A Beautiful Return to a Place Full of Nature and History Both my wife and I had visited this spot before when we lived in the area, so with a little time to spare before lunch nearby, we decided to revisit it with her son and daughter-in-law. Nestled on a forested butte just east of the University of Oregon in Eugene, this area is absolutely stunning. The rhododendron garden is especially beautiful, offering a peaceful and scenic escape that feels tucked away from the city. Beyond its natural beauty, the area is steeped in history. One of the most notable connections is to Steve Prefontaine--a legendary runner and seven-time NCAA champion for Oregon. He trained in and around Hendricks Park and tragically passed away in a car accident on a winding road just below the park. His legacy lives on not only in the running world but also in the early success of Nike, where he became the brand's first sponsored athlete and helped elevate it to global prominence. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a quiet place to explore, this area is well worth a visit. read more

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Hendricks Park is one of those places that I knew was around town, but never visited until after I moved away and came back to visit. I grew up in the Cal Young area or Santa Clara, so I wasn't very often in this part of town and though Eugene isn't a huge city, you can easily not hit other areas of town. Hendricks Park is the oldest park in the city. It's mostly known as a rhododendron garden, but it has native plants as well. There are trails throughout for you to explore the place. It's really peaceful and beautiful when the weather is nice, and you'll forget you're in the city. read more

lovely place to go read on a blanket, take a walk with friends, have a supper gathering picnic, or a birthday celebration- a beloved cornerstone of our town. read more

Eugene , Or. Great little hike with extraordinary plant life. I was pretty unfamiliar with rhododendrons but really came to appreciate the size and variety of these showy flowers. Nice cool misty day, not quite raincoat weather. read more

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What an absolutely beautiful place to walk around. The rhodedendrons are in full bloom right now so it was the perfect time to visit. The landscaping here is exquisite and there is seating scattered throughout the park to sit and really take it all in. Highly recommended. read more

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Pretty plants. Super green. It's a park, man. Just go enjoy it. Pros: issa park. Cons: the birbs scream in the morning? Idk. read more

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Hendricks Park isn't a whole lot more than a neighborhood green spot; there are flowers within it that are quite lovely, and the grounds are fairly well maintained. That said, the park is inside a University neighborhood, and doesn't offer much of anything else to see apart from flowers. To be fair, you could take a very short walk here, but if you didn't there wouldn't be any kind of view to cause you to stop and take pictures. All things considered, it's still probably worth visiting here if for no other reason than to see the neighborhood its in; it's one of the best neighborhoods in Eugene. read more

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Great spot for a picnic, hike or just a getaway. Beautiful park. Dogs are welcomed except for in the Garden area. read more

Hendricks Park - Parks Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Such a beautiful place to take a walk and maybe have a picnic. There's so many different paths to take. There is plenty of seating and grass areas. read more

Yelp 100 Challenge 56 What a beautiful park! The rhododendron garden is amazing. We were lucky to visit at a time when we could enjoy the blooms. So many colors! Appreciated the walking paths through the garden. Had a funny experience with flying worms on what looked like silk threads both in the parking lot and on the garden path. They were maybe 1/4 inch long and we had to brush them off of ourselves. That was wild. Would have liked to have taken my well behaved dog into the park, however, since that's not possible, the other section of the park called the 'Forest' welcomes dogs if you choose to visit. I'd recommend Hendricks Park in a heartbeat. Lucky neighborhood surrounding the park, those folks can enjoy the beauty year around, just look out for those flying worms. read more

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Hendricks park is such a beautiful place to walk around. I love the trails, the view of the city, all of the labeled plants. The rhododendrons are gorgeous around March-May, depending on the year. The deciduous trees are beautiful in the fall. Apparently, it's a good stop for Pokemon-go too, if you're into that. I don't play myself, but I was recently there with some people who do. We also found a Lane County Rock! That was awesome! read more

