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Eugene
Here's a list of places I frequented while attending the University of Oregon.
Spencer Butte
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
5 reviews for Spencer Butte
5 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole J.
Canyon Country, CA
12/9/2011
I run here all the time. I love how it's so close to the university and it connects to the other Ridgeline trails.
If you're in Eugene, this hike is a must! The only thing about it though that I'm not too fond of is that are quite a few protruding tree roots and rocks just begging you to trip over, so just make sure to watch where you're going.Listed in: Eugene
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Review from Jessie M.
1/3/2011
Great hike. Short and sweet with some pretty intense rock climbing (if you're in rain boots like I was) ... (yes, I'm from LA, deal with it!).
We managed to get some time in between rain storms and the view was incredible. It may have been a cold and icy hike up to the top, but it was all worth it. Climbing the summit would have been easier with snow gloves since I was holding a camera in one hand, and trying to hang onto snowy rocks with the other. Oh well.
I think this hike really made this trip. So, if you are in Eugene, you MUST get up there. I am so glad we did. -
Review from Bryan B.
8/7/2008 1 photo
This is as good as it gets when it comes to hiking in Eugene, this trail gets the heart pumping at the end of the hike up the hill you're presenting with some breathtaking views. The first thing that comes to mind since you're in Oregon is "Lewis & Clark", even though they didn't come near Eugene on their way to the pacific but you can imagine they experienced similar views during the Oregon part of their journey.
Definitely worth checking out and on a nice day bring some water since it's a pretty steep hike at certain points and you're likely to start craving a drink. I'd recommend bringing a book & camera as well since it's a great place to chill and read while taking the odd snapshot of the view. Can't wait to hike this trail next time I'm in Eugene. -
Review from John B.
Eugene, OR
This is a great place to hike considering the proximity to Eugene. The summit at the top is a great payoff to this steep hike with panorama views of Eugene, Springfield, the Coastal Range, the Cascades as well as the rugged terrain to the south.
The beginning of the trail at Spencer Butte Park is well signed and the map provides a good overview of how the trail will curl around the butte. I do not like the shorter trail to the top as it is incredibly steep and suggest that it only be taken on the way up as it is easy to lose one's footing on the way down. As far as the the longer 1.08 mile trail, it gains ground less rapidly, so it's easier to look around on the way and take in your surroundings. Right before the treeline to the top the trail gets really rocky and it's hard to keep track of the trail, even though they have markers periodically embedded in the rock.
I was really close to giving this five stars, particularly since there is no use fee and it would be easy to incorporate a hike up the trail in some sort of workout regimen. What detracts from it is the overly steep shorter trail, and the poor signage in the rocky area.
Most people will opt to start a hike at Spencer Butte Park itself, however I would urge hikers looking for something a little more challenging to start at the Willamette Street trailhead. It starts out in a fairly open area, but rapidly gets secluded (for the most part) and makes for a 5 mile round trip. The numerous other starting points for trails that ultimately leads to Spencer Butte is impressive, and keeps it fresh for locals that frequently want to take a hike close to home.
I highly recommend bringing out of town friends and family on this short hike and they will be amazed at the view they are rewarded with at the top! -
Review from Brad C.
9/8/2010
This is a legit half hour to forty five minute hike up to one of the best views of Eugene and surrounding hills. A quick 10 minutes outside of town straight up Willamette Street it is well worth the effort.
The path leaves the parking lot and curls around the backside of the hill through some great shaded woods and sunny meadows. Emerging from the tree canopy is the craggy rock top of the butte with plenty of spots to just sit and check out the view.
Things to consider:
-poison oak is prevalent
-muddy trails prevalent early in the season
-unsupervised parking lot
