Ridgeline trail part 1
BLANTON RIDGE TO WILLAMETTE ST.
The entire Ridgeline Trail system is over 7 miles long each way, which makes it quite a long trip for an out and back hiker, but many people do trail run it daily. Luckily, Ridgeline conveniently has four distinctive sections and separate trailheads. (You can continue along the Ridgeline Trail System at Willamette St. and head up to Spencer's Butte. Click here to see this route).
This first section is Blanton Ridge to Willamette St. which is a 1.8 miles each way. The parking area is very easy to find, right off of Blanton Rd. and the trail starts off in the middle of a neighborhood so you're kind of thinking "how is this a hiking trail?" however, the trail quickly disappears into a lush green forest. The trail is very well kept, it is a mixture of very compacted gravel, and in some areas it is compacted dirt (which can get very muddy in the wet season).
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It is quite a narrow trail and this section undulates and has a slow climb to what they call the West Ridgeline Trail summit at 1,280 ft. Because this section of the trail is in between two residential neighborhoods, you do see quite a few people, especially runners, as well as some houses. |
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There is aviewpoint towards the end of the trail, where you see the big Oregon Ducks "O" on Autzen Stadium through the trees.
Overall, this is the perfect little hike to go on when you don't have a lot of time but still want to get out and experience some nature. This hike is perfect for little kids, because it isn't hard at all, the path is extremely easy to walk on, and there are some beautiful things to see. This hike is recommended for all ages and fitness levels.
Approximate hike time: 1 hour 30 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.4 mph
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(This is a year round use trail and all seasons have their perks).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: From downtown Eugene take 18th Ave. West then turn left onto Chambers St. Go all the way up Chambers until it T's. Here turn left onto Crest Dr. until you come to another T junction. Turn right here, this road will turn into Blanton Rd. The trailhead will be on your left.
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(This is a year round use trail and all seasons have their perks).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: From downtown Eugene take 18th Ave. West then turn left onto Chambers St. Go all the way up Chambers until it T's. Here turn left onto Crest Dr. until you come to another T junction. Turn right here, this road will turn into Blanton Rd. The trailhead will be on your left.
*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.