EUGENE

Visiting Eugene, Oregon? Oh, you mean the land of kombucha, tie-dye, and Subaru dominance. This town runs on coffee, bike lanes, and a deep love for not brushing hair. One minute you’re sipping fair-trade espresso, the next you’re off-roading in the woods with someone named River who insists moss has healing energy. And honestly? He might be right.

Eugene is equal parts college town, nature haven, and full-time personality. People here hike for fun, protest for sport, and treat off-roading like a casual weekend errand. You’ll see more dogs in jackets than humans in suits. The food’s good, the vibes are weird, and the trees look like they’ve been here since dinosaurs had social plans.

Visiting Eugene, Oregon isn’t just a trip—it’s a lifestyle. Possibly one involving goats.

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Hult Dam & Reservoir – Off Roading

Off-roading around Hult Dam Reservoir is a broad term as 90% of the forest roads are paved. But Try hard enough and you can find those tiny back roads. One trip started like any normal day: full tank, snacks, good vibes, and zero clue what we were actually getting into. The trail got narrower, the mud got deeper, and eventually Kody had to get out to “check if there was a turnaround spot.” Translation: go walk ahead while I sat in the car wondering how many bad decisions had led us to this moment.

While he disappeared down the trail, I sat alone with the engine running and my imagination spiraling. I was halfway through mentally preparing for a mountain lion to launch itself through the open window when Kody came jogging back like we were in some outdoorsy horror movie.

First thing out of his mouth? “Pretty sure I just saw a mountain lion.”

Amazing. Love that. Totally fine. Not a problem at all. Just the wilderness doing wilderness things while I casually locked every door and stared into the trees like they owed me answers.

Another fun adventure out at Hult Dam we parked, got out to stretch our legs, and wandered into the woods like two people who absolutely trusted their tiny, chaotic animal to keep up.

At some point, I looked around and noticed Kody standing way off by the truck. Alone. No leash. No puppy. I yelled, “Where’s the dog?!” He looked back with the kind of face that says I don’t know but I really wish I did.

Cue the panic. We called and whistled like we actually trained him. No sound. No rustling. No click of tiny paws. Just silence and about a million ferns. Then, suddenly—boop—Timber popped jumped up in the air from under the ferns like a woodland meerkat. Blinked. Disappeared. Two minutes later—boop—there he was again, slightly closer but still clearly lost in whatever magical jungle dimension exists below fern height. The jingle of his little bell got louder as he got closer. Having to jump into the air every now and then to see what direction he needed to go.

We didn’t technically lose him, but it felt like we were one “boop” away from a full search-and-rescue mission. Lesson learned: if your dog is shorter than knee height, the forest will eat him.

Salt Creek Falls

Not every waterfall hike has to involve slippery death ledges and legs that scream betrayal. Salt Creek Falls is proof. We showed up expecting a calf-burning climb or a root-riddled stumble-fest—and instead got a smooth, scenic stroll with a ridiculous payoff. The falls crash 286 feet down like they’ve got somewhere to be, and the best part? You barely have to sweat to see it.

And if you’re feeling extra outdoorsy, the same parking lot also gives you access to Diamond Creek Falls. This trail is about 4 miles long with 741ft elevation gain.

Trail Info:

• Distance: 0.6 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~209 feet

• Difficulty: Easy (your calves won’t complain)

• Fee: $5 day use or valid NW Forest Pass

• Trail Type: Out and back

• Extras: Restrooms, picnic area, and a wheelchair-accessible overlook

Shotgun OHV – Off Roading

Off-roading around Shotgun OHV near Eugene is a great way to test your vehicle, your relationship, and your general survival instincts—all in one bumpy afternoon. The name alone is promising. Shotgun. Nothing says “relaxing day in the woods” like a trail system named after a firearm.

You’ll start off thinking, “This doesn’t look so bad.” That feeling lasts about four minutes—right up until the trail tilts, the mud deepens, and you realize your tire is now in a hole the size of a bathtub. There are no signs. Just vague forks in the road and the constant fear that you’ve taken the trail meant for dirt bikes and regret.

Your GPS? Worthless. Cell signal? Not a chance. Hope you like relying on vibes and guesswork. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find a clearing. Or maybe you’ll end up in a tree well yelling “Is this still a trail?!” while someone outside the car pretends they totally know what they’re doing.

Shotgun OHV: perfect for anyone who thinks paved roads are for cowards.

Horse Rock Ridge – Hiking

About an hour from Eugene you’ll find this trail nestled in the woods our past Shotgun. You start in the trees, full of hope and hydration. Then the trail goes up. And keeps going up. Then it tilts just a little more—like nature quietly challenging your will to live. There’s no shade. No mercy. Just dry grass, rocks and your own heavy breathing echoing through the brush.

But then—boom—views. Actual worth-it, jaw-dropping, scream-into-the-wind kind of views. The Cascades stretch out like a wallpaper background, and suddenly you forget how sweaty and slightly unwell you felt ten minutes ago.