Hendricks Park - Parks Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

Easily one of the most beautiful places in all of Eugene. Excellent aerial vistas of the university from the Rhododendron garden which feels like a secret oasis tucked gently away from the urban cacophony below. During a hot summer day it is often a few degrees cooler up there with lots of tree shade. It rarely is overcrowded. It is a great place to take a blanket and a book when you need some time to think. It is one of the places I will miss most about Eugene. read more

I love it here any time of year. It brings peace, and calming to your soul from its beauty and the the views! I have been coming here for as long as I can remember. I have many great memories here. I have taken some of my best floral pics here, and it's just a great place to go burn off lunch walking through the paths. It is kind of a bonus to just sit and listen to, and watch the birds. read more

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Really wonderful, well maintained park. Beautiful trials with great options for quick hikes with kids. The picnic benches were perfect and sweet swings were just a bonus! read more

Hendricks Park - Trail - Parks Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

Before my daughter had morning classes at U of O we decided to start walking the park. I haven't been up there in years, since I moved away when I was 17. It was actually more beautiful then I remember. The grounds are kept up and the they have signs indicating as to what flower or plant you are observing. The only thing I didn't know is dogs are not along on the grounds near the plants and flowers which I completely understand. It's definitely a beautiful quiet place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. read more

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Wonderful park for an urban hike through the forest! Less so for laying around, but there is a small area at the top parking lot for relaxing. Have yet to check out the rhododendron and native gardens, but will have to do that next time! read more

This rating is for being a 'city' park. Hendricks park is located in Eugene and is surrounded by houses/ a community. That being said, when you are in the park, you feel completely isolated. Because it is inside the city limits, the park is smaller than I would like but it is well maintained and beautiful. The restrooms are also surprisingly modern and clean. We came to see the Rhododendrons in the garden today which was quite the treat. Literally every color of the rainbow was in bloom with varying shades. I am excited to make another visit when different flowers are in bloom. The only downside is that the garden is off limit to pets so leave your furry family at home if you want to visit the garden. read more

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Loved this park and wrote about it and painted too! He lectured on philosophy as sunlight striped the green while rhododendrons towered o'er and conversation reigned ... the three of them dwarfed by the trees and by the "Golden Mean!" July 11, 2016, June Luvisi (My painting of Hendrick's Park, Or., where the rhodendrons are gigantic!) read more

Hendricks Park - Hendricks Park! Painted by June Luvisi - Parks Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

Great urban park with forest, flowers, picnic area and trails. Some trails are dog friendly but not all.

So beautiful :) I love that it's high and tucked away and shaded by trees and never overly crowded. A very special place in the neighborhood! My favorite is the swings. Such a peaceful place with a spectacular view of the city below. read more

Hendricks Park - The swings at dusk - Parks Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

For most part, this is a nice city park with lots of pine trees all around. Flowers bloom around late March. Everyone seems pretty laid back but apparently there was a dog hating older woman who told me dogs weren't allowed in the Hendricks Park area when she saw my two dogs walking on leash with me. She said that there was a sign down the road indicating this but clearly as we entered the park, there were several people with their dogs and the signs clearly contradicts her statement. What a crazy person who looked respectable and all. Nature is great but sometimes coming across passive-aggressive people who have nothing better to do but to try to ruin other people and their well-behaved dogs' good time. For that, I give it a four stars and will change it after a few more visits if I don't encounter anymore @ssholes like her. read more

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I love Hendricks Park! It is a great place to hang with friends for the afternoon, or to squeeze in a quick morning walk in the trees. There are basically two sides of the park, and both are worth checking out. The wooded side is great if you are looking for trees and shade. The trees provide a cool place to get some fresh air. This part of the park is SW of the parking lot, and there are bathrooms located at the base of the trail. Across the little road(look before crossing) is Rhododendron Garden. The flowers are in bloom from Late Feb through April, but the garden is beautiful year round. There are benches and vista points throughout the rhododendron Garden. Its a great place for family pictures, or a family picnic. There is also a pavilion that can be used for small events. Hendricks is one of my favorite parks in the Eugene Area! read more

