Cruise through the colorful leaves of fall and explore Eugene in one of Oregon’s top seasons. The South Willamette Valley is a great place to slip away for the weekend and enjoy autumn with fewer crowds and a break from the everyday.

Get a Taste

From pumpkin beers on the Eugene Ale Trail to harvest season along the South Willamette Valley Wine Trail and u-pick season across the South Willamette Valley Food Trail, it is a perfect season to sample it all. Check out Alesong and Oakshire, or mix it up with a cider from Wildcraft, brewed with all local fruit. Head out to King Estate or Walnut Ridge Winery for gorgeous views of the valley and the changing leaves. 

Colorful Hikes

Get up close and personal with the changing of the seasons and explore the forests and trails of the area. In the Eugene area, you’ll find brilliant fall colors on Spencer Butte and along the riverfront paths from Alton Baker Park in Eugene to Clearwater Park in Springfield. Head to the University of Oregon for historic and modern buildings among the trees. In Springfield, the path system connects to Dorris Ranch, which features orchards and historic tributes to local farming history.

Give Yourself Chills

To make your fall stay a little extra spooky, visit a haunted corn maze at Northern Lights Farm or wander through the Eugene Pioneer Cemetery, where fall leaves and ghost stories are in abundance. Many reports describe a woman in white floating down the path, or a man playing bagpipes in full regalia. The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House may not have reported ghost sightings, but the Victorian-era house is the perfect backdrop for a close encounter. The historic theater that is now Art House, a coffee shop and movie theater, is home to an eerie presence that loves a good film.

Warm Up

Be cozy on an overnight stay in Eugene or in the surrounding communities. Staying overnight will give you more time to explore – and most importantly, more time to relax and recharge.

Stay at the Campbell House Inn in Eugene for cozy suites with tubs to soak in, or head to the coast for stunning views from Heceta Lighthouse B&B, formerly the home of the assistant lighthouse keeper. If you want to disconnect further, head into the Cascade Mountains toward Loloma Lodge or Westfir Lodge and skip the wifi to keep the emails at bay. No matter where you go, crisp fall air and brilliantly colored leaves will bring the vibes.