A visit to the great outdoors can do wonders for the mind and body. Willamalane's guided hiking and snowshoeing outdoor adventures make it easy for you to explore the Willamette Valley and surrounding areas! New fall excursions are planned! Registration opens Aug. 11.
Jump ahead to:
Guided Hikes with Obsidians
Explore our area on these guided group hikes offered in partnership with Obsidians. Hike leaders will provide guidance and narration on the hike. Transportation and water are included.
McKenzie River Waterfall Loop Hike
Enjoy stunning blue-green pools along both sides of the McKenzie River as it plunges over Sahalie and Koosah Falls down to Carmen Reservoir. You loop both falls from both sides of the McKenzie River. This makes for a rewarding beginner's hike, which begs you to stop often to appreciate the stunning beauty along its path. Three miles, 400-foot elevation.
- Departs from Bob Keefer Center
- $20 in-district, $24 out-of-district
- Sunday, Aug. 8, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Join the waitlist
Erma Bell Lakes Hike
Erma Bell Lakes and waterfalls hike is an easy 4.2-mile round trip. We will travel on fairly even ground through a wooded area for 1.5 miles to lower Erma Bell Lake for a short break where we can view the steep banks, deep waters, and volcanic flows of the past. Next, we are off to the moss-covered rocks and splashing waters of Middle Erma Bell waterfalls. Pushing forward to Middle Erma Bell lake, which is a much shallower lake with a beach-like area, where if inclined you can wade in the cool waters.
- Departs from Bob Keefer Center
- $20 in-district, $24 out-of-district
- Tuesday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Join the waitlist
Ribbon Trail Hike
Ages 18+. This three to four mile hike has a 300 foot elevation gain. Along the hike, we will venture through familiar gardens and forest then veer to some little known areas right in Springfield. At the end of the Ribbon Trail, hikers will see the Obsidian Lodge located on a wooded, 4.5 acre tract in southeast Eugene.
- Departs from Bob Keefer Center
- Sep. 9, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- $20 in-district, $24 out-of-district
- Register on Aug. 11.
Blue Pool Hike
Ages 18+. Hike the Mckenzie River Trail to the legendary Blue Pool at Tamolitch Falls. The stunningly clear blue water of the pool is an Oregon treasure, fed by underground springs. The hike is a four-mile round trip with approximately 300 feet of elevation gain.
- Departs from Bob Keefer Center
- Sep. 23, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- $20 in-district, $24 out-of-district
- Register on Aug. 11.
North Fork Willamette Hike
Ages 18+. This hike will begin in the quaint and historic logging town of Westfir and head upstream past swimming holes and a historic dam site. The trees should be turning and will make for a scenic fall panorama. The hike is a four to five mile stretch of easy trail with very little elevation change.
- Departs from Bob Keefer Center
- Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- $20 in-district, $24 out-of-district
- Register on Aug. 11.
Shotgun Creek Hike
Ages 18+. The hike from the trailhead at Shotgun Park is an easy 3.4 mile loop with 300 foot elevation gain. Adventure through trees and forest before returning to the park along Shotgun Creek. Plus, learn about the Historic Wendling area on the way up to the trailhead.
- Departs from Bob Keefer Center
- Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- $20 in-district, $24 out-of-district
- Register on Aug. 11.
Snowshoeing
Explore the world of snowshoeing with Willamalane's introductory level hikes. These are great beginning to intermediate guided classes. All gear, safety, transportation, and basic instruction is provided. All classes have a pre-trip meeting to learn what to pack and the basics of the gear.
- Departs from Bob Keefer Center
- Prices vary by class.
- Register on Aug. 11 to see upcoming sessions.
