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City of Eugene COVID-19 guidelines: "Practice social distancing in our natural areas by slowing down and being alert for other trail users, avoiding crowded trailheads, and keeping dogs on-leash." Yes, this trail is very popular! There are portable bathroom at the start of the trail head. Dog friendly trail must be leashed. Please pickup your dog mess and take it with you, seriously. The hiking path has built in rock stairs. Trail near the top has been widen and easier to walk up. Great area to just take all the surrounding beauty this area offers. Be careful not to touch those nasty poison oaks along the trails. Especially hiking the summit areas. Oh, if you bring food to eat at the top please take your trash with you. Help keep Oregon trails beautiful for everyone!
This hike is much much steeper than I imagined. Even as a hiker, it was hard on my quads and my lungs. Be prepared for fast elevation gain. Bring water, and a sweater if you're going to be up for the sunset. With that said, one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Once the sun did set, you could see all the lights in the city which is one of my favorite views in the world. Also bring a flash light, as it is very dark on the way down without one.
I had not gone hiking here in many years because I was afraid of an old knee injury from skiing when I was younger. I always remembered the gorgeous views from the top. I am impressed with the new renovations they have done such as the new steps up by the top. That is a great bonus. What a great work out, and you get the beautiful scenery with it!
Spencer's Butte is a great hike takes less than an hour. I like the views here as they are mostly agricultural at the top. The hike itself is made mostly of switch backs on a well maintained trail going up the butte. The parking lot is surveilled and paved. No parking fees and has potty potty's on sight. It can get rather busy during the lunch hours but still plenty of space. The path is well covered by tree canopy so on a hotter day this hike would still be pleasant. My 4 year old and 8 year old did this hike with my wife and I just fine. The only down side is that people tend to little Ron this hike for some reason. Had to pick some things up last time we were there. All in all good quick easy hike.
We decided to take the 1 mile hike to the top. The trail is well maintained with signs now to socially distance. The trees keep this trail nice and cool for almost all of the trail. It is better to go early in the morning since it was not crowded when we went. Their are several sets of stairs that lead to the top. The trail is also dog friendly. The views from the top are very nice. The 1000 ft incline produced a great workout. You can bring lunch or pack for a picnic to enjoy once you get to the top.
I'm not the biggest fan of hiking. My girlfriend on the other hand may actually be the biggest fan of hiking. She loves hiking more than any sports team I'll ever love. When we visited Eugene, I felt like it was only right that I take her to the only hiking spot I knew there. What I like about Spencer's Butte, besides the fact that it sounds like Spencer's Butt, is that it doesn't feel like a hike. It's relatively short and when you get to the top, it's beautiful. We went on a rainy day, which in Eugene it would have been odd if it was any other day. When we got to the top, the view completely outweighed my inability to feel my hands or toes. I hope that in the future, all other hikes can model themselves after this hike because then I would love hiking.
This is a great place to hike considering the proximity to Eugene. The summit at the top is a great payoff to this steep hike with panorama views of Eugene, Springfield, the Coastal Range, the Cascades as well as the rugged terrain to the south. The beginning of the trail at Spencer Butte Park is well signed and the map provides a good overview of how the trail will curl around the butte. I do not like the shorter trail to the top as it is incredibly steep and suggest that it only be taken on the way up as it is easy to lose one's footing on the way down. As far as the the longer 1.08 mile trail, it gains ground less rapidly, so it's easier to look around on the way and take in your surroundings. Right before the treeline to the top the trail gets really rocky and it's hard to keep track of the trail, even though they have markers periodically embedded in the rock. I was really close to giving this five stars, particularly since there is no use fee and it would be easy to incorporate a hike up the trail in some sort of workout regimen. What detracts from it is the overly steep shorter trail, and the poor signage in the rocky area. Most people will opt to start a hike at Spencer Butte Park itself, however I would urge hikers looking for something a little more challenging to start at the Willamette Street trailhead. It starts out in a fairly open area, but rapidly gets secluded (for the most part) and makes for a 5 mile round trip. The numerous other starting points for trails that ultimately leads to Spencer Butte is impressive, and keeps it fresh for locals that frequently want to take a hike close to home. I highly recommend bringing out of town friends and family on this short hike and they will be amazed at the view they are rewarded with at the top!
