Area Information
Lane County was established in 1851, and was named in honor of the first territorial governor, Joseph Lane. Fall Creek was a post office on the stream of the same name, which is a tributary to Middle Fork Willamette River. Many years ago the community was called Tay for the River Tay in Scotland. A.R. Randall was the first postmaster of the town.
The name of the post office was changed to Fall Creek in 1885. The Willamette Valley itself was the inspiration for the historic Oregon Trail expeditions. Situated in the southern Willamette Valley, Lane County's diverse offerings continue to attract visitors and delight residents.
Eugene is named after its founder, Eugene Franklin Skinner. In 1846, Skinner erected the first cabin in the area. It was used as a trading post and was dubbed as a post office in 1850.
At this time it was known as Skinner's Mudhole. Skinner founded Eugene in 1862 and later ran a ferry service across the Willamette River where the Ferry Street Bridge now stands.
In the fall you can enjoy food, fun and festivities at the city's unique Eugene Celebration. There's also an annual Asian Celebration, Scandinavian Festival and many other fairs and festivals.
Our area is extraordinarily rich in cultural activities and the arts. Each summer Eugene hosts the internationally acclaimed Oregon Bach Festival, as well as the Art and the Vineyard, the Oregon Festival of American Music and the Lane County Fair.
Audiences can enjoy superb live theater at more than half a dozen area venues. The Eugene Concert Choir performs high-quality choral classics as well as contemporary works. Dance and live music abound, and a broad selection of visual arts and crafts can be seen at local galleries. There are 7 museums in the region, including the Science Factory, a children's science and technology center and a local planetarium.
Colleges and universities in and near Eugene include the University of Oregon, Lane Community College, Northwest Christian College, Oregon State University, Western Oregon University, Willamette University, George Fox University and others.
Hospitals and medical centers in and near Eugene include Lane County Psychiatric Hospital, Sacred Heart Medical Center, McKenzie-Willamette Hospital, Cottage Grove Community Hospital and Mid Valley Healthcare/Lebanon.
The Willamette Valley exemplifies the allure of the Northwest. This valley was the inspiration for the historic Oregon Trail expeditions. Situated in the southern Willamette Valley, Lane County's diverse offerings continue to attract visitors and delight residents.
If you enjoy nature trails, you will be in awe of the hundreds of miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. Biking is a very popular activity and means of transportation in the Willamette Valley. Eugene is consistently ranked as one of the "bike-friendliest" cities in the nation. Over 100 miles of paths and multi-use trails border the Willamette River and connect to Springfield's 29 miles of dedicated bike routes.
The majestic peaks of the Cascade Mountains give way to the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. Oregon's old-growth forests enable visitors to view a wild and scenic area that has changed very little over the years. Activities on the rivers range from wild whitewater rafting or kayaking to the more relaxing experience of river floating pontoons or drift boats. Let a professional river guide show you the best fishing holes or take you through exciting rapids. They'll even point out memorable photo opportunities and describe the region's wildlife.
If it is snow skiing which appeals to you, follow the McKenzie River Highway toward Bend where you will find numerous ski resorts including the popular Mt. Bachelor, or follow Highway 58 to the Willamette Pass.
Don't forget to take advantage of the Willamette Valley's numerous golf courses. In this lush-green paradise, you will find some of the finest golf courses around. Low green fees, uncrowded courses and breathtaking views make golfing a very popular activity.
The University of Oregon's Hayward Field hosts national and international track competitions, and many world class athletes take advantage of the mild climate to train and compete in Eugene.
Fall Creek Reservoir was completed in 1965. It is a 1,820-acre pool retained by a 195-ft high dam operated for flood control and water conservation. The pool provides a popular lake for water sports.
The Willamette and McKenzie rivers that flow through the area offer exquisite scenery as well as excellent fishing opportunities, hiking and biking trails, rafting, and boating. Eugene is just 60 miles from the Pacific Ocean, and just a short drive to skiing resorts, lakes, and endless camping sites.
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