Excursions

Winery Tour with Sip Savor Explore Oregon

The Southern Willamette Valley is renowned for its exceptional wineries and picturesque landscapes. Sip Savor Explore Oregon will pick up the group in Eugene and head out to wine country to give the group an authentic taste of Southern Willamette Valley culture. Enjoy world-renown Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir accompanied by delicious charcuterie and small bites.

• Approximate Time: ~5 hours (travel included)
• Cost: TBD
• Location: Lorraine Highway outside of Eugene

Oregon Coast Trip with Sip Savor Explore Oregon

The Oregon Coast is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and outdoor adventures. Explore stunning ocean views, experience local attractions and enjoy delicious, local coastal cuisine in Florence.

• Approximate Time: ~5 hours (travel included)
• Cost: TBD
• Location: Florence, Oregon

White Water Rafting & Willamette River Raft Float with Helfrich Mckenzie Rafting

The McKenzie River, with its exhilarating rapids and scenic beauty, offers a prime location for an outstanding white water rafting experience. Enjoy a half-day rafting trip along the pristine McKenzie River just 35 minutes outside of Eugene. The group will raft along the river, passing beautiful old growth trees in the Willamette National Forest.

• Half-day McKenzie River Rafting Trip … ~10 river miles
• Mid-trip snack of chips, apples and water
• 6-person minimum; 39-person maximum (if some folks drive themselves, 62-person maximum)
• 8am-2pm or 2pm-8pm
• $85 per person

• Full-day McKenzie River Rafting Trip … ~16 river miles
• Picnic lunch (fried chicken, homemade slaw and deviled eggs, fresh fruit, dessert, mints, lemonade)
• 6-person minimum; 39-person maximum (if some folks drive themselves, 62-person maximum)
• 9am-5pm
• $122 per person

• Willamette River Raft Float … ~6 river miles
• Water bottle
• 6-person minimum; 39-person maximum (if some folks drive themselves, 62-person maximum)
• 10am-1pm or 1:30pm-4:30
• $50 per person

Eugene Murals

Start your day by exploring downtown Eugene’s vibrant murals. Begin at Kesey Square and continue to various murals from the 20x21 Mural Project. Use a local map to find them all.

Strides for Social Justice Tour

Follow the Strides for Social Justice mobile app for a self-guided 5k tour through locations significant to Eugene's African American history. Stops include the Mims House and other landmarks tied to the city’s civil rights movement.

Markets

Visit the Lane County Farmers Market, open Saturdays and Tuesdays during the summer. Browse fresh, locally grown produce, flowers, and artisanal goods. It’s a lively spot to sample local flavors and meet community members.

Visit the vibrant, eclectic 5th Street Public Market in Eugene where you can find shopping, dining, entertainment and more. Explore artisan shops, specialty food stores, bakeries, local art, live performances and many more.

The Eugene Saturday Market is a vibrant and well-loved community event held in Eugene, Oregon. It’s a dynamic marketplace that combines local arts, crafts, food, and entertainment in a lively outdoor setting.

Gardens

Stroll through the Owen Rose Garden and enjoy the vibrant blooms. The summer months are ideal for experiencing the roses at their peak.

Meander through old growth forest areas at Hendricks Park and explore the beautiful gardens.

Skinner Butte Park

Hike up Skinner Butte for panoramic views of Eugene and the Willamette River. Visit Skinner’s Cabin to learn more about the history of Eugene's founding.

Pre’s Trail

Pre’s Trail is a 4.03-mile loop that winds through the picturesque Alton Baker Park, situated along the Willamette River. It’s named in honor of Steve Prefontaine, a legendary American distance runner from Eugene who was an influential figure in the world of track and field during the 1970s. Pre’s trail is a great place to run, walk and explore.

Bicycling

Head to one of these rental spots:

• PeaceHealth Rides – Use the app to pick up a bike from a station downtown.
• Blue Heron Bicycles – Near the UO campus.
• Hutch’s Bicycle Store or Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life for more traditional rental options.
• Take your rented bike and ride along the scenic Willamette River Bike Path, a 12-mile loop that passes several parks. Stop at Alton Baker Park, Whilamut Natural Area, or Maurie Jacobs Park for relaxing breaks.

University of Oregon

Explore the University of Oregon’s campus with a self-guided tour. Key stops include Knight Library, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (outdoor exhibits), and Hayward Field, where track legends were made.

End your day with a peaceful walk or run along Pre’s Trail in Alton Baker Park. This 4-mile loop is perfect for runners and walkers alike, and it honors the memory of running icon Steve Prefontaine.

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, located on the University of Oregon’s campus in Eugene, is a prominent cultural institution known for its impressive collection and diverse exhibitions.

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History (MNCH), located on the University of Oregon’s campus in Eugene, is a fascinating institution that provides insights into the natural world and human cultures.

Hiking at Mount Pisgah

• Explore the scenic trails of Mount Pisgah, featuring diverse ecosystems and panoramic views of the Willamette Valley.
• $5 parking fee; additional $10 for guided nature tours.
• 2-4 hours.
• Interpretive signs, lush flora, and wildlife spotting.

Visit the Oregon Coast

• Take a day trip to the Oregon Coast (about an hour from Eugene), visiting beaches like Heceta Head or Florence. Sandboarding is unique to the Oregon Coast and board rentals are around $20.
• Gas ($20-$30 round trip); beach access is free.
• Full day.
• Scenic drives, coastal views, and potential tide pooling.

Craft Brewery Tours

• Experience the local craft beer scene with a guided brewery tour in Eugene.
• $45 for a brewery tour including tastings at multiple locations.
• 3 hours.
• Learn about the brewing process and sample unique local brews.

Kayaking on the Willamette River

• Rent a kayak for a few hours and enjoy paddling on the Willamette River, taking in the beautiful scenery.
• Approximately $25-$35 for kayak rental.
• 2-3 hours.
• Wildlife viewing and peaceful waterways.
• Oregon Paddle Sports (2920 N Delta Highway, Eugene, Oregon), Eugene Kayak and Canoe (3900 W 1st Ave, Eugene, Oregon)

Visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

• Experience the stunning coastal sand dunes, perfect for hiking or sandboarding.
• Free entry; rentals for sandboards can be around $20.
• Half day.
• Unique landscapes and opportunities for photography.

Visit the Cascades Raptor Center

• A wildlife rehabilitation center focusing on birds of prey, featuring educational programs and exhibits.
• Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children.
• 1-2 hours.
• Up-close encounters with raptors, guided tours, and informative talks.