Fantastic place to get away and walk around. Hendricks is a great place to go on runs early in the morning. Very nice scenery especially in early Autumn, and early Spring! Be sure to bring a phone, or camera, as I'm sure there are going to be passing plenty of photo opportunities. read more

We held my bridal shower here under the picnic shelter. It was a beautiful spot for the event! Restrooms are a bit of a walk from the shelter, so keep that in mind if you have people with mobility issues on your party. Other than that, it was a beautiful, peaceful spot that is recommend for any gathering. read more

I really love Hendricks park but its very large and the trails are winding. There have been cougar and rattles spotted here so be careful. Take a map and make noise while you walk. The rhododendron garden is beautiful when in bloom. read more

I've lived in Eugene for 3 years now and have just today visited this park. I. Loved. It. I can't believe this massive blend of nature and manmade trails, grassy knolls and picnic areas exists in this town. This feels like walking into a different world than the weirdness of Eugene's downtown and other parks. My husband and I and our 18 month old daughter only ventured through the rhododendron garden, but I can't wait to explore the other trails. This park is beautiful and a simple walk/hike. We walked, but I could certainly have put my baby in her stroller if I had to. The shelter for rental space is amazing--live edge salvaged tree planks, a fireplace, terrace and grassy area. This is a "secret garden" up on the peaceful hills above Eugene that goes on and on. I could wander around here for days. Can't wait to see what else this park has to offer. read more

Hendricks Park - Midsummer Magnolia blossoms - Parks Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I can't believe there are so few reviews of this place... If you are within 150 miles of Eugene and it's April to June, stop reading this review and get in your car, on your bike, on your scooter, on your horse, etc and go. Just go. During the peak of the rhododendron season (April to June) this is one of the most stunning parks in North America. Over 70 acres in total, including a Rhododendron Garden that simply must be seen to be believed. Even during the fall and winter I would give this place 4 stars. But in the spring? Wow. Just wow. (Oh, and if you take your girlfriend/fiancee/wife here? Yeah, you're getting lucky that night.) read more

Lush evergreens, walking trails, the ghost of famed runner Prefontaine, and down below the Willamette river. This is what awaits at Hendricks Park. My boyfriend and I got lost in this park while trying to find "Pre's rock"--a memorial to the departed American sports icon, but finally we found out after walking through the rain and fog. It's a must see for anyone who was a fan of his, or someone who wants to know more about him. read more

My new favorite park ever. The park is absolutely beautiful in the winter. I can only imagine in the spring and summer time. I love the picnic tables and the trails! Beautiful majestic trees on top of a beautiful lush hill. Perfect read more

Hendricks Park - Parks Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

Hendricks Park is my favorite park in Eugene. There are extensive walking paths, the amazing rhodies in the spring, the native forest and blooming flowers & trees abound. There is something for everyone to enjoy here. read more

The best walking trails in town! The volunteers here work with the utmost dedication to keep the park free of invasive species. The trails are maintained with love, and the scenery is spectacular year round. The paths are wide enough to accommodate hikers, runners and dogs. There are a plethora of grey squirrels, so my pooch loves that. This isn't an off-leash park, so please be respectful of that. There's a swing set for the kiddos, both young and old. The native plant garden is lovely in the spring through the autumn. Go, have fun and enjoy one of the loveliest parks in town. read more

