Spencer's Butte

While Eugene may be smaller than Portland and offer fewer exciting things to do, I find that one of everyone's favorite spot to go is Spencer's Butte.  Only about a 2 mile trek, most is up hill and the last part involves scaling small rocks, one should prepare to be drenched in sweat.  While on the way up, you may be cursing your decision to have left the car the view from the top is breath taking.

One of the highest points in the area, you get a 360 degree view of Lane County.  To the North, the entirety of Eugene is spread out for you to enjoy.  One can see Autzen Stadium, the University of Oregon campus, as well as Eugene's downtown area.  To the East, South and West views of country homes, forests and farms can be enjoyed.  It is absolutely marvelous.

My favorite part of the trek is always scaling the rocks.  I, like most others, can never find the specific trail that leads around the side to the top.  So we all make our own way over the rocks.  I'm reminded of Lord of the Rings, scaling rocks and mountains and forests to save Middle Earth.

Photo from our first hike up.  Left to Right Nathan, Kathryne and Nyla.

A few years back my wife Nyla (girlfriend at the time), some friends and myself went up on a cold February day.  It was Nyla and I's first time going.  It was muddy but the rain was holding off, and I remember coming upon all the rocks, and noticing it getting colder.  As we began our way up it started snowing little tiny flurries.  Nothing stuck but it just kept coming down.  Once we went back down to the treeline, it stopped.  You've got to love Oregon weather.

Snow Fall from our first hike.

The Trees, they are always so beautiful.

Little Butterfly resting on a Flower

I went last Saturday with a Fraternity brother and his girlfriend.  It was chilly so I brought my sweater, but that was a terrible mistake, as the sweater became soaked with sweat after trekking upward a mile.  The top was sunny and clear.  I was even able to get a squirrel to stop and pose for a picture, as well as a pretty little butterfly.

This little guy kept running up to people.
I was excited he stopped and posed for me.

If you are ever in Eugene, and want to experience the area, Spencer's Butte should definitely be on your list.  All ages can enjoy this hike.  While it is exhausting, it is manageable to young children and the view is more than enough reward.

But be careful though, there have been increased sightings of Rattlesnakes in the area.  A few years ago there weren't any, but they are beginning to populate the area.  But don't worry, I didn't see any while I was there.  (I was freaked out the whole time though, I hate snakes.)

My friends Matt and Karlee
Behind them is a view to the South of Eugene