Eugene (population 173,000 in 2019) is a city in Oregon at the southern end of the Willamette Valley near the confluence of the Mckenzie and Willamette rivers. It is best known for being the home of the University of Oregon.
Citizens of Eugene are environmentally aware people who love their coffee and their microbrews. Residents range from arch-conservative Republicans to militant anarchists, and are generally tough, yet forgiving people. The population is typical Pacific Northwest, i.e., leaning toward a greater degree of social responsibility, respect for nature, and diminished consumerism. Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, aka "The Fighting Ducks".
Eugene has an excellent system of bike routes, and has bike friendly streets, and its bike paths allow you to ride along rivers, mountain trails and through covered bridges. Bicycle rentals are available from Bicycle Way of Life (☏ +1 541-344-4105). 5 Lane Transit District (LTD), 3500 E 17th Ave., toll-free: +1-800-735-2900. Buses tend to run every half-hour. Extended LTD bus routes run east and west into more rural sections of Lane County. There is also a bus rapid transit (BRT) line, known as EmX. $1.75 one-way or $3.50 for an all-day pass. (updated Jan 2023) Eugene Hybrid Taxi Cabs, ☏ +1 541-357-TAXI (8294). All hybrid fleet. Rate schedule: flag drop $3, per mile $2.
1 University of Oregon, ☏ +1 541-346-1000. Essentially the center of the town, and the reason for the town's modern growth. (updated Dec 2019) Oregon Ducks. The teams representing the University of Oregon, competing in the Big Ten Conference following the 2024 collapse of the Pac-12 Conference, are Eugene's most famous contribution to the sports world. Ducks sports have benefited enormously from the financial support of Phil Knight, UO alum and now-retired head of Oregon-based sports equipment giant Nike.
Oregon Wine Tours. Sunshine Limo Service and Wine Tours: Local tour operator, specializing in Willamette Valley wine tours. A safe way to enjoy wine tasting in comfort and style. 1 Eugene Skydivers, Hobby Field - Creswell OR (take I-5 to exit #182 (Creswell); turn east at the stop sign; take the first left (Emerald Parkway); take the first left away from the supermarket (Melton Road); follow that road to the very end — about 1 mi (1.6 km); look for the signs reading Eugene Skydivers), toll-free: +1-866-461-DIVE (3483). A local skydiving company with classes for all experience levels, from beginners to professionals, about 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Eugene. $17-200. 2 John G.
1 Mezza Luna Pizzeria, 933 Pearl St. Serves lunch and dinner, real NY style pizza, with a variety of meat and vegetarian choices, plus the option to create your own pizza from a large list of toppings. $3-20. 2 Off The Waffle, 2540 Willamette St, ☏ +1 541-515-6926. Su-Th 7AM-7PM, F Sa 7AM-11PM. Serving authentic Liege waffles with an amazing assortment of toppings, such as bacon, cardamom, garlic, fruit, and the list goes on and on. Also serves omelettes and they have some local microbrew on tap. $3-10. 3 SeQuential, 86714 McVay Hwy, ☏ +1 541-736-5864. Daily 7AM-8PM. Serving fresh made sandwiches, coffee, bakery items, sweets, snacks and beer.
Eugene's main bar scene is centered around Broadway and Olive St (the "barmuda triangle") in downtown. Alternatives can be found in the Whiteaker neighborhood (Blair Blvd), which is experiencing a brewery renaissance of sorts, and around the UO campus. Expect crowds every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, especially during the school year when college students fill the streets. 1 The Bier Stein Bottleshop and Pub, 1591 Willamette St, ☏ +1 541-485-2437. Eugene's largest beer selection, more than 1,000 bottled beers and ten beers on draft. 2 Luckey's Club Cigar Store, 933 Olive St (Downtown). Eugene's oldest bar and one of the oldest pool halls on the West Coast.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Eugene typically sees ~25°C daytime highs and 6 rainy days.
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