Head Out and Up

Hikers

Spencer Butte is a popular hiking destination located in the south Eugene hills in Oregon, USA. It offers a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views of the surrounding area.

The hike to the summit of Spencer Butte is approximately 2.5 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of approximately 800 feet. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but it can be steep in some areas and requires a moderate level of fitness.

Along the way, hikers will pass through a diverse landscape of oak savannas, Douglas fir forests, and rocky outcroppings. The summit of Spencer Butte offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Willamette Valley, the Cascade Range, and the city of Eugene.

Hiking Spencer Butte is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike, and the trail can get crowded on weekends and holidays. It is important to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and pack out all trash to help preserve this beautiful natural area.

In addition to hiking, Spencer Butte also offers opportunities for bird watching, picnicking, and nature photography. It is open year-round, but hikers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially during the rainy season.

Have a great hike!

Tree species

Spencer Butte is home to a variety of tree species. Here are some of the most common trees that you might see while hiking on Spencer Butte:

  1. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
  2. Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana)
  3. Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
  4. Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
  5. Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)
  6. Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
  7. Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia)
  8. Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia)
  9. Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)
  10. Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)

These tree species provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife and contribute to the unique beauty and ecological diversity of Spencer Butte.

What to wear

Think about what season it is (look outside and check the weather) and dress accordingly.
Nothing spoils a good hike than being uncomfortable.
Footware: hiking boots, sneakers, sandals, high socks to protect from the poison oak
Below the waist: shorts, jeans, jogging pants, sweat pants
Above the waist: tank-top, tee-shirt, sweater, jacket – fleece and/or waterproof/windproof. Stay away from cotton. It doesn’t wick moisture away from the body very well and takes a long time to dry out.
Head: Bandana, Hat, sunglasses

Tips

– DO NOT leave valuables in your car.
– Go to the bathroom before you start your hike.
– There are port-a-potties just as you enter the trail above the parking lot of the main trail.
– Think of dressing in layers to allow for a comfortable hike.
– snake bite kit (you never know. there are rattlesnakes)
– Something to ease the ichiness of poison oak like Calamine, Hydrocortisone, vinegar,rubbing alcohol(you can leave this in the car)
– Remeber you will see plenty of people on a nice day and everyone hikes at their own pace. Show common courtesy when passing others or if your slow allow others to pass you.