Backpacking around Eugene, OR

There is plenty acccessible by car, not so much without. There is a bus that runs from town up to the Willamette Natioanl forest area, but that would be quite a long ride and difficult logistically. The Oakridge area has a good trail system (multi use, but mostly mountain biking), but that’s 45 minutes away.

In short, to get to any decent backpacking, you’ll need a car or someone to drive you.

Not quite that bleak, but close

http://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Public_Transportation

Lane County transit goes up KcKenzie highway to within 15 miles of the PCT and The Three Sisters.  Three Sisters is my favorite. (actually I have a number that are my favorite).  And there are closer trailheads than 15 miles.  You’d have to walk up the road a ways though.  Maybe they let you take a bike.

The Go bus goes from Eugene to Bend.  I think you can get out at Santiam Pass.  Maybe they’d even pick you up.  Maybe if you arrange ahead.

Something to research.  Let me know if you find anything else out and I’ll add it to that page.

Maybe you could post something here or on oregonhikers.org and coordinate with someone else.

I just looked at this a little more, more accurate is, from the end of the Lane Transit bus at McKenzie Bridge “it’s about 21 miles from the PCT and the Three Sisters. Walk about 3 miles east on highway 126. Then walk on gravel Foley Ridge Road about 10 miles to the Foley Ridge Trailhead. Then it’s about 8 miles up to the PCT. This is just from looking at a map so “buyer beware”.

Consider Lyft/Uber to get you to other trailheads.

Thanks, I didn’t know anyone had responded here. I appreciate all the details Jerry.

I’d like to see all those places (hopefully after I quickly land some work.) Fingers crossed I’ll be able to arrange rides if I need them.

On a recent odyssey in Southern, IL I was offered long free rides at both ends by total strangers. One woman bent over backwards, waited for my shuttle and drew me a personalized map; another fearlessly swooped me up on the side of the road and saved me ten miles of walking on the highway. Very heartwarming experiences.