Ridgeline Parks System - Wilderness on Your Doorstep

The Ridgeline Parks System is one of Eugene’s natural treasures.  Currently comprising over 1000 acres of ridgeline in south Eugene, its most prominent feature is 2062’ high Spencer Butte which stands sentinel behind our city and marks the southern end of the Willamette Valley floodplain.  The Ridgeline Parks System’s forested arms reach out to the east and west of Spencer Butte, providing not only a green backdrop to Eugene, but also sweeping vistas; over 12 miles of trails teeming with natural beauty; a natural filter for our air and water; unique habitats for an abundance of plants and animals; a well-traveled wildlife corridor; and a buffer between city and country.

We owe Eugene’s forebears a debt of gratitude for their foresight in preserving Spencer Butte.  At the time of its purchase, it was almost three miles south of the city limits.  A ca. 1937 quote from F. M. Wilkins, then the ninety year old chairman of the Eugene Park Commission, former mayor, and pioneer businessman:

"And remember, Eugene boys and girls will be climbing Spencer Butte fifty and one hundred years from today, to be inspired by looking over a city built out to the very foot of the Butte."

Perhaps the words of a city booster, but prescient nonetheless.  In true Eugene style, a major portion of Spencer Butte was purchased in 1940 through a grassroots campaign that collected contributions no larger than $5, in order to let everyone “buy a piece” of the Butte.

Additional major acquisitions were made between 1970 and 1995, completing a corridor with only a few gaps running from W 40th Ave. and Blanton Rd. to the south end of Spring Blvd.  By 1998 this corridor encompassed 685 acres and approximately 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trail.  Existing trails go through a variety of habitats and degrees of difficulty.  The trail to the top of Spencer Butte is a steep rocky climb, but leads to one of the most panoramic views of our city.

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In 1998, Eugene passed a parks bond measure which, among other things, directed POS to acquire 232 more acres of ridgeline parkland.  Because of favorable transactions and generous donations, by 2006 over 354 acres had been added to the system, over 150% of the bond measure goal.

With the passage of the Parks and Open Space bond measure in 2006, Eugene voters asked the City to acquire between 60 and 100 more acres of ridgeline parkland.  However, due to favorable transactions and generous donations, since 2007 over 375 acres have been added to the system – including a key corridor connecting LCC and I-5 to Mt. Baldy.  Remaining ridgeline acquisition funds from the 2006 Bond are currently pledged towards several federal and state acquisition grants, which could potentially add another 400 acres to the Ridgeline Park.  Beyond these acquisition grants, funding for ridgeline acquisitions is very limited, but parks staff hopes to continue working with willing landowners to acquire additional properties.

Individuals interested in donations of land or funds for acquiring park lands should visit our donations web page. 

Another avenue for potential donors to collaborate with POS acquisition work is to contact the Eugene Parks Foundation (EPF).  EPF is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and enhancing our community’s parks, open spaces, recreational facilities, and services, and they have established a Legacy Land Fund to assist private donors interested in securing funds for timely acquisition of property with the flexibility of a private charitable foundation.

In addition to the hiking trails, the city rents out the Spencer Butte Challenge Course, a ropes course, to groups.  For more information contact the Outdoor Adventure program at 541-682-6324.

Just a short bike or car ride away, there are ample opportunities to enjoy nature along Eugene’s ridgeline parks system.