GPS Coordinates: 44.2257742, -123.6312028

REGIONS > WESTERN OREGON > WILLAMETTE VALLEY​
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Eugene is the second largest city in Oregon (after Portland), located at the confluence of the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers. The city lies in the Willamette Valley about fifty miles (80 km) east of the Oregon Coast.

Like other communities located within the rain shadow zone of the Coast Range Mountains, Eugene enjoys a moderate climate characterized by warm summers and cool, wet winters. Snowfall is sporadic and usually very light during the winter.

The community is famous for its outdoor recreational opportunities, as is reflected by its official slogan: “A Great City for the Arts and Outdoors.” The surrounding area is ideal for farming and available produce includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, plus livestock.

​Eugene is also home to the University of Oregon, one of the largest institutions in the Oregon university system.

Your Eugene Adventure:

The Willamette River bisects the town of Eugene with many of its tributaries located nearby. This makes Eugene an excellent place to explore riparian ecosystems, go for a leisurely paddle in a kayak, or spend the day fishing from a shaded riverbank. 

The proximity of the Cascade Mountains, Coast Range Mountains or the Oregon Coast mean day trips to these areas are simple and affordable. If you don't want to leave the city limits, there's still plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities. The community is crisscrossed by bike and walking trails, often linking together its numerous parks and wild areas. Low-lying buttes on the city's edge provide hiking and rock-climbing through Douglas-fir forests, oak woodlands and along riparian The university and community college offer classes that can help prepare you for your excursions or help you identify local plants and animals. 

​Additional information can be found at the City of Eugene website. 

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Eugene is home to the prestigious University of Oregon.

Exploring the Eugene Area:

Representative Species for the Eugene Area:

Suggested Activities for the Eugene Area: