The winter days can get a little long, but with so many fun winter things to do in Eugene this winter the days can be filled with eating made from scratch pastries from a local cafe, winter hiking, whale-watching, Christmas shopping and so much more!
If you are wondering where to travel this winter season, Eugene, Oregon should definitely be on your radar. With the city being in a central location, close to the mountains, the McKenzie River and just an hour away from the Oregon Coast, it’s a great place for some winter fun!
A big thank you goes out to Eugene Cascades and Coast for setting up this amazing winter getaway! All thoughts and opinions are our own. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, we may receive compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you and allows us to keep serving you with great content.
Go on a Snow Hike
To add some difficulty and snow fun, go hiking on a trail that has some snow. You might want to check the weather beforehand and bring snow gear, spikes and maybe even your snowshoes, but its totally possible and fun!
Salt Creek Falls
Salt Creek is the second highest single drop waterfall in Oregon. It can be very snowy at this time of the year but makes for some great snowshoeing or hiking.
Sahalie and Koosah Falls–
These two beautiful waterfalls are located in the Willamette Forest. It’s an easy 2.2 mile loop trail featuring the two waterfalls.
Visit The Village Green Holiday Lights & Market
The Village Green Christmas Market is a perfect place to go as a couple or as a family to enjoy the festive outdoor festival in historic Cottage Grove. There are half a million Christmas lights, traditional German food and drinks, live music, photos with Santa, and a vendor market to enjoy!
Watch the 5th Street Market Snowfall
Snow isn’t always guaranteed in Eugene during the winter season but you’ll be sure to find snow at the Fifth Street Public Market! Every Friday and Saturday evening from Friday, November 24th through Saturday, December 23rd, at 6:00-6:30 pm you can enjoy some snow while sipping on a warm hot chocolate.
This is a free and fun event to bring the whole family to.
Soak at a Hot Springs
There’s nothing better than soaking in a warm hot springs pool after a winter hike. There are several wild hot springs you can soak at as well as a hot springs resort if you’re wanting something more established. If you are exploring outdoors during the winter in Eugene, here are some great choices!
Cougar Hot Springs AKA Terwilliger Hot Springs
After a 10-month closure due to wildfire damage, Cougar Hot Springs reposed in July 2019. The hot springs are located under a canopy of forest. It features stair stepped rock walled pools. There’s 5 pools that are slightly cooler than the other, ranging between 112-90 degrees. It’s a short quarter mile stroll to get there. The springs are open year round and require payment of $6/day or $60/year.
McCredie Hot Springs
It’s located 50 miles southeast of Eugene and just 8 miles east of Oakridge. If you’re visiting Salt Creek Falls, McCredie and is a great spot to stop to warm up after a snow filled hike to the falls. There are typically 2-4 shallow and wide pools. There’s a small parking lot and restroom. The hot springs are free to visit and are day use only. Clothing is optional.
Belknap Hot Springs Resort
Is located right on the bank of the McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest. Belknap Hot Springs Resort is open year round and offer great accommodation if you want to make it into an overnight trip. It’s also located close to the 26 mile McKenzie River Trail that you can go hiking or biking on.
The place features two concrete hot spring mineral swimming pools. The lower pool is open to everyone but the upper pool which is a little bit smaller is for overnight guests only. The pools are kept at a nice and warm temperature of 102 degrees.
Winter hours are 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, pools are open until 10:00 PM for overnight guests only.
Pool Rates (included for overnight guests)
$8.00 for one hour ( includes access to shower and bathroom)
$14.00 per day per person
Go Christmas Shopping at Christmas Treasures
This family owned and operated Christmas Treasures store has been open almost all year long since 1993! It’s located on the McKenzie Hwy and a must stop spot for best Christmas gifts, decorations, and ornaments.
Go on a Winter Hike
Spencer Butte
This is a classic Eugene hike just a little bit outside the city. It features beautiful views of Eugene. There are a couple different trails you can take to the top but both feature beautiful thick forest, meadows and a rocky butte at the top.
Mt Pisgah Hike
This is another great hike to go on. There are a variety of easy to moderate loop trails all ranging from .5 miles to 1.5 miles. This makes a great place for all ages and abilities.
Watch a Ballet Performance at the Hult Center
The Hult Center for Performing Arts always has something going on for the Christmas and the winter season. You can also watch The Nutcracker be performed by the Eugene Ballet and Orchestra.
Rent a Cabin
Get away into the mountains or the Willamette Forest for a few nights with family or friends in a cozy cabin. There are many cabins to choose from, check out this article for more cabin getaway ideas.
Also, check out Airbnb for cozy winter getaways! Get $40 towards your next stay with airbnb.com
Waterfall Chasing
Sweet Creek Falls
It’s a 2.2 mile out-and-back trail located near Mapleton, Oregon. It features four tiered-plunges that cascade from 10-30 feet. It’s family friendly and involves wooden bridge and dirt trails.
Salt Creek Falls
A must place to visit! It has a drop of 286 feet (87 m) which makes it the third highest plunge waterfall in Oregon!
Koosah and Sahalie Falls
A 2.2 mile loop trail featuring two breathtaking waterfalls in the Willamette Forest!
Visit Oakridge
Oakridge is generally known for all the outdoor actiities it offers such as mountain biking, camping, hiking, rafting, boating, fishing and more! On the way to Oakridge, be sure to stop at McCredie Hot Springs for a soak. Also, make a stop at the red covered “Office Bridge”. During the Christmas season it is decorated with lights.
Go Snowshoeing Skiing or Snowboarding
The Cascade Mountains are not too far and are a perfect place to try snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding. Head to the Willamette Pass Resort for some downhill skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing. When you’re ready to warm up drive to one of the hot springs mentioned above to relax after a long day of play.
Drive to the Coast for Whale Watching & Storm Watching
Winter time is peak season to go whale watching on the Oregon Coast where mammoth gray whales start on their southern migration from the Arctic Ocean to the calm bays of Mexico where they birth their young.
Drive to Florence , OR to start your whale watching adventure and check out the Whale Watching Spoken Here program to make the most of your trip. The Whale Watching Spoken Here program places volunteers at some of the best whale watching sites during the two official watch weeks. Check out their website and map for more info!
It’s also the season to go storm watching as you sit in your warm hotel room with a warm cup of tea.
Get Cozy Wine Tasting at a Tasting Room
Wine tasting in the fall is just as good as it is during the warm summer days. Many tasting rooms are cozy, warm and quieter than during the rush of the harvest season. There’s still gorgeous views even if you don’t go outside. Check out Pfeiffer Wintery for a fireside tasting with roasting marshmallows in their lovely pavilion.
Other great wineries include King Estate, Oregon Wine LAB and more. Also, you can follow the South Willamette Wine Trail!
Ice Skate at the Rink Exchange
Put on your ice skates or rent them at the Rink Exchange where you can go ice skating in a large indoor rink. Admission for public skating costs, $8.00 for Adults and $6.00 for Seniors (55+), Students (with ID), Kids (17 and younger), and Military (with ID). Skates are also available to rent at $3.00 per person.
Go on a Food Tour
Eugene has so many great restaurants and cafes to try! Some of our favorite places,
Coast Fork Brewing
A small-batch brewery with a menu that offers locally grown food.
Axe and Fiddle
Located in historic Cottage Grove, Axe and Fiddle is a pub providing music, great food, beer and a full bar.
Planktown Brewing
Located in a beautifully restored building offering handcrafted microprews and NW inspired menu.
Cornbread Cafe
Vegan comfort food with Creole influence.
Cornucopia
Voted best burger in Eugene.
Cresswell Bakery
Homebaked goods and breakfast, with all ingredients sourced from local farms. A must visit!
Jazzy Ladies
A breakfast favorite in Eugene! This cute little café serves delicious food and coffee.
Provisions Market Hall
Local specialty meats, cheeses and other imported goods. Check out their food court for some delicious pizza or other international cuisine.
Marché
Delicious French inspired food. They do a great job serving unique local food.
Tacovore
Some of the best tacos in town.
Haybaby Burgers
Locally sourced amazing juicy burgers
Falling Sky Brewery
Great food and beer options, perfect for a drizzly winter day in Eugene.
Sweet Life Patisserie
Amazing desert with gluten free options
Check Out Our Ultimate Guide To Exploring Eugene Oregon For More!
Attend The Oregon Truffle Festival
Did you know that Oregon has World-Class native truffles! If you love truffles or are interested in learning about them, a perfect time to visit Eugene would be in January and February where you can take part in this amazing festival. Check out the Oregon Truffle Festival website for more information about this amazing event!
Explore Eugene’s Coffee Shops
Farmer’s Union Coffee Roasters
Check out this amazing coffee shop that is more than just a place to sit and drink a cup of coffee. You can learn more about the beans and the roasting process as you watch how it’s all done. Also, they are going above and beyond to be a sustainable and green business.
Coffee Plant Roaster
Coffee Plant Roaster serves high quality coffee and not only that but they also make raw juices for those who prefer something else. It’s a great place for a quick or long breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Washburne Cafe
Washbune Cafe is located on the mainstream of downtown Springfield. It’s a lovely space to do some homework, read, or take pictures of their aesthetically pleasing rustic brick wall, and vintage furniture. They serve coffee from Bespoken and sell gluten free pastries.
Also check out Tailored Coffee Roasters, Wandering Goat Coffee Co, Meraki Coffee and Co, and Equiano Tasting Room.
Visit Breweries
Are you into beer? Check out the Eugene Ale Trail! Once you complete the entire passport you can redeem it for a prize!
Best Places To Stay At
The Village Green is a great place to stay especially during the winter time. They have great winter packages that include the Christmas Market.
Some other great places to stay at in Eugene are,
The Inn at the 5th, The Campbell House Inn, Graduate Hotel, and others!
Get $55 towards your next stay with airbnb.com
Booking.comPlanning Your Eugene Oregon Winter Adventure
We hope this has been helpful in your winter trip planning! We really enjoyed our winter weekend in Eugene and already are planning to come back and explore more in the summer.
Oregon is full of amazing places and that’s why we are taking the time to explore our beautiful state! If you need more inspiration or ideas, follow us on our Instagram @thatoneadventurecouple!
Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our Adventure Newsletter where we feature all our favorite travel spots and tips!
Do you live in Eugene, Oregon and have anything to share, let us know in the comments below!
If you visit, let us know by tagging us in your pictures on Instagram #thatoneadventurecouple #idratherplayoutside!
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