Hiking and Biking

Near the Amazon courts, runners will enjoy the bark-o-mulch trail that follows Amazon Creek in a 1-mile loop. Of course, the best jogging is along Pre’s Trail along the Willamette River east of Alton Baker Park [1].

Another good route is the road behind 24-Hour Fitness (1475 Franklin Blvd.), which is closed to motorized traffic. This leads to a footbridge that takes bikers, hikers, and joggers to Pre’s Trail, the Willamette River Bike Trail, Autzen Stadium, and other facilities found along the Willamette River Greenway.

Eugene [2] and Springfield together boast 120 miles of on-street bike lanes, limited-access streets, and off-street bikeways. The two cities collaborate to publish a free bicycle map; find it online by going to the Eugene city website (www.eugene-or.gov [3]) and searching for “bicycle map.”

Collins Cycle Shop (60 E. 11th Ave., 541/342-4878) is centrally located. Here and elsewhere, look for the high-quality bikes, bike equipment, backpacks, and raingear made by the local Burley Designs co-op.

Another innovative local bike business is Bike Friday (541/687-0487 or 888/777-0258, www.bikefriday.com [4]), known for their extra-cool custom-made folding bicycles.