Pre's Trail

Pre’s Trail is a popular path through Alton Baker Park in Eugene. It is named after Steve Prefontaine (“Pre”) who, after returning from a European trip, came up with the idea to create a trail that was an alternate to running on hard surfaces. Thus Pre’s Trail was born. The entire 4.4 mile long trail features a soft surface of bark dust. The trail is extremely popular with runners and even plays host to occasional events throughout the year.

There are several access points to Pre’s Trail, but the most common is at the western entrance to Alton Baker Park. Here you’ll see a small duck pond to the left, and a frisbee golf course to the right. Begin on the nicely maintained and bark dusted Pre’s Trail as it heads off to the east. The trail is composed of three loops. The first loop is the most heavily used and will take you beside a dog park and canal. As you follow the canal you’ll see the impressive Autzen Stadium, home of the Oregon Ducks Football Team.

The trail then splits into its second loop, at the end of which you’ll walk by a medium sized pond, often host to many ducks and geese. The trail then splits into the third and final loop, the largest of the three loops. If walking counter-clockwise, the loop will lead close to the Willamette River, offering a view every now and then. The loop makes a 180-degree turn near I5, and follows the canal back to rejoin the second loop.

Whether you’re a runner or walker, Pre’s Trail provides an enjoyable experience for all close to downtown Eugene.