Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,000.00 ft (304.80 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.20 mi (3.54 km)
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The Ridgeline Trail traverses the southern end of Eugene with an almost connected 12 miles of trails through various parklands. It’s a great way to get out and explore right in town. The adventure can start at any one of eight trailheads, with the main attraction being the rocky outcropping of Spencer Butte – the city’s highest point at just over 2,000 feet.

The trail is popular spot for hiking and trail running. It’s a great place to view wildlife – deer, birds and other small animals can be seen year round.

In 1937, F. M. Wilkins, the chairman of the Eugene Park Commission, summed the city's future up best when he remarked that “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.” The land was originally purchased back in 1940, and it was almost 3 miles from the city limits. The Ridgeline Trail System has been cared for and treasured by the citizens of Eugene ever since.

This somewhat steep section of the Ridgeline Trail takes you from a neighborhood area in south Eugene up toward the main section of the trial at the Fox Hollow Trailhead. While there isn’t much of a view, there are plenty of lush, beautiful plants and the occasional bird to spot. The trail is mostly shaded and easy to follow. It is very popular among hikers, mountain bikers and runners. For a longer hike, continue on the trail east toward the Dillard West trailhead or go west and head up toward Spencer Butte for a beautiful view of Eugene and the surrounding valley. Limited parking for this trailhead is on Martin Street, near a park and a connection to the Rexius Trail – a 3.5-mile running trail along Amazon Creek.

Trailheads (from west to east):

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Easy access. Bird watching.

Cons

Busy. Limited street parking.

Trailhead Elevation

500.00 ft (152.40 m)

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Location

Comments

06/08/2018
Hi Dave, It looks like Robyn hiked from the Martin Street Traihead to the Fox Hollow Trailhead, which the City of Eugene lists as a little over 1 mile and approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain. https://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/4757. I've added a little more information to the title and the description to clarify the destination.
06/08/2018
Since the distance listed of 2.2 miles out and back, the elevation gain is incorrect. That distance would be to the next trailhead (Fox Hallow). The elevation gain from Martin Street to Fox Hallow is 432' by the City of Eugene's park maps. Round up to 500' if you like but it's certainly not 1000, Continuing on all the way to the top of Spencer Butte makes the total gain from Martin St 1530'
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