Eugene is home to many of the nation’s best runners. One will often pass members of the University of Oregon Cross Country and Track & Field teams on a run, along with members of OTC (Oregon Track Club) Elite. Eugene is well-known for the former U of O star Steve Prefontaine, who once held five American track records from 2,000 meters to 10,000 meters. It is only right that with this illustrious history, there are many great running routes in Eugene.
Each area described can either be run by itself or connected with the other areas; Eugene is a running-friendly city, there are many soft barkchip trails in Eugene, and it is easy to get around.
Alton Baker Park Area / Pre’s Trail / Riverbank Path System / Dorris Ranch / Skinner’s Butte
Alton Baker Park is home to Pre’s Trail, perhaps the most well-known trail in Eugene. The park is most easily reached by crossing the major Autzen Canal Footbridge north of the University. Pre’s Trail is a barkchip trail that is formed of three main loops and their connections in Alton Baker Park. The length of Pre’s Trail, covering it in its entirety, is about 4.2 miles. The west loop starts on a small footbridge that leads directly across to Autzen Stadium. This main trail is about 1.3 miles. The small central loop is approximately one kilometer (.62 miles—it is the trail that starts right after crossing Autzen Canal Footbridge, the main bridge that leads over to Alton Baker Park). The eastern loop is approximately 1.6 miles.
Running on the eastern loop along the small canal (its northern side), one will reach an intersection where one can either go left over a footbridge, go straight under an overpass, or continue to the right along the loop trail. Going under the overpass takes the runner onto a new barkchip trail, under a small forested area with beautiful greenery and tall trees. By continuing straight, you will alternate running on bike path and trail, with the Willamette River to your right, and a nice park of on the left. This way leads east and into Springfield. The barkchip trail will eventually end and lead into sidewalk; from the loop to this end point is approximately one mile.
There are miles of riverbank bike paths along the Willamette River as well, offering great views and a run of any desired length, since one can easily make a loop by crossing over one of the main bridges.
Skinner’s Butte has a small, brilliant green park next to it, and there is a fairly steep, albeit short trail, that takes you from its base to its top, through forested areas and up switchbacks.
Dorris Ranch is south off 2nd street in Springfield. It is essentially a large orchard, offering quiet, shade, and beauty along soft dirt or gravel trails that loop and meander around the area. Cross country races have previously been held here.
Great Places to Run in Eugene: Part II deals with running in Eugene south of the University.
Austin Diamond - Austin has always considered himself a creative, inspired thinker. He enjoys writing poetry, short stories, and essays, and is an avid ...