Having grown up in Eugene - and *southern* Eugene, no less! - it occurred to me only just today to really take a solid walkthrough of this park, having seen only bits & pieces over the years. I'm seriously wondering why on earth I didn't do this before the age of 40. And I'm glad I did: this place is the absolute epitome of ~GOOD~ Eugene, as opposed to the more typical facade/image of the city, which is to say "progressively zany" (read: childish, attention-whoring, "artistic" grandstanding). Hendrick's Park is none of those things. The utter absence of ideological ostentatiousness is breaktakingly refreshing... not least in light of the outrageous abomination that the more centrally-located Alton Baker Park has become. No, Hendrick's Park is a magnificent example of building *with* nature. Right from the get-go (if you're walking there via Summit Ave, as I was this morning), you're introduced to the Rhododendron Garden so subtley that it's not even entirely clear where civilization ends & the park begins. From there, it's like one long organically-interwoven system of benches, paths & beautiful flora. I can't even put into words how remarkably tranquil something man-made turned out to be. You're right alongside residential neighborhoods, but you never really feel like it. From there I circled around the smaller immediate paths past the shelter (very nicely built, without Eugene's usual I'm-weird-and-therefore-special construction silliness) to the info sign at the parking lot, then followed one trail out to a bench (and some sort of relic/ruin of something at the head of the offshoot to the Ribbon Trail), then back along another. Of course there was one fly in the ointment of the overall experience, however, and you might guess what it is... the peace of the forest being obnoxiously shattered by some asshole blasting shitty music from a yellow Volvo. Yep, just sitting there for at least 20 minutes. Because we all escape out into nature just to be loudly bombarded by some rude prick, right? Eugene is a place where sheer arrogance passes continually for "culture", and yet I can never quite get used to bullshit like this. It wasn't even 9:00 in the morning, but the primal urge to be a dick to a captive audience waits for no one, it seems. Obviously, though, I can't hold this against the park itself (though in my ideal world the city really would pay for a rent-a-cop to babysit these inevitable douchebags!), and I refuse to allow the overall experience - not to mention this review's rating - to be ultimately tarnished by the actions of a vulva in a Volvo. ;) read more

This is a gorgeous park. It's located near the University of Oregon campus, and I used to walk here when I was a student. This time of year the rhododendrons are blooming in all different colors, and you know it's spring. There are trails weaving around the park, with lots of nooks and crannies to explore. There is also a large grassy area shaded by huge old trees that makes for a perfect picnic spot. You can also rent the large, 1938 shelter that even has a fireplace - a great option for large groups. Don't miss this park, especially during rhodie season! read more

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I happened upon this park by following the signs-No GPS required. I had just 15 minutes so I opted for the Rhododendron garden. How beautiful with flowering shrubs and trees. While taking pictures I turned around and saw a deer a few feet away. At first I thought it was fake until it moved. I will go back and check it out in more detail and take the time to enjoy the beauty. read more

Hendricks Park - Bambi - Parks Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Do you want to feel like you are hours from the city, lost in the trees and rhododendrons but actually smack dab in the middle of Eugene? Then Hendricks Park is your place! This beautiful park is a short drive uphill near U of O and has a nice parking lot for people coming to picnic, hike, play with their kids or take photos. I've done a photo shoot up here and found so many amazing spots in the trees or in the rhododendron garden for my model to stand in front of. You can walk the trails and admire the large trees towering above you. You can play hide and seek with your kids and then grab a table to have a picnic lunch with once you get hungry. I also saw a small little area where an intimate wedding was happening which was so charming and gorgeous. You don't have to pay a fee to come here which is also really nice. Go get lost in Hendricks Park, you'll be happy that you did. read more

This is an incredibly beautiful park, I was quite taken that some place this gorgeous was a quick 10 minute drive from downtown. Everybody in Eugene should be required to go here at least once a year or have their eyes taken away because they aren't appreciating having them. Be sure to check out the rhododendron garden when they are in bloom, it's quite the sight to see. read more

Looking for a free botanic garden or a nice and quiet walk? Hendricks is probably your best option on Eugene. Through a well-made path, you can admire beautiful plants and flowers while enjoying the serenity of this small place that is not far from downtown. It is great to go on a short stroll, to start a bigger walk that will take you to nearby walking paths, or simply to find a scenic and quiet picnic spot. read more

What a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon. I recommend going to the top of the rhododendron garden to enjoy the grassy area there. Nice clean restrooms too. We were just passing through, but I will make it a regular spot to visit when I'm in the area again. read more