Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,350.00 ft (411.48 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
9.50 mi (15.29 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Brice Creek Trail’s main access is from the West Trailhead, and the trail is usually hiked against the creek's current toward the Champion Creek Trailhead.  The trail may be broken up into smaller sections with access points at the Cedar Creek Trailhead and Lund Campground.  The section covered in this hike runs from the West Trailhead to Lund Campground.

The trail begins just across the road from the West Trailhead.  Hiking upstream provides dramatic views of the creek as it winds through steep canyons and pours into small falls.  The trail offers a wide variety of perspectives, including the lush old-growth that nourishes the creek, the rocky banks at the water’s edge, and the high, narrow paths that twist through the surrounding cliffs.  The creek constantly presents new and tempting spots for a scenic break or a swim in warm weather.  In the spring, keep an eye out for wildflowers growing where the trees let sunlight through.

The Brice Creek Trail sees plenty of use due to its proximity to Eugene. There are numerous camping options in the area, and the trail is a resource for hikers, mountain bikers and kayakers in the winter.  Even so, the area’s beauty is undeniable, and even more enjoyable if you are able to visit mid-week or early in the day.  Though the drive into the area passes by some particularly savage examples of old-growth logging and unsustainable forest management, the protected area is gorgeous and well worth a visit.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Close to Eugene. Swimming. Old-growth. Campgrounds.

Cons

Crowds. Poison oak.

Trailhead Elevation

1,252.00 ft (381.61 m)

Features

Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

08/23/2018
This sounds beautiful, but a little long for my young son. Can you just do part of the hike and still get into the water pretty quickly? Thanks for helping!
08/04/2017
If my husband and I arrive early on a Saturday morning (9am), do you think we'd get a walk up campsite?
Bekah Moon--I'm not sure how it is on a crowded weekend, but I went back in June and it was absolutely stunning. My housemates and I were the only people there (and we aren't the party type) and we didn't see any empty beer cans and other trash you tend to see associated with less family-friendly places. Due to all the rock ledges and crevices on the river, the swimming area might not be the safest place for toddlers
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