I love exploring Eugene, Oregon on two wheels. The city’s bike-friendly streets and scenic paths make it a cyclist’s dream.
From riverside trails to mountain views, there’s something for every rider.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks for bike rides in Eugene. These routes showcase the area’s natural beauty and give you a taste of what makes cycling here so special.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these rides will help you see Eugene from a new perspective.
1. Skinner Butte Park
I love biking through Skinner Butte Park. It’s a perfect spot for a scenic ride with its 100 acres of green space along the Willamette River.
The park offers a mix of paved paths and nature trails that wind through meadows and forests.
As I pedal along, I’m always struck by the views. From the top of Skinner Butte, I can see all of Eugene spread out below. It’s a great place to catch my breath and take in the scenery.
The park has lots of cool features to check out on my ride. I often stop at the RiverPlay Discovery Playground or the rock climbing area known as The Columns. There’s also a community garden and some interesting historical spots.
One of my favorite parts of biking here is the variety. I can stick to the flat, easy paths near the river or challenge myself with a climb up the butte. It’s a fun ride for all skill levels.
Rating: 4.6 (2900 reviews)
Location: 248 Cheshire Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: (541) 682-4800
Website: Visit Website
2. Ridgeline Trail
I love riding my bike on the Ridgeline Trail in Eugene. It’s one of my favorite spots for a challenging and scenic ride.
The trail winds through beautiful forests and offers amazing views of the city and surrounding hills.
The path is mostly dirt and gravel, which adds some fun texture to the ride. I find it’s best for mountain bikes or sturdy hybrids. There are some steep sections that really get my heart pumping, but the downhill parts are a blast.
I always stop at a few of the viewpoints along the way. On clear days, I can see all the way to the Cascade Mountains. It’s breathtaking. The trail connects several parks, so there are nice spots to take a break and refuel.
Wildlife sightings are common here. I’ve seen deer, birds, and even a fox once. The trail is popular with hikers too, so I make sure to ride carefully and use my bell when passing others.
Rating: 4.7 (64 reviews)
Location: Eugene, OR 97405
3. Hendricks Park
I recently visited Hendricks Park, Eugene’s oldest city park, and it was a breathtaking experience. The 80-acre oasis is a perfect spot for a relaxing bike ride through nature.
As I pedaled along the winding paths, I was surrounded by towering 200-year-old Douglas fir trees. The park’s world-renowned rhododendron garden was a sight to behold, with over 6,000 varieties of colorful blooms.
I took a break at the Francis M. Wilkins Shelter, a historic structure built in 1938. The shelter’s large fireplace and Moon Terrace deck, made of natural stone, offered a great spot to rest and take in the views.
For those looking for a longer ride, Hendricks Park is the northern end of the 12-mile Ridgeline Trail. I found it to be a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city, ideal for nature lovers and cycling enthusiasts alike.
Rating: 4.8 (1500 reviews)
Location: Summit Ave & Skyline Blvd, Eugene, OR 97403
Contact: (541) 682-4800
Website: Visit Website
4. Alton Baker Park
I love biking through Alton Baker Park, Eugene’s largest developed park. It’s a fantastic place for a ride, with over 400 acres of diverse landscapes to explore.
The park’s main attraction for cyclists is Pre’s Trail. This 4-mile bark-covered path winds through beautiful natural areas. It’s named after legendary runner Steve Prefontaine and offers a smooth, scenic ride.
I always enjoy pedaling along the Willamette River, which borders the park. The views are stunning, and there are plenty of spots to stop and rest. The park also connects to the University of Oregon via the Frohnmayer Bike Bridge, making it easy to extend your ride.
Alton Baker Park has a mix of developed areas and natural spaces. The Whilamut Natural Area, covering 237 acres, is my favorite part for a peaceful ride through native habitats.
Rating: 4.6 (3800 reviews)
Location: 200 Day Island Rd, Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: (541) 682-4800
Website: Visit Website
5. Meadowlark Prairie
I love biking around Meadowlark Prairie. It’s a beautiful wetland area with lots of wildlife to spot along the way. The Fern Ridge bike path circles the whole natural area, giving me amazing views.
When I need a break, there’s a great outlook with parking and picnic tables. I always stop there to rest and take in the scenery. The restrooms are handy too.
Bird watching is one of my favorite things to do here. I’ve seen all kinds of waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. Once, I even spotted a Western Meadowlark – the prairie’s namesake!
The restoration work done in the 1990s really shows. What used to be farmland is now lush wetlands teeming with plants and animals. It’s amazing to think about how much it’s changed in just a few decades.
Rating: 4.5 (112 reviews)
Location: 88525 Green Hill Rd, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 682-4927
Website: Visit Website
Exploring Eugene’s Natural Beauty
Eugene offers amazing bike rides through gorgeous natural areas. I love pedaling along scenic trails and taking in the views of rivers, forests, and wildlife.
Overview of Known Bike Trails
Eugene has some great bike paths for nature lovers. The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System is my favorite. It follows the Willamette River for miles, passing through parks and natural areas.
I also enjoy riding the Fern Ridge Path. This paved trail takes me west of town through wetlands teeming with birds.
For a longer adventure, I head to the Row River Trail about 25 minutes south of Eugene. This rails-to-trails path circles Dorena Reservoir with beautiful views.
In the hills east of town, I like biking through the Ridgeline Trail System. These forested paths offer a more challenging ride with some climbs.
Wildlife and Scenic Views
When I’m cycling Eugene’s trails, I always keep an eye out for local wildlife. Along the river paths, I often spot great blue herons fishing in the shallows. Ospreys soar overhead, scanning for fish.
In the wetland areas near Fern Ridge, I’ve seen countless ducks, geese, and other water birds. The spring wildflower displays are spectacular too.
For the best scenic views, I pedal up to the top of Skinner Butte. From there, I can see the whole Willamette Valley spread out below. It’s breathtaking at sunset.
The McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway offers stunning vistas of the Cascade Mountains. The climb is tough, but the views of snow-capped peaks make it worthwhile.
Local Tips for a Memorable Ride
I’ve learned some handy tips for enjoying bike rides in Eugene. These will help you pick the best times to ride and stay safe on the roads and trails.
Best Times to Ride
I find early mornings are great for cycling in Eugene. The air is crisp, and there’s less traffic. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.
Summer afternoons can get hot, so I like to ride in the early evening then. It’s cooler and the sunset views are amazing.
Winter rides can be fun too. I just make sure to dress in layers and watch out for wet leaves on the paths.
Weekends are busier on popular trails. If you want a quieter ride, try going on a weekday.
Safety Guidelines
I always wear a helmet when I ride. It’s a must for staying safe on any bike trip.
Bright clothing helps drivers see me better. I use bike lights too. Especially if I’m out near dawn or dusk.
I follow traffic rules and use hand signals when turning. It’s important to ride predictably so cars know what to expect.
Bike paths are great for a relaxed ride. When I’m on roads, I stay alert and watch for car doors opening.
I keep my bike in good shape with regular tune-ups. This helps prevent breakdowns during rides.
Carrying water is key, especially on longer trips. I also bring a basic repair kit just in case.
