And a Trail Runs Through It

Eugene’s Green Spaces & Urban Trails

As we build upward and outward across Oregon, there are two things that make me happy: urban growth boundaries and green spaces. The city of Eugene has done a fine job of building trails and parks around the Willamette River, which flows through its heart. Often called “Run Town,” due to its symbiosis with Nike, the University of Oregon track team and Steve Prefontaine, trails are a big deal in Eugene. Not rain, nor sleet, hail and nor storm can keep runners off these appointed trails.

And for those who enjoy kinder, gentler recreation than pounding their joints into submission, these same trails, and connecting parks, offer a more sublime experience of urban green space and a chance to walk, bike, sit, see, and breath in the (sometimes moist) always refreshing air.

Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System
Twelve miles takes you up one side of the Willamette River and down the other in a scenic loop through the city. The trail is divided into four segments, the north bank, south bank, east bank and west bank (see details below). With help from the good folks at Travel Lane County and the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space, I’ve highlighted a few favorite spots and points of interest:

Owen Rose Garden
Location: N. Jefferson at the Willamette River
The rose garden is comprised of two basic areas. The northern portion of the garden adjacent to the Willamette River was developed first and contains the many hybrid and modern rose varieties. The southern half of the garden contains a pergola-lined walkway, a gazebo, an arbor picnic area, the parking lot and maintenance facility, and an impressive collection of heritage and heirloom roses. Photo by Sally McAleer, courtesy of Travel Lane County.

Alton Baker Park/Pre’s Trail
Location: Ferry St. Bridge along the Willamette River
Experience the rewards of running on 4.84 miles (7.8 km) of bark-covered paths where world champions have trained. Dedicated to the legendary University of Oregon distance runner Steve Prefontaine, who brought the idea of bark running trails home after competing in Europe, these soft paths feel more rural than urban. Find your stride as you run alongside the canoe canal, under trees and through meadows. Take it slow, or challenge yourself to an invigorating run. Photo courtesy of Panoramio.

Delta Ponds
Location: Goodpasture Island Road to Valley River Center
A birder’s paradise anyone can appreciate. Once a rock quarry, this reclaimed habitat is now a valuable open space in an urban setting. A favorite spot for bird watching, fishing and walking, this 150-acre ecosystem includes ponds, channels, uplands and wetlands. During a relaxing walk from Valley River Center, you’ll view migratory birds, Western Pond Turtle and other wildlife. Have a seat on one of the benches to absorb this unique environment, or simply watch people passing by.

Full Loop
Owosso Bike Bridge to Knickerbocker Bike Bridge, use Millrace Path & Garden Avenue for part of route (12.2 miles)
Greenway Bike Bridge to Autzen Footbridge (5.2 miles)
Greenway Bike Bridge to Ferry Street Bridge (3.2 miles)
Ferry Street Bridge to Autzen Footbridge (2.0 miles)

North Bank Trail (4.6 miles)
Greenway Bike Bridge to Ferry Street Bridge (1.6 miles)
Ferry Street Bridge to Autzen Footbridge (1.0 mile)
Autzen Footbridge to Knickerbocker Bike Bridge (1.0 mile)
Knickerbocker Bike Bridge to West D Street (1.0 mile)

South Bank Trail (2.6 miles)
Autzen Footbridge to Ferry Street Bridge (1.0 mile)
Ferry Street Bridge to Greenway Bike Bridge (1.6 miles)

East Bank Trail (2.8 miles)
Delta Hwy. to Owosso Bike Bridge (.9 mile)
Owosso Bike Bridge to Boulders on the River (.9 mile)
Boulders on the River to Greenway Bike Bridge (1 mile)

West Bank Trail (2.0 miles)
Greenway Bike Bridge to Owosso Bike Bridge, use Copping Street for part of route (2.0 miles)
Owosso Bike Bridge to River Avenue (.5 mile)

Travel & Recreation Resources
Willamette River Paths
Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Information
City of Eugene Parks and Open Space

Click on PDF below for a map of the Ruth Bascom Trail from Eugene Parks and Open Space.