Goodman Creek
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Goodman Creek trail is a very accessible hike only 21 miles east of Eugene. This is the perfect hike to do when the weather is foggy, cold, rainy and wet, and when there is snow at higher elevation hiking spots. The trailhead is large, with parking for about 20 cars, as well as a pit toilet. Because this trailhead is so heavily used, the pit toilet can get pretty nasty, but the rangers do come and clean it quite often.
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This trailhead is not only the start of Goodman Creek trail, but after .2 miles, the trail splits, with the left trail going up to Hardesty Mountain (and this one also splits to the South Willamette trail), and the right trail goes up to Goodman Creek. There is a small old wooden sign way up on one of the trees, but it can be easily missed.
The hike starts off going uphill through old-growth Douglas fir, brightened only in spring by the beautiful white trillium blossoms. When the weather has been rainy, this section of trail can become extremely muddy and slippery.
**Please use great care to not step off the trail when there is a puddle or mud. Stepping around the mud puddle widens the trail and ruins the trail-side flora and fauna. Grab your waterproof boots, and just go right through those puddles!
The hike starts off going uphill through old-growth Douglas fir, brightened only in spring by the beautiful white trillium blossoms. When the weather has been rainy, this section of trail can become extremely muddy and slippery.
**Please use great care to not step off the trail when there is a puddle or mud. Stepping around the mud puddle widens the trail and ruins the trail-side flora and fauna. Grab your waterproof boots, and just go right through those puddles!
At around the 1.9 mile mark, you will see a grassy campsite and see a faint unmarked trail junction. The main trail goes to the right, but if you take the small trail to the left, it will lead you to discover a little waterfall sliding into a swimmable, rock-edged pool.
After 2.2 miles you will come to a lookout over the Goodman Creek arm of the Lookout Point Reservoir. Even when the weather isn't the best, this view is worth a little stop. From here the trail meanders downhill and crosses Goodman Creek. This is not a small creek, and in the spring this might be a bit of a sketchy crossing to do with smaller children.
After 2.2 miles you will come to a lookout over the Goodman Creek arm of the Lookout Point Reservoir. Even when the weather isn't the best, this view is worth a little stop. From here the trail meanders downhill and crosses Goodman Creek. This is not a small creek, and in the spring this might be a bit of a sketchy crossing to do with smaller children.
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After another 1.2 miles on the trail, you will come to another creek crossing. This one has a nice log bridge, but only one railing, so please be careful here. After the second creek crossing, the forest becomes more dense, with bushes, vine maple, and huge old-growth trees. The trail follows the creek that you crossed up stream for another 1.2 miles until it pops out at Goodman Creek Road.
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A little to your right from where the trail pops you out onto the road, you will see a spur road. If you are continuing the hike another 2.3 miles to Eagle's Rest, you would find the trail at that spur road. Most hikers do not do the full Goodman Creek plus Eagle's Rest hike, but you will see this route popular with mountain bikers. Eagle's Rest is a perfect short hike to do on another day.
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Overall, this is a great hike, close to the town of Eugene, and perfect for the fall and winter months. The terrain is not hard at all, just be careful not to slip when the trail is muddy. Also be careful crossing Goodman Creek when the water is high in the spring time. Other than that, this trail is suitable for all fitness levels, and it is not steep or rocky, and it meanders up and down. As this trail is extremely popular with mountain bikers, please be careful, and follow proper trail etiquette.
Approximate hike time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
Trail usage: Moderate
Directions: Drive 21 miles East of Eugene on Hwy. 58. Right after passing Goodman Creek Rd. pull off into the large marked parking lot.
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
Trail usage: Moderate
Directions: Drive 21 miles East of Eugene on Hwy. 58. Right after passing Goodman Creek Rd. pull off into the large marked parking lot.
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.
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