Plenty of people who enjoy THC also love being outdoors, and Eugene has a lot to offer when it comes to natural beauty. One rule comes first: Oregon law does not allow cannabis use in public places, and that includes parks and trails (ORS 475C.377). So the best way to pair a hike with edibles is to keep them apart: hike first, then enjoy your edibles at home.
Oregon is profoundly known for its natural wonders, and the locals have worked tirelessly to maintain some of the more majestic points of nature in the country. In fact, you can find several hiking trails and natural areas that will have you feeling enthralled and right at home during your next adventure outside.
Three Eugene Hikes to Enjoy Before an Evening at Home
From parks with mile after mile of walking trails to duck ponds and summit-top views of the city, Eugene has a lot of places to explore. We’ve pulled together three favorite spots for a day outside before a quiet evening at home.
Mount Pisgah
If you are looking for the most incredible views to enjoy, Mount Pisgah is hands-down the best option near Eugene. Mount Pisgah actually sits just a few miles east of downtown Eugene. The summit at the top of the hills is pretty impressive—it actually gives you a complete panoramic view of the southern part of the Willamette Valley. From the top, you can actually see the full topography of the land.
If you want to make it all the way to the summit, you have about a 1.4-mile trek from the parking area, and the ascent is relatively steep. However, you can find some pretty amazing stopping points along the way to stop and take in the views. You can also find several shorter trails up and around the slopes of the hill if you want to stay off of the main hiking trail. The base of Mount Pisgah offers its own level of beauty with seven miles of trails that will weave you through the 209 acres and riverside habitat.
Note there are fees to park in the main parking lot, and if you plan to take the main route, be sure to bring a hat and water as there’s plenty of sun on the way to the top. To avoid the sun, go earlier in the day or later at night for cooler temps. Hiking towards the end of the day also gives you a spectacular view of the sunset; bring a light for the walk down.
Alton Baker Park
Alton Baker Park has been around since 1959 and sits in the northern regions of the city. This is a great option for those who aren’t quite ready for a challenging hike. In total, the park is made up of 373 acres to explore, including a tree garden and nature area, so this is an easy outing to fit in before an evening at home. The large grassy areas in this park are also perfect for dog owners. Numerous paths take you throughout the park, some of which are widely known by the locals as some of the most picturesque points anywhere in the area.
The park has several duck ponds and links to the Ferry Street Bridge that stretches across the Willamette River. While the park can be relatively busy during some hours of the day, later afternoons tend to be pretty quiet. So, you should have no issue finding a few good spots to sit, relax, and take in the natural surroundings.
Spencer Butte
Spencer Butte is a popular hiking option in Eugene, OR for good reason. From the top of the butte, you can get amazing views of the city and valley. As part of the Ridgeline Trail System, this hike offers a number of different route options of varying difficulty levels. If you’re up for the challenge, start your hike at the 52nd and Willamette Street trailhead to take the longer route that is 5.5 miles long. If you want to take it easier, we suggest taking the 1.8 mile loop that will get you there quicker but still rewards hikers with a fantastic view.
Hiking and THC Edibles: Keep Them Separate
Plan the hike and the edibles as two separate parts of your day. A few pointers:
- Don’t use cannabis in parks, at trailheads or on trails; Oregon law treats that as public use
- Don’t hike, climb, swim or drive under the influence
- Edibles can take up to four hours to reach full effect, according to the Oregon Health Authority, so finish hiking and driving before consuming any THC, and plan to stay home afterward
- Start with a low amount of THC and allow at least four hours to judge the full effects before considering more; our edible dosing tips explain why
- Store edibles in their original packaging, somewhere cool and out of reach of children and pets
Pick Up Edibles at Moss Crossing
On your way home from the trail, stop and see us at Moss Crossing on Friendly Street. Our guide to edibles at Moss Crossing shows the brands we carry, from gummies and mints to chocolates and cannabis sodas, and you can check our full menu to see what’s in stock before you arrive.