The McKenzie River Trail, about an hour east of Eugene in the Willamette National Forest, is a little bit of a trek, but a worthwhile day trip for over 24 miles of trail running through a beautiful old growth forest along a wild river. The trail is flat and easy going, with lots of features — pools, log bridges, falls— to keep runners interested. At the south end, runners can access the trailhead near McKenzie Bridge. In the north, it reaches to Fish Lake. There are several points of access in between, just off Route 126. Whichever section of the trail you choose, it’s sure not to disappoint — many consider this one of the top trail runs in Oregon! Just be aware mountain bikers love it too, so you’ll want to keep your head up for zooming cyclists.
Trail Information
Bonnie Moreland
Features:
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Essentials
- Up to 24 miles one way
- Flat-rolling hills
- McKenzie Bridge
- McKenzie Highway
Current Weather & Forecast
Eugene, US
5:27 pm,
Jun 3, 2026
broken clouds
21°C
L: 21°
H: 22°
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Other Routes in Eugene, OR
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The Adidas Oregon Trail (aka the Amazon Trail) is a flat one mile path along the Amazon Creek, which connects with the lovely 3.5-mile Rexius Trail. Bonus: lit for night running.
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Hendricks Park is the oldest park in Eugene, featuring incredible rhododendron gardens and miles of paved and dirt paths, including access to the 12 mile Ridgeline Trail.
This stunning arboretum just a few minutes from town is brimming with paths, from easy rambles to steep climbs up the mountain. A favorite route is an 8 mile loop around the base of Pisgah.
An asphalt and concrete path reaching 6 miles from Westmoreland City Park to Meadowlark Prairie Reserve. The nicest part is the west end, where runners can extend their run to Fern Ridge Reservoir.
Springfield’s Dorris Ranch is a “Living History Farm” and one of the most popular access points for the 4 mile paved Middle Fork bike path, which runs east to Clearwater Park. Numerous other paths in the Springfield area.
The best neighborhoods for running in Eugene include Laurel Hill, Amazon, and the area surrounding the University of Oregon. Mostly DIY options on grid-like streets. Try to persuade U of Oregon folks to reopen Hayward Field to the public!
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