This place was packed a couple of weekends ago! A nice, sunny day in the middle of Winter. Plenty of friendly folks, kids and dogs getting in some great views and exercise. I really believe this is easier to climb than Mount Pisgah even though it's elevation is higher. I usually park at the far lot on Willamette Street (The Spencer Butte Park parking lot). There are other trails but I've always enjoyed going up the back side and the views on the way up to the West and South are great! Up to it? Give it a go!
This is as good as it gets when it comes to hiking in Eugene, this trail gets the heart pumping at the end of the hike up the hill you're presenting with some breathtaking views. The first thing that comes to mind since you're in Oregon is "Lewis & Clark", even though they didn't come near Eugene on their way to the pacific but you can imagine they experienced similar views during the Oregon part of their journey. Definitely worth checking out and on a nice day bring some water since it's a pretty steep hike at certain points and you're likely to start craving a drink. I'd recommend bringing a book & camera as well since it's a great place to chill and read while taking the odd snapshot of the view. Can't wait to hike this trail next time I'm in Eugene.
Spencer Butte was one of the first hikes we took after settling into Eugene. We heard rave reviews before we left and weren't disappointed! + Dog friendly + Well marked trails w/mileage + 2 trailheads (Fox Hollow & Spencer Butte) + Great cardio workout to reach the very top + Beautiful views of Eugene We all had a great time hiking to the top of Spencer Butte and will be back often. We'd love to take a picnic lunch and enjoy it while taking in the view.
We are in love with the park!!! The view from the summit is incredible. We take the difficult route up and the easier one down. Coming from San Diego we really appreciate the greenery and lush landscape. We will be back next year,
Five stars for Spencer's Butte! It's absolutely breathtaking up there. Steep enough to get your heart racing and leave you glistening, but mercifully short so you don't drag through miles of misery. Winding through lush greens, the trail gifts you sweeping panoramas at every turn. And that summit, oh, it's postcard perfect, three sixty bliss that'll recharge your soul. Towering peaks hug you tight, like nature's own fortress, yet its spitting distance from Eugene urban escape turned wilderness wonderland. If panoramic payoffs without epic treks are your jam, this spot delivers pure gold. read more
A well used trail just outside of the city. The one mile walk uphill was pleasant and worth the view. The tall pine trees look like chopsticks thrust into the ground. The fall foliage brightened up the trail. The crest is a contrast with rock formations offering a great overlook of the city. I entered through Williamette Rd. Bear in mind, Google GPS misses the main parking lot by a quarter of a mile. read more
2 years ago
City of Eugene COVID-19 guidelines: "Practice social distancing in our natural areas by slowing down and being alert for other trail users, avoiding crowded trailheads, and keeping dogs on-leash." Yes, this trail is very popular! There are portable bathroom at the start of the trail head. Dog friendly trail must be leashed. Please pickup your dog mess and take it with you, seriously. The hiking path has built in rock stairs. Trail near the top has been widen and easier to walk up. Great area to just take all the surrounding beauty this area offers. Be careful not to touch those nasty poison oaks along the trails. Especially hiking the summit areas. Oh, if you bring food to eat at the top please take your trash with you. Help keep Oregon trails beautiful for everyone! read more
2 years ago
This hike is much much steeper than I imagined. Even as a hiker, it was hard on my quads and my lungs. Be prepared for fast elevation gain. Bring water, and a sweater if you're going to be up for the sunset. With that said, one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Once the sun did set, you could see all the lights in the city which is one of my favorite views in the world. Also bring a flash light, as it is very dark on the way down without one. read more
I had not gone hiking here in many years because I was afraid of an old knee injury from skiing when I was younger. I always remembered the gorgeous views from the top. I am impressed with the new renovations they have done such as the new steps up by the top. That is a great bonus. What a great work out, and you get the beautiful scenery with it! read more
Spencer's Butte is a great hike takes less than an hour. I like the views here as they are mostly agricultural at the top. The hike itself is made mostly of switch backs on a well maintained trail going up the butte. The parking lot is surveilled and paved. No parking fees and has potty potty's on sight. It can get rather busy during the lunch hours but still plenty of space. The path is well covered by tree canopy so on a hotter day this hike would still be pleasant. My 4 year old and 8 year old did this hike with my wife and I just fine. The only down side is that people tend to little Ron this hike for some reason. Had to pick some things up last time we were there. All in all good quick easy hike. read more
