The first settlers in the Eugene area were the Kalapuyans tribe. This tribe still exists today as part of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. Some archaeologists suggest that the Kalapuyans have been living in the area for over 10,000 years. The tribesmen continuously move around the countryside for local food collection and preservation. Moreover, they also maintain controlled burns to promote the growth of the camas field. Take a stroll to the valley in the Spring to gaze upon the beauty of the mesmerizing camas flowers covering the entire meadows. The city has seen its fair share of settlements, with the French fur traders being one of the few to settle in the Willamette Valley. The most prominent settlement was made by Eugene Franklin Skinner, after whom the city is named. Eugene Franklin settled in the Valley with 1,200 other settlers. Eugene was officially established as a city in 1853. The city thrived because of its first prosperous industries which included minings, distilleries, and agriculture. Later in 1872, the University of Oregon was built, to introduce higher education to the locals, adding to their academic future.

Eugene is a place where you’d always want to take some time out in your busy week to head out and enjoy the scenic beauty of the city and the many activities that it has to offer.

For starters, if you are into hiking or trail, you can head out to the 1.7-mile loop trail on Spencer Butte’s rocky summit. Upon reaching the summit, you will be thrilled to behold the astonishing paranormal view of the southern Willamette Valley.

Apart from hiking, you can enjoy a lifetime experience of whitewater rafting on the McKenzie River, which is a 90-mile-long tributary of the Willamette River. When Spring comes, you may visit the south Willamette Valley to enjoy the seven wonderful waterfalls, formed due to the melting snow in the season. If your kids want to go to a more educational site, head to the Cascades Raptor Center and get a tour of the non-profit organization that nurses the injured birds, mostly hawks, falcons, and eagles. Another great educational site that you must visit is the Eugene Science Center on the 2300 Leo Harris Parkway. The science-themed museum features an exhibit hall that offers some permanent and changing exhibits and a Planetarium.

If you wish to visit Eugene, OR to get the feel of the city before moving there, you may check in at the Timber Motel or the Downtown Inn. Both the places offer budget stays for visitors with a limited budget. If money isn’t the issue, you may stay at the boutique hotel, the Inn at the 5th. The Residence Inn is also a great luxury hotel that offers a perfect riverfront of the Willamette River.