Local Eugenian Hikes. Where it's at!

 Skinners. 

Lions, Tigers, and bears... Oh my. 

As someone who lives in the Eugene/Springfield area I've picked up a couple of hobbies from just being a part of the community that lives here.. It was bound to rub off on me at some point.Things like yoga, biking, rock climbing, running, and of course hiking are just part of daily life for everybody here. For a city nicknamed "Track Town USA" It's obvious the people here love to run, but people can't run all the time. So what do they do?.. they hike. 

The Willamette Valley in general is pretty green...as in lots of plants...among other green things, but the abundant shrubbery provides lots of shady areas to go hiking in. I have a co-worker from Arizona once say to me, Direct Quote, " When I first moved here I had no idea there were so many shades of green. In Arizona the closest we get to a tree is a palm tree or a cactus." with that being said there are lots of parks and areas around town that is perfect for one of my favorite cardio activities that doesn't involve running.

Skinner Butte (Skinner's): Although the name sounds kind of like a place in a horror film where the crazy psycho goes to skin all of his victims alive the closest you'll get to a psycho here are the people who run up the hill for fun. (I've actually seen people running up hiking trails quite a few times in this town.. I blame the "Track Town" stigma) The name of the butte is actually named after the founder of the town, Eugene Skinner. Located on the North side of town wedged between the Willamette River and the ever growing downtown the hike itself sports some fantastic views of the city. From the top you can see the Fifth Street Market, the Eugene Hotel, and at the base of the butte is the historic Shelton McMurphey House that I'm sure has been there since the dawn of time. Everything about this hike is easy and relaxed. It takes you right out of the business of the city below and gives you an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective.

Trails: 2 to 4 different trails. Eugene Rock Columns on one side
Length/Duration: Dependent upon trial but, 1 hour tops, for most hikers
Accessibility: Short walk from just about anywhere in downtown.
Views: All of downtown, some of West and South Eugene.
Warning: You are right on the edge of downtown, transients, drug usage and larger amounts of people are not uncommon. An easy hike yes, but if you are looking for the peaceful solitude you can get from hiking in the woods... this probably is not the place for you.