7 years ago
We decided to take the 1 mile hike to the top. The trail is well maintained with signs now to socially distance. The trees keep this trail nice and cool for almost all of the trail. It is better to go early in the morning since it was not crowded when we went. Their are several sets of stairs that lead to the top. The trail is also dog friendly. The views from the top are very nice. The 1000 ft incline produced a great workout. You can bring lunch or pack for a picnic to enjoy once you get to the top. read more
I'm not the biggest fan of hiking. My girlfriend on the other hand may actually be the biggest fan of hiking. She loves hiking more than any sports team I'll ever love. When we visited Eugene, I felt like it was only right that I take her to the only hiking spot I knew there. What I like about Spencer's Butte, besides the fact that it sounds like Spencer's Butt, is that it doesn't feel like a hike. It's relatively short and when you get to the top, it's beautiful. We went on a rainy day, which in Eugene it would have been odd if it was any other day. When we got to the top, the view completely outweighed my inability to feel my hands or toes. I hope that in the future, all other hikes can model themselves after this hike because then I would love hiking. read more
4 years ago
16 years ago
This is a great place to hike considering the proximity to Eugene. The summit at the top is a great payoff to this steep hike with panorama views of Eugene, Springfield, the Coastal Range, the Cascades as well as the rugged terrain to the south. The beginning of the trail at Spencer Butte Park is well signed and the map provides a good overview of how the trail will curl around the butte. I do not like the shorter trail to the top as it is incredibly steep and suggest that it only be taken on the way up as it is easy to lose one's footing on the way down. As far as the the longer 1.08 mile trail, it gains ground less rapidly, so it's easier to look around on the way and take in your surroundings. Right before the treeline to the top the trail gets really rocky and it's hard to keep track of the trail, even though they have markers periodically embedded in the rock. I was really close to giving this five stars, particularly since there is no use fee and it would be easy to incorporate a hike up the trail in some sort of workout regimen. What detracts from it is the overly steep shorter trail, and the poor signage in the rocky area. Most people will opt to start a hike at Spencer Butte Park itself, however I would urge hikers looking for something a little more challenging to start at the Willamette Street trailhead. It starts out in a fairly open area, but rapidly gets secluded (for the most part) and makes for a 5 mile round trip. The numerous other starting points for trails that ultimately leads to Spencer Butte is impressive, and keeps it fresh for locals that frequently want to take a hike close to home. I highly recommend bringing out of town friends and family on this short hike and they will be amazed at the view they are rewarded with at the top! read more
This place was packed a couple of weekends ago! A nice, sunny day in the middle of Winter. Plenty of friendly folks, kids and dogs getting in some great views and exercise. I really believe this is easier to climb than Mount Pisgah even though it's elevation is higher. I usually park at the far lot on Willamette Street (The Spencer Butte Park parking lot). There are other trails but I've always enjoyed going up the back side and the views on the way up to the West and South are great! Up to it? Give it a go! read more
This is as good as it gets when it comes to hiking in Eugene, this trail gets the heart pumping at the end of the hike up the hill you're presenting with some breathtaking views. The first thing that comes to mind since you're in Oregon is "Lewis & Clark", even though they didn't come near Eugene on their way to the pacific but you can imagine they experienced similar views during the Oregon part of their journey. Definitely worth checking out and on a nice day bring some water since it's a pretty steep hike at certain points and you're likely to start craving a drink. I'd recommend bringing a book & camera as well since it's a great place to chill and read while taking the odd snapshot of the view. Can't wait to hike this trail next time I'm in Eugene. read more
Spencer Butte was one of the first hikes we took after settling into Eugene. We heard rave reviews before we left and weren't disappointed! + Dog friendly + Well marked trails w/mileage + 2 trailheads (Fox Hollow & Spencer Butte) + Great cardio workout to reach the very top + Beautiful views of Eugene We all had a great time hiking to the top of Spencer Butte and will be back often. We'd love to take a picnic lunch and enjoy it while taking in the view. read more
8 years ago
