The undulating hill just to the southeast of Eugene is prized by the town’s hikers and dog-walkers for its natural splendour and well-tended trails. Energetic walkers can get to the 467-metre-high sum

The hike up to Mount Pisgah's summit offers a marked contrast to the Spencer Butte trail, another popular trail in the Eugene and Springfield area. Most of the hike is through open oak meadows rather than in the shade of giant fir trees, and the much more extensive trail network allows for many route variations. The area around Mount Pisgah, the Howard Buford Recreation Area, covers 2663 acres. It is situated between the Middle and Coast Forks of the Willamette River, and it offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, and special events. The 118-acre Mount Pisgah Arboretum is situated within the recreation area and was opened in 1973 with the intention of cultivating a showcase of trees and other plants from around the world. In recent years the focus of the arboretum has shifted to the establishment and protection of native species, causing no small amount of controversy among proponents of its original mission.The main trail to the summit is often crowded, although the remaining trails get much less traffic. The view from the top is expansive and extends to Diamond Peak when the weather is clear. Eugene and Springfield are partially visible to the northwest. "Swing Hill," on the western side of the Howard Buford Recreation Area overlooking the Coast Fork of the Willamette River, is another popular destination. Its two rustic swings that hang from a large oak tree are delight for kids of all ages. Please respect dog regulations that require leashes on trails 1 and 2 and voice control everywhere else. Leashes are required at all times within the arboretum. Resist the temptation to wander off the trail into the open meadows, as they are heavily infested with poison oak.

Located on Frank Parrish Road, Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a 209-acre arboretum and botanical garden. It lies between the slopes of Mount Pisgah and the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. Volunteers established the arboretum in 1973 when they created trails and built bridges: there are seven miles of riverside trails and 23 bridges. The landscape features meadows, forests, a water garden, and more. Initially non-regional plants were added, but later these were removed. The arboretum is the home of native plants such as ferns, mosses, shrubs, and wildflowers, and fauna like bats, birds, coyotes, deer, foxes, frogs, and other creatures.

Covering 209 acres on the slopes of its namesake mountain, the Mount Pisgah Arboretum harbors local and international species of trees. Walking trails fan out from the parking area taking tree-lovers to Mt. Pisgah summit, riverbanks, and various viewpoints over surrounding farmlands. Leashed canine companions are welcome at Mount Pisgah Arboretum, and evenly graded trails allow all hiking abilities to explore. For avid mushroom hunters, the arboretum hosts an annual Mushroom Festival each year, displaying more than 300 species of local mushrooms. Address: 34901 Frank Parrish Road, Eugene, Oregon Official site: http://www.mountpisgaharboretum.com/

Start at the main/west parking lot at Howard Buford Recreation Area - which is also the parking area for the Mount Pisgah Arboretum. Go through the gate next to the parking pass kiosk and take the first left onto Trail #17, which will climb steadily through the edge of some nice, mixed forest of maples, oaks and firs. Youll have great views of the farm valley below as well as the Coast Fork of the Willamette River, which meanders between the park and the farmland. Trail #17 will merge with Trail #7; continue straight at the intersection. Soon youll reach the intersection with Trail #3 - West Slope Trail. Go right onto that trail until just past a sharp bend in the trail. In one hundred feet or so, will be the intersection with Trail #4 - Spur, take a left on that. Trail #4 - Spur will climb at mostly a moderate grade through mixed forest dominated by firs and ferns and eventually become a gravel road that has a short stretch of very steep grade that will connect you to Trail #1 - Beistels West Summit Trail, where youll take a left to finish your hike to the summit. On that final section, youll travel through a beautiful section of White Oaks that were released from fir trees by Friends of Buford Park in a demonstration habitat enhancement project. Enjoy the spectacular views in all directions from the summit and then hike straight down Trail #1 - Beistels West Summit Trail to the main parking area. Or you can always return the way you came. History & Background Trail #17 is also known as Theodores Trail in honor of Theodore Palmer, a retired math professor at the University of Oregon. Theodore is one of the key founders of the Mount Pisgah Arboretum, which comprises a few hundred acres adjacent to the main parking area. For over four decades, Theodore did everything imaginable, from clearing blackberries and poison oak, building bridges, benches and buildings to fundraising and bookkeeping, all as a volunteer! He helped make the Mount Pisgah Arboretum one of the most respected in the country. Trail #17 was built and is maintained in a collaboration of Lane County Parks, Friends of Buford Park, and Friends of Mt. Pisgah Arboretum.

Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a sanctuary of natural beauty located on the banks of the Willamette river. This botanical garden is home to hundreds of plant species, numerous mammals, and reptiles including some endangered species. Shady trails in the Arboretum wind through evergreen forests, and along serene water bodies and are perfect for a casual stroll or hike. This place is also perfect to host a wedding reception and other parties and events,