Tourism in Lane County

Mckenzie River Rafting, photo courtesy of TnT Whitewater Rafting

Article written and submitted by Andy Vobora, Eugene Cascades & Coast

In July 1969, the Apollo moon landing made history. You may not know that the lava fields near the Dee Wright Observatory, located on the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway, were used by NASA to conduct astronaut driver training! 50 years later we won’t have a moon landing, but we can help you experience lava fields and explore all corners of the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region. 

Visitors come to Lane County by the millions to experience a leisure vacation, attend or participate in a sports event or take part in a convention or meeting. They have one thing in common – they are spending more than ever.  In Oregon, visitor spending topped $12 billion in 2018 and in Lane County, direct visitor spending surpassed $762 million.  The chart below illustrates how visitor spending benefits our economy. 

Millions of Dollars. Source: Dean Runyan Associates, LaneCo2018p

But there’s more! Lane County residents spend nearly $260 million as we move in, around and out of the county. 

What’s going to get you moving this summer?  

Agritourism Experiences

Explore over 50 destinations offering unique culinary and agritourism experiences in the South Willamette Valley. Here are some of the amazing things you can expect: 

• Farm-to-table restaurants, artisan products and on-farm experiences that highlight local foods
• Hip, rustic and forward-thinking restaurants, bakeries and cafés serving 33% or more local ingredients on menu items 
• Places to stay with unique experiences such as farm tours, tastings, dinners or animal viewing

Download the entire South Willamette Valley Food Trail guide or pick up the brochure at Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Information Centers and participating businesses.

Beer, Wine, Cider and Spirits, Oh My!

Travel Lane County’s popular paper passport games have gone digital. Download the Eugene Tasting Trails app and you’ll find information on our region’s award-winning wine, craft beer, cider and distilled spirits. Check-in when you arrive at your stop on the trail and retrieve your prize from our visitor centers once you’ve collected the required number of stops.  

Fairs & Festivals

Come together around tradition and history by attending a fair or festival. Summer is full of family-friendly fun.  

• The 50^th anniversary of the Oregon Country Fair. Started in 1969 as a school fundraiser, the Fair has blossomed into a deeply beloved three-day music and craft event drawing locals and visitors from afar. 
• The Blackberry Jam Festival. This wholesome community event features plenty of great music, unique crafts and delicious food. Events include a car show, fishing derby, quilt show, parade and more!
• The Coburg Golden Years Festival. This two-day event features activities for kids like the Pet Parade, Kids’ Rodeo, bounce houses and dunk tanks. For adults, there will be a wine and beer terrace with drinks from Coburg favorites like Hayworth Estate Wines.

Oregon Country Fair, photo by Melanie Griffin

Get Outdoors 

Lakes, rivers and trails await and there’s something for the entire family. 

• Enjoy a relaxing meal overlooking a pristine lake or hike to view vistas that will take your breath away. Know before you go! Winter impacted many trails, so call or visit our Adventure Center for the latest conditions and to purchase any necessary permits.   
• It’s the 10^th anniversary of the Oregon Scenic Bikeways program, so pump up your tires and ride. Head out on a paved urban path, a scenic bikeway, or tag along on a planned ride with GEARS.  Want something more challenging? Oakridge was recently recertified by the International Mountain Bike Association as a gold-level Ride Center. One of only seven in the world!   
• Grab a pizza and watch the river roll by at Roaring Rapids Pizza Company. While you’re there, take a spin on their new carousel. 

Middle Fork Path Cycling, photo by Sally Mcaleer

And there’s so much more! Visit our website and sign-up for a weekly email of upcoming events.  You’ll impress your friends by knowing everything that’s happening from the coast to the Cascades!