Ridgeline Trail System: Dillard East Trailhead

The Ridgeline Trail traverses the southern end of Eugene with an almost completely connected 12 miles of trails through various parklands. Itas a great way to get out and explore right in town. The adventure can start at any one of eight trailheads with the main attraction being the rocky outcropping of Spencer Butte a the cityas highest point at just over 2,000 feet. The trail is a popular spot for hiking, trail running and mountain biking (on the sections that are open to it). Itas a great place to view wildlife a birds and other small animals can be seen year round. In 1937, F. M. Wilkins, the chairman of the Eugene Park Commission, summed the city's future up best when he remarked that aEugene boys and girls will be climbing Spencer Butte fifty and one hundred years from today, to be inspired by looking over a city built out to the very foot of the Butte.a The land was originally purchased back in 1940, and it was almost 3 miles from the city limits. The Ridgeline Trail System has been cared for and treasured by the citizens of Eugene ever since. This section of the Ridgeline Trail takes you up and over Mount Baldy and provides you with a good view both north and south of the valley. The small parking area has a map and information about the trail system. Just after the start, the trail splits and becomes a hiker's only trail to the summit. The other trail is open to mountain bikers. A bench at the summit is nestled under a big oak tree, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the view. From here you can circle back around on the multi-use trail or, for a longer hike, continue on for another 0.6 miles to the Spring Boulevard Trailhead before heading back. Trailheads (from west to east): Wild Iris Ridge Blanton Ridge 52nd & Willamette Spencer Butte Fox Hollow Martin Street Dillard West Dillard East Spring Boulevard