Eugene
Top Places to Picnic
Social distancing can be difficult. Make it easier for your family with an escape to the outdoors. Here is a list of the top places to picnic in peace in the Eugene – Springfield area and beyond.
HENDRICKS PARK
Hendricks Park is a beautiful rhododendron and native plant garden located near the University of Oregon. After a lazy lunch among the flowers, hike the many trails through the gardens and beyond into the ferns and evergreen forest. The park offers restrooms, tables, water and a shelter.
ALTON BAKER PARK
Alton Baker Park is near downtown Eugene and the University of Oregon making it a popular choice for a quick picnic. Although this park is popular and centrally located, you can still find a quiet place to yourself on the 373 acres. Bring your pup along for a run at the dog park or try out the disc golf course.
PERKINS PENINSULA
Perkins Peninsula is a green park on Fern Ridge Reservoir. There is a boat ramp, swimmable beach, baseball diamond, picnic tables, restrooms and a large grassy lawn for laying out your picnic blanket and spread of goodies. Fern Ridge is also a prime spot for birdwatching so bring your binoculars along too.
MOUNT BALDY
Earn all the treats in your lunchbox with a little hike up to the top of Mount Baldy. The entire loop is just under one mile long and offers various stunning views. This moderate hike is part of the grander Ridgeline Trail and is located just minutes from downtown Eugene.
ARMITAGE PARK
Picnic along the McKenzie River at Armitage Park at the edge of the city. There are restrooms, grills, tables, a small boat ramp and short wheelchair-accessible paths beside the river. After a lazy meal in the grass, take a stroll across the old railroad bridge for a better view of Osprey that frequently hunt the river.
ISLAND PARK
Island Park sits along the Willamette River in Springfield. The Ruth Bascom Riverfront bike path connects this park with Alton Baker Park and downtown Eugene. There are restrooms, tables and two playgrounds.
-
Crime & Safety6 days ago
Mother refused to call 911, claiming her child was overreacting, even after the victim’s younger sibling tried sprinkling water in her eyes and cared for her all day until she died from an untreated medicaI condition; charged
-
Crime & Safety5 days ago
Teacher was messaged by her student, with whom she had a months-long iIIicit relationship, only for her to later admit to abusing her position of trust and getting involved in an inappropriate relationship with the boy after she was arrested by waiting police
-
Crime & Safety4 days ago
Law enforcement officer was assigned to go and check the condition of several animals, only to then claim that he was cleared by his supervisor to put down the pets safely before killing almost all of them; charged
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
Dad says that after his child was found dead, he heard from other students that his son’s classmates had buIIied him for having no mother and being homeIess, until the boy took his own life
-
Eugene7 days ago
City officials announced the schedule for November 2024 meetings, work sessions, and topics
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
Woman claims she refused to get the COVlD shot because she believed the vaccines were tested or developed using fetaI cells obtained from abortions, which led to her losing her job even after she filed for a reIigious exemption; Iawsuit
-
Eugene7 days ago
Eugene Police Department hosted Leadership Eugene-Springfield at its 2nd and Chambers location
-
Eugene5 days ago
Oregon Department of Emergency Management offers post-windstorm safety tips