We made it to the top—sweaty, mildly sunburned, and rethinking our fitness levels—and spotted a cell tower. Naturally, we wandered up to it, expecting great views and maybe a breeze. That’s when the dog stopped. Full brakes. Ears up. Eyes locked on absolutely nothing. It was like he hit an invisible wall only dogs can see. No barking, no whining—just “I’m not going one step farther, thanks.”

And honestly? We listened. There’s something deeply unsettling about your normally fearless dog suddenly refusing to move forward like there’s a ghost boundary or an alien force field. So we turned around.

Horse Rock Ridge: solid hike, solid views, slightly haunted at the top. I would have taken more pictures had I not needed to catch my breath so much. 

Lake Creek Falls

Lake Creek Falls isn’t just a swimming hole—it’s a full-throttle, no-lifeguard-on-duty plunge into Oregon’s untamed backyard. Just west of Triangle Lake, this spot is where summer boredom goes to die and your inner daredevil comes to life.

This is where you go to trade your comfort zone for a splash zone. It’s not sanitized, it’s not supervised, and that’s exactly why it’s unforgettable. Bring your courage, your sense of adventure, and maybe a change of clothes—you’re going to need them.

Hike Info:

• Location: Just west of Triangle Lake off Highway 36.
• Trail: Short hike with a steep staircase from the parking area.
• Waterslide: Smooth rock chute around 100 feet long.
• Swimming: Deep pools great for swimming and cliff jumping.

Simpson Murals

If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a town and feel like you accidentally wandered into a cartoon, Springfield, Oregon is your spot. Yes, that Springfield. The one people argue might’ve inspired The Simpsons. And whether that’s true or just a genius tourism move, we were in—and on a full-blown mural hunt. Sprinfield is located just on the east side of I-5 next to Eugene.

One moment you’re looking at a hardware store, the next you’re locking eyes with Lisa playing the saxophone. We wandered around, squinting at walls, getting lightly lost, and muttering, “Is that… Moe?” like conspiracy theorists on vacation. Kody was thrilled. I was on a mission. And every alley seemed like a potential Easter egg from Matt Groening’s brain.

Simpson Mural Walk Info:

• Location: Downtown Springfield, OR

• Start Point: 500 Main St (near City Hall and the main mural)

• Cost: Free

• Hours: Whenever you feel like wandering (but daylight helps)

• Murals: Over a dozen Simpsons-themed murals + more local art

Places To Eat

O’My Mini Donuts & Beignets

O’My Mini Donuts & Beignets in Eugene is what happens when someone says, “What if joy was tiny, warm, and covered in sugar?”

This place serves up mini donuts so light and fluffy they might actually be clouds that gave up on the sky. They make them fresh, right in front of you, then let you pick from a glorious lineup of toppings like it’s a dessert-based build-your-own adventure. Powdered sugar? Yes. Chocolate drizzle? Obviously. Cinnamon-sugar with a little emotional healing on the side? Absolutely.

Whether you’re a donut purist or someone who wants your pastries to look like they belong on a magazine cover, this place has you covered. Just don’t blame them when you “accidentally” eat a dozen. It happens. 

Even if you are only passing Eugene on the I-5 it is only 15mins total out of the way and worth every crumb. 

6th Street Grill

We wandered ready to eat and slightly confused about whether we should stand there awkwardly or just seat ourselves. Spoiler: they’ll probably tell you to do the latter—after a good minute of you staring at the host stand like it’s going to come to life. Service is a little scattered, but the food makes up for it.

Order the sourdough with honey butter. That’s not a suggestion—it’s a life upgrade. I once got a burger patty that could’ve passed for a hockey puck, but hey, that was one time. The blackened chicken salad is solid, just ask for the dressing on the side unless you’re into salad soup. And the pasta? Wider than regular fettuccine. Tastes like a soft, pillowy carb cloud.

Info:

• Location: 55 W 6th Ave, Eugene, OR

• Hours:

  • Monday: Closed

  • Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Wednesday–Thursday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

George and Violet’s

If you’ve got money burning a hole in your wallet and a craving for something fancy-but-weirdly-mysterious, George + Violet’s in Springfield might be your place. Everything is à la carte, so prepare for a bill that reads more like a wedding registry. It’s definitely more of a YOLO/special occasion situation than a casual Tuesday night out.

The drinks were solid. The salad could’ve used a good chop (leaf-to-mouth ratio was off), and the pasta was… fine. Not bad, not legendary. The baked brie came with a surprise topping we thought was candied bacon, but plot twist—it was mushrooms. Somehow, they were amazing. Didn’t have “accidentally liking fungi” on my 2025 bingo card, but here we are.

The fig ice cream, though. That’s the real star. Worth the trip. Worth the price. Worth not sharing.

Need-to-Know Info:

• Location: 302 Main St, Springfield, OR

• Hours:

  • Wednesday-Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Reservations: Recommended

• Price Point: High – à la carte everything