Lane County, Oregon has so much adventure and excitement to offer to the visitors. From Eugene to the Cascades to the Oregon Coast, outdoor adventure is at your fingertips in Lane County, Oregon. It is a county in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is named in honor of Joseph Lane, Oregon’s first territorial governor. The seat of the county is Eugene.

Activities
Visit Lane County, Oregon for great adventures from the Cascades to the Oregon coast. Winter weather brings bright white powder to Cascade peaks and slopes. Grab your skis, boards, snowshoes, and tubes for a ride to remember. In and around Eugene, travel to museums, visit award-winning wineries, and celebrate with winter festivals and events. Head to Florence on the Oregon coast for fresh crab, storm watching and the Gray whales’ southern migration.

Eugene-Springfield Metro Area
The small town of Eugene is fun to explore for its many ethnic and unique restaurants, and its easily-found local boutiques and artists’ galleries. Visiting in the Spring, one can revel in the riot of rhododendrons up in beautiful Hendricks Park, and take in the crafts, food, music and community at Saturday Market in the downtown park blocks.

Eugene- Springfield makes up Oregon’s second largest metro area. Located along the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers in the heart of Lane County, Eugene and Springfield contain a dynamic mix of Eugene art galleries and Performing arts, shopping and dining, sports and entertainment. Nearby, peaceful rural communities are home to historic covered bridges, award-winning Willamette Valley wineries, and abundant recreational venues.

The Cascade Mountains
Traveling east up route 126, a tourist can follow the scenic McKenzie River to quickly get to the Cascades Mountains. Oakridge and Westfir are the town centers in this part of Lane County.  Hike a peaceful old-growth forest trail. Carve fresh tracks on the slopes of the Cascades Mountains. Soak in pools of natural hot spring. The trip through the Cascade Mountains, from Eugene or Springfield to the crest of the Willamette Pass is full of fantastic stopping points. From Fish Hatcheries to Waterfalls, all the attractions are just marvelous.

There are many cozy B and B’s, cabins, camp and RV sites and local restaurants overlooking the river, and plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path for a bike ride or a hike. In the winter, Mt. Bachelor, Willamette Pass Resort, and Hoodoo provide unique skiing and mountain scenery. In the summer, Willamette Pass becomes the site of Oregon Skyways gondola rides with a 360 degree view of the mountains.

Oregon Coast
Oregon’s shores harbor the world’s largest sea lion cave, the magnificent century-old Heceta Head Lighthouse, miles of golden sand dunes and historic Old Town Florence Oregon, all right in Lane County. Tee-off on award-winning golf courses, ride horse back along the surf, take a thrilling dune buggy ride or hike on ocean-view trails. Savor the catch of the day with famous clam chowder. There are many scenic places to stop and whale watch, frolic in the waves, or walk along the beach. Watch for the many art galleries with sculpture, paintings, jewelry and crafts.

McKenzie River Valley
Several communities make up this scenic and recreational wonderland. The towns of Cedar Flat, Walterville, Leaburg Oregon, Vida, Finn Rock, Blue River, Rainbow and McKenzie Bridge are situated along Highway 126, where the wild McKenzie River winds its way to the Willamette Valley from the Cascade Mountains.

Outdoor enthusiasts come to the area for whitewater rafting, fishing in the Willamette Valley, boating, cycling, camping, golfing, and exploring miles of hiking trails that meander through the Willamette National Forest. Waterfalls, historic covered bridges, art galleries, fish hatcheries, antique shops, roadside cafes, quaint cabins, lodges and inns add to the charm and beauty of this area.

Tags: activities, eugene, oregon coast