Eagles Rest: Get out of town for a hike — without traveling too far

If you are ever looking to get out of town without driving too far, here’s an ideal hike that’s good for a simple picnic or watching the sunset.

About 30 miles southwest of Eugene, a forest trail leads to the beautiful mountain overlook at Eagles Rest.

The trail begins at a gravel parking area off Goodman Creek Road. Look for a narrow dirt path heading into the forest through thimbleberry bushes, grasses and ferns. There is no clear sign at this location, but this is the Eagles Rest Lower Trailhead.

From here, the path climbs gradually about 930 feet in elevation over 2 miles through lush second-growth forest where sunlight filters through the canopy like lace on a blue-sky day. Along the way, you’ll cross two boardwalks spanning marshy swales. In one skunk cabbage-filled stretch about 1.4 miles from the trailhead, you’ll pass the Ash Swale Shelter.

This rustic, three-sided cabin was originally built in the 1930s for horseback rangers traveling to fire lookouts at Eagles Rest and nearby summits. It was rebuilt in 1999 after fallen trees damaged it. In my opinion, it has a damp, slightly eerie feel that makes a log or stump farther up the trail a more appealing rest spot.

Nearly 2 miles in, the forest showcases some noticeably larger trees before you cross the paved Eagles Rest Road, where a small parking area marks the Eagles Rest Upper Trailhead. Look for where the trail reenters the woods to the right of the lot.

The final half-mile climb is steep, gaining about 420 feet in elevation with several switchbacks, but worth it for the view that awaits you. In spring, this stretch teems with wildflowers, including Pacific trillium, snow queen, red-flowering currant and the truly eye-catching magenta western fairy-slippers.

At the 3,025-foot summit, you’ll emerge onto a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of tree-covered ridges and valleys. Low-growing Oregon white oak and hairy manzanita cling to the rock, and cut-leaf fleabane blooms in the cracks.

It’s a stunning and peaceful reward for your effort, and a relatively quieter overlook in the Willamette National Forest. When you’ve finished soaking up the scenery, return the way you came.

Know before you go

• Location: Traveling east on Highway 58, turn right at milepost 20.6 onto Goodman Creek Road (Forest Service Road 5833). Continue for about 3 miles, then turn right into the parking area. The turn is marked by a brown metal stake with white numbers reading “498.”
• Parking & permits: No permits or fees are required. Road 5833 is gravel and passable for most vehicles, though there are significant potholes and the final turn to the parking area is steep and bumpy for low-clearance cars. If using Google Maps directions to “Eagles Rest Trailhead – Lower, NF-5833, Lowell, OR,” note that the app may direct you past the turnoff, so keep an eye out and pull in at the appropriate spot.
• Length: Approximately 5 miles round-trip.
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on your experience and comfort level. Expect some steeper sections, uneven terrain and slick footing near the bog areas.
• Alternative routes: For a shorter, 1-mile round-trip hike, park at the Eagles Rest Upper Trailhead off Eagles Rest Road (Forest Service Road 509). For a longer option, park at the Hardesty Lower Trailhead on the east side of Highway 58 for about a 12-mile round-trip route that parallels Goodman Creek Road for roughly 4 miles before connecting to the Eagles Rest Lower Trailhead.
• When to visit: Suitable for any season. Check road conditions before heading out in winter and consider bringing trekking poles and microspikes.
• Amenities: None. No restroom, trash bins or potable water are available. Practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring, including toilet paper!
• More information: Visit the U.S. Forest Service website.
• Want to stay closer to the Willamette Valley? Check out these in-town adventures in Eugene and Springfield.