We are in love with the park!!! The view from the summit is incredible. We take the difficult route up and the easier one down. Coming from San Diego we really appreciate the greenery and lush landscape. We will be back next year, read more
6 years ago
Love it every time! We are blessed to live less than 5 minutes from the base. Both sides are enjoyable hikes. The harder side is indeed harder. Nearing the top there are a few hand over foot climbing spots. Lots of fun with our dog as well. read more
Busy but good. There's good variety in the trail, it's short but you'll get a great workout, you'll always meet adorable dogs, and when you get to the top it's a good place for lunch, relaxing with a book, or chatting with friends. There is a lot of poison oak at the top so be careful. Overall it's safe and the view at the top is a full 360 with mountains and the city of Eugene. read more
9 years ago
9 years ago
What a great 2.2 mile round trip hike with spectacular views! This hike is perfect for a quick workout if you like a gradual to steep uphill trek (downhill on the way back). I went on a Thursday morning before 9am and I only ran into a few people. I did however notice that the parking lot was 5x as full by the time I got back. Probably best to do this one early AM or late sunset?? read more
13 years ago
14 years ago
So I should first preface this with the fact that I am not a hardcore hiker (or a hiker at all really!). The extent of my hiking is pretty much Land's End in SF and the Viennese Alps in Austria. I hiked Spencer Butte with a friend this past Sunday, and it was the perfect day for a hike! The sun was actually out, which is a rarity here in Eugene. My recommendation to anyone hiking here is to dress in layers (I was cold at first but after climbing for a while I worked up a sweat) and bring plenty of water. Nike sneakers were sufficient, and the trail is well marked and not too rocky. Being an amateur hiker, I almost didn't think I was going to make it to the top once we reached the steep stairs towards the summit, but I made it! The view at the top was definitely worth it. You can see Autzen Stadium, mountains, trees, and all that nature-y goodness. Hiking down Spencer Butte is way easier than going up, so if you're exhausted by the time you make it to the top, have no fear! read more
9 years ago
Spencer Butte is an iconic hike that leads to a beautiful and expansive view at the top of he trail. There are a couple different trails you can take but I've only done the one on your right once you get to the main parking lot. The hike is about 1.5 miles to the top and then you go back the same way unless you take a different trail down. I went on a really rainy and foggy day so I didn't get a chance to see the view but I admired all of the trees and plant life along the trail. The trail is narrow at times and a little steep at some points but there's enough variety that you get a little break from the steep inclines. Locals come here for a nice hike and I believe dogs are allowed on leash. There are bathrooms near the parking lot as well. I recommend this hike to locals and tourists alike! If you are super out of shape this hike can be hard to do without taking short breaks but if you take your time and go at your own speed you'll be happy when you made it to the top! read more
11 years ago
A favorite hiking spot for many in the area, Spencer's Butte provides a fantastic view once reaching the summit. The trail is fairly moderate in difficulty and an overall great workout. Plenty of dogs and smiley people at all times along the trail. Come on sunny days to see all of Eugene and even Autzen Stadium if you look hard enough! My personal favorite hike here was completing the hike early in the A.M. and watching the sunrise through the cloud cover - a breathtaking experience. read more
8 years ago
12 years ago
I want to be one of the few to give this less than 5 stars. My reason? Poison Oak and the lack of any transfigured deity when you reach the top, (but mostly just to be an iconoclast). Other than that it's pretty awesome. I take my 3 sons (around kindergarten age) up here (the short route, Willamette) at least once a season. They love it. It's always filled with cartoonishly smiling and attractive people. A little scramble at the top, good views. Even when it's overcast, sometimes you can see over the clouds, which is awesome. read more
12 years ago
One of the best hikes I've had the pleasure of completing. Visited with my uncle, cousin, and best friend and it was great time. We incidentally ended up picking the difficult trail to the summit, which was rigorous as far as the level of cardio (lots of heavy breathing) but doesn't require any technical climbing skill. I love to climb so this trail was so much fun for me and the view from the summit more than makes up for any exertion you might feel. read more
13 years ago
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More info about Spencer Butte
85401 S Willamette St
Eugene, OR 97405
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(541) 682-4800
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http://www.spencerbutte.com
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