The Ridgeline Trail system includes a series of semi-connected parks and nature scapes that cradle Eugene’s southern edge. Its end goal is to provide an east-to-west thru-hike of the city’s urban wilderness. 

Currently, it covers about 2,000 acres and offers roughly 12 miles of trail that hikers can access at seven main trailheads. Some of the system’s parklands include Suzanne Arlie Park, Amazon Headwaters Park, Mount Baldy Park, Moon Mountain Park, South Eugene Meadows, and Wild Iris Ridge Park.

Suggested Route for Newcomers: 

  • A hike to Spencer Butte is a must for residents and visitors alike. At 2,058 feet, the ten-acre summit of exposed basalt outcroppings is Eugene’s highest point. 
  • Take the Main Summit Trail from the parking lot on South Willamette Street, about 1.2 miles south of 52nd Street. 
  • This hike gains about 650 feet in elevation over 1.1 miles to the summit. You’ll pass through Douglas-fir forests and wildflower meadows before climbing the final stone stairways to panoramic views of the city, Willamette Valley, Cascades, and Coast Range.
  • You can make the hike a loop by descending via the challenging 0.6-mile West Trail, but be prepared for steep terrain and potential rock scrambles. For a simpler option, return on the same Main Summit Trail for a 2.2-mile roundtrip.

Suggested Route to Keep Exploring: 

  • Hike the 1.8-mile Blanton Ridge section of the Ridgeline Trail, which traverses in and out of oak woodlands, prairies, and Douglas-fir forests and offers beautiful fall colors and winter views of downtown Eugene.
  • Park in the trailhead lot on Blanton Road just south of West 40th Avenue. You can also start at the other end at Willamette Street and West 52nd Avenue, where the parking area is across the street from the trailhead.
  • The trail is fairly gentle beyond an initial series of switchbacks climbing up from the Blanton Road end. A bench with a view awaits you for a rest at the top.

Know Before You Go:

  • Ridgeline Trail Map – Hard copies are available at some trailhead information kiosks, as well as locations like the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center downtown.
  • Spencer Butte Trailhead Map
  • The Main Summit Trail parking lot is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Portable toilets and trash cans are available at most trailheads.

Korrin Bishop is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience covering travel and outdoor recreation. Her work has appeared in publications including Fodor's Travel, U.S. News & World Report, Southern Living, Sierra Magazine, and Adventure Journal. At Lookout Eugene-Springfield, Korrin covers adventures, skill-building, and community in the outdoors. Learn more at korrinbishop.com.