continue on towards McKenzie Bridge. The McKenzie River Scenic Byway starts at the junction of Highway 126 and Highway 242. There are no direct bus or train stations to the byway.
- Click for Google maps directions: McKenzie River Scenic Byway
Exploring McKenzie River Scenic Byway: Things to do
The McKenzie River Scenic Byway is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The byway offers a stunning drive through the lush forests of the Cascade Mountains, with the crystal-clear McKenzie River running alongside the road.
One of the top activities along the byway is hiking. There are numerous trails that cater to all skill levels, from easy strolls to challenging treks. Popular hikes include the Proxy Falls Trail, Sahalie and Koosah Falls Trail, and the Tamolitch Blue Pool Trail. These trails offer breathtaking views of waterfalls, old-growth forests, and volcanic landscapes.
For those interested in water activities, the McKenzie River is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The river is known for its pristine waters and abundant fish population, making it a popular spot for anglers. Adventurous visitors can also take on the Class III and IV rapids of the McKenzie River.
Scenic viewpoints along the byway provide opportunities for picnicking and wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, and deer that call this area home. The byway is also dotted with campgrounds and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Overall, the McKenzie River Scenic Byway offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the wonders of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains.
Willamette Valley Wine Country
Travel tips
- Distance from Eugene OR: 60 miles
- Time to get there: Approximately 1.5 hours
- How to get there: Take I-5 N from Eugene and follow signs for Willamette Valley Wine Country. The nearest bus station is the Eugene Greyhound Station and the nearest train station is the Eugene Amtrak Station.
Exploring Willamette Valley Wine Country: Things to do
Willamette Valley Wine Country is a must-see destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The region is renowned for its world-class wineries, picturesque vineyards, and stunning landscapes. Visitors can indulge in wine tasting tours, sample award-winning Pinot Noirs, and learn about the winemaking process from local experts.
Apart from wine-related activities, Willamette Valley Wine Country offers a variety of outdoor adventures. Hiking through the lush forests, cycling along scenic routes, and picnicking amidst the rolling hills are popular options for those seeking a more active experience. Wildlife watching, birding, and hot air balloon rides are also available for nature enthusiasts.
In addition to the wine and outdoor activities, visitors can explore charming small towns, browse local art galleries, and savor farm-to-table cuisine at cozy restaurants. The relaxed pace of life in Willamette Valley Wine Country provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city living, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Smith Rock State Park
Travel tips
- Distance from Eugene OR: Approximately 130 miles
- Time to get there: Around 2.5 hours by car
- How to get there: Take US-97 N from Eugene and continue on US-97 N to Terrebonne. Follow signs for Smith Rock State Park.
- Click for Google maps directions: Smith Rock State Park
Exploring Smith Rock State Park: Things to do
Smith Rock State Park is a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Known for its stunning rock formations and breathtaking views, this park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
One of the top things to do at Smith Rock State Park is hiking. With over 12 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, there is something for every skill level. The Misery Ridge Trail is a popular choice, offering panoramic views of the park and the surrounding landscape.
Rock climbing is another highlight of Smith Rock State Park. Considered one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world, the park features over 1,800 climbing routes that attract climbers from all over. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there are routes suited to your abilities.
For those interested in wildlife viewing, Smith Rock State Park is home to a variety of animals, including golden eagles, mule deer, and river otters. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the diverse bird species that inhabit the park.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy picnicking, photography, and simply taking in the natural beauty of the park. Whether you spend a few hours or a full day exploring Smith Rock State Park, you’re sure to be captivated by its rugged charm and scenic wonders.
