Mount Pisgah Arboretum
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Mount Pisgah is a wonderful place to recreate, and whether you're there to hike to the summit, check out the arboretum, or look at the many wildflowers along the river bank, this beautiful sanctuary has something to offer for everyone who wants to get out into nature. It is not always feasible for everyone to get out of town on longer day hike excursions, so Mount Pisgah is the perfect area for a short after work hike. The arboretum trails start down at Meadow Rd., where the road turns into a gravel trail. You can take a little detour and head over to the McCall Trail, which takes you along the river for a little bit. Meadow Rd. takes you past the big barn and through the Oak savannah. In the spring time there are many wild flowers blooming here. |
When you come to a split in the trail take a left to continue the arboretum loop on Quarry Rd. From here to will walk for only a little bit before coming to another trail split. Here you will also continue left, as the trail to the right will take you up to the summit of Mount Pisgah. You want to take the South Boundary Trail. The arboretum trail is perfect for smaller children, as there are multiple areas to stop and take breaks, as well as look at wildflowers and informational plaques about them.
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Continue on the South Boundary Trail until to come to a trail split and see a sign for the Buford Trail. The South Boundary Trail does continue uphill through the Oak trees and eventually connects with the summit trail close to the top. If you are not wanting to head to the summit of Mount Pisgah, continue on the Buford Trail. From here, you can then go on the Canyon Trail and eventually head back via the Zigzag Trail, or to make the loop a bit shorter you can also go back via a path through the Oak trees next to the big barn. From here you will already see the barn, so it is hard to miss. The trails are all in great condition especially down here in the arboretum, and the signs are obvious and plentiful. Almost all of the trails connect with one another, so it is very difficult to get lost. |
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Overall, this is a wonderful short loop hike for those who have small children but still want to get out into nature and explore. The arboretum loop is awesome for educational trips! Even if you are just new to the area and want an easy hike and would like to learn more about the local flora and fauna, this is the place to do so. Check the Mount Pisgah website, as they frequently have free or low cost local classes offered to folks and/or kids who would like more knowledge.
Approximate hiking time: 40 minutes
Suggested season: spring, summer, fall, winter
(Best time to go is in the March and April for wildflowers, and well as late September through October for fall foliage).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: From downtown Eugene you will have to get onto Interstate 5 heading south. Take exit #189 then turn right onto Franklin Blvd. which you will stay on for only .4 of a mile before turning left onto Seavey Loop Rd. Drive along this road for 1.5 miles until you cross a bridge, here you will turn right to get to the main parking area. If you want to explore and take a less traveled back way you can turn left and park at a gravel parking area there.
*Everywhere you park in the Howard Buford Recreation Area you will have you purchase a special permit from the kiosk for $4.
Suggested season: spring, summer, fall, winter
(Best time to go is in the March and April for wildflowers, and well as late September through October for fall foliage).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: From downtown Eugene you will have to get onto Interstate 5 heading south. Take exit #189 then turn right onto Franklin Blvd. which you will stay on for only .4 of a mile before turning left onto Seavey Loop Rd. Drive along this road for 1.5 miles until you cross a bridge, here you will turn right to get to the main parking area. If you want to explore and take a less traveled back way you can turn left and park at a gravel parking area there.
*Everywhere you park in the Howard Buford Recreation Area you will have you purchase a special permit from the kiosk for $4.
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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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