Mt Pisgah Howard Buford Park

If you are looking for a challenging and scenic hike, close to town, look no further than Mt. Pisgah. Located on 2,300 acres of the Howard Buford Recreation Area, you can easily make a day of exploring the area.

Mt. Pisgah, a volcanic butte, is easily spotted from Eugene/Springfield as it pops up more than 1,500 feet. It offers some steep climbs, but fantastic views of the Willamette Valley all the way from the Cascade to Coast mountain ranges.

Seventeen miles of trails take you through diverse habitat between the Middle and Coast Forks of the Willamette River. Trails range from less than a mile long to nearly four miles. The trail system offers hikers of all ability levels the opportunity to try short hikes or combine trails for longer more intense hikes. Many hikers choose to use trekking poles to help them up and down the mountain.
Hikers, runners and equestrians share the trails, while bikes and motorized vehicles are not allowed.

Among the native oak and prairie habitats you can often spot wild turkey, even coyotes, as you make your way to the summit. The park is also teeming with 500 plant species.

There are two main entrances to the recreation area, the west trailhead parking lot off of Seavey Loop and the smaller east trailhead parking lot off of Ridgeway Road in Pleasant Hill. The west end tends to be the more popular side as it is easier to access from the Eugene/Springfield area. The Mt. Pisgah Arboretum, which offers learning activities, is also located on the west side. More than 100,000 people visit the park every year.

Make sure that you where the proper footwear for your hike. Take your own water for you and your dog, as the only drinking water source is at the west end trailhead.

Note that poison oak grows rampant all over the recreation area, so stay on the designated trails. Keep your dog on a leash not only because that is park rules for many of the trails, but to keep them from getting into poison oak as well.

There is a day fee of $2.00 that you can pay at two pay stations near the east and west parking areas, or you can purchase a seasonal park pass at REI or the Lane County Parks office. It is best not to leave any valuables in your vehicle as there have been car break-ins in the parking lots.

Written by Korenza Burris for DiscoverEugene.com.