Be In The Know

McCredie Hot Springs

McCredie Hot Springs are not for the faint of heart. Pools are constantly changing shapes, the temperatures are unpredictable compared to others, and the water is murky with silty bottoms. Still, the reward is great for those who dip in anyway.

Just off Highway 58, about 8 miles east of Oakridge is the parking lot for the springs. The pools here are shallow but very easy to access. To get to the larger pool, you can cross the river when it is low (but do so very carefully as the flow can be fast during certain times of the year) or just drive further down Highway 58 and turn right at the next opportunity. You will cross a bridge over Salt Creek and wind through the forest for a bit before finding a very small, unmarked pullout on the right-hand side. The hiking trail down to the springs is just shy of a mile with little change in elevation. Clothing is optional here and the crowds are usually pretty minimal.

Belknap Hot Springs Resort

Right on the edge of the McKenzie River, Belknap is the perfect place to soak if you want the healing benefits of mineral-rich waters without the mud or skinny dippers. The water from the springs across the river is pumped into a large, clean swimming pool with nearby restrooms, showers and deck chairs. Inside the lodge at Belknap, there is also a small market for snacks. Pay $8 to soak for an hour or $15 to lounge for a whole day. Access to the day-use pool and second upper pool is extra. If you forget to bring a towel, you can rent one from the lodge for a small fee. After a relaxing experience in the pool, cross the bridge for a stroll through the beautiful gardens. If you are lucky, you'll find the "Secret Garden" - a favorite spot for photos.

Terwilliger Hot Springs

After being closed due to fire and landslides, this beautiful hot spring is now reopened and better than ever. Terwilliger, or "Cougar" if you ask the locals, is one of the most popular hot springs in Oregon. As such, you can expect to see quite a few people on a visit to their four clear cascading pools. The source of the spring is at the top and each pool gets gradually cooler as you go down. There is a cash fee of $7 per day for use of the hot springs. Clothing is optional at Cougar but you might see folks covering themselves in the spring’s mud or clay since it’s said to be great for the skin. There is a small covered area for your belongings and new restrooms nearby. The parking lot is a quarter mile hike through lush forest from the springs.

Deer Creek Hot Springs

Deer Creek, also known as Bigelow Hot Springs, is more like a "warm" springs and is actually best to visit in summer. This single pool sits so close to the river that it disappears completely during the months when the river runs high. Even though the waters don't get as hot as some of the others on this list, the site itself is special. The warmest spot in the pool is near the back of the cave which covers about half the pool. From there, you get a great view of the river and the forest. There is no cost for a soak here and clothing is optional. Luckily, Deer Creek is located just off the McKenzie River highway near Cougar and Belknap so if you happen to visit during the season when Deer Creek disappears, you can find another hot spring to enjoy.

Of course, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy the luxury of your own suite when you stay at the Gordon. Whether or not you spend your days dipping your toes in hot springs, you get to end your day by coming back to unwind in a comfortable living area with a sofa, gas fireplace, spacious bathroom, walk-in shower, and standalone tub. It would be our pleasure to help you cross off your “springs” list, and to host you for the night once you’ve had your fill. Make your reservation to stay at the Gordon Hotel today.

Hendricks Park is more than 100 years old and is home to the world-renowned rhododendron garden, a 65 acre forest, and a native plant garden. Walk among 200-year-old Douglas fir trees, wildflowers, and in the right season, more than 6,000 varieties of ornamental plants, including azaleas, magnolias and viburnums. Always lush with views of the city skyline, this garden park is delightful year-round. The rhododendrons peak in May, making that the most colorful month, but even before or after their voluptuous blooms, enjoy the many shades of green and native plantings. The garden features large open lawns and level paths that adjoin steep and narrow paths crisscrossing the hillside. Woodsy trails connect to the garden area for those seeking a more vigorous hiking experience.

Delta Ponds is a wetlands wildlife sanctuary that has the atmosphere of a wilderness garden. Wander the well kept paths around the ponds next to the Willamette River and cross many a bridge to admire nature in its undisturbed state. It’s a top spot for birding and wildlife watching as the water and shorelines are home to herons, geese, ducks, turtles, beavers, otters and countless other fauna. Wheelchairs and strollers may manage fairly well on the flatter, smooth stretches of packed pathway.

Moss-covered, damp, and mysterious, the Secret Garden at the Belknap Hot Springs Resort is a worthy wander. Cycle or walk the riverfront hot springs resort's many paths and hiking trails through open meadows, past cabins and into dark woods to discover a stunning hidden oasis. Combine time in the garden with a soak in their hot springs-fed swimming pool for the perfect soul soothing escape. (More about the springs next month.)

An interpretive boardwalk spans an 18-acre natural preserve of carnivorous Cobra Lilies at Darlingtonia-Wayside in Florence. A rare plant that "eats" meat, the Darlingtonia attracts and traps insects, which dissolve inside its stalk and then are absorbed by the plant. This unusual flower is striking to observe year round, but in the spring it blooms with purplish petals for an even more dramatic look. A picnic area is onsite, so pack a lunch and eat along with the Cobra Lilies!

The eight acre Owen Rose Garden may still be hibernating during spring and not yet have its trellis walk and pavilion enshrouded with blooms, but April ushers in the garden’s first cherry blossoms, and the early roses start to flourish as early as May. So don’t wait to walk the paths; soak up the bird song, spot the buds and sprouts and enjoy the glorious transformation in-action. And when the time is right, the garden will burst with blooms from 400 varietes of roses. Combine an outing to the Owen Rose Garden with a bicycle ride along the river or lunch in downtown Eugene.

The Mount Pisgah Arboretum is a natural preserve for native plant species growing in a variety of habitats. Visit rain or shine to follow trails wind through meadows, oak savannas, woodlands and along the river. Some paths are steep, muddy and more challenging; others are flat and wide-open. Informative artwork and interpretive stations in the wetlands and cedar exhibits make the tour interactive.

When the magnolia trees start to bloom in April, Ruff Park is an enchanting place to visit. Waltz beneath 400 magnolia trees in the ten-acre arboretum and admire other ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers, too. The paved pathways provide an easy route for wheelchairs and strollers, and keep your feet mud-free. There are picnic tables, interpretive signs, and wide open lawns to run and play.

The family-friendly Garden Lake Park has something for everyone, be it fishing, canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, or picnicking. Want to know more about the nature you see? Visit the interpretative pavilion for a full display on the local flora and fauna that may be spotted across the 33 acre parkland. A memorial to the early pioneers that passed through this area is also located here. Round out the visit by picking up lunch from nearby Creswell Bakery.

Alton Baker Park is Eugene’s largest riverfront park and has everything from meandering paths and gardens to solar system installation and art work. Take time to look at the Kalapuya Talking Stones, a native plant nursery and the Nobel Peace Park monument. Stroll around the edges of the pond, watching the ducks and enjoy the spring landscape as the cherry trees start to blossom. Large stepping stones across the water lead to a little landscaped island.

That may feel like too much to do in a weekend, but that just means you’ll have to come back to Eugene. And make sure to stay at the Gordon Hotel when you do!

The Ridgeline Trail is an extensive 12 mile trail system popular for hiking and trail running. It has many neighborhood trailheads in Southeast Eugene with each trail meandering along the low hills and ridges that skirt the edge of town. Seven trailheads lead to Suzanne Arlie Park, Amazon Headwaters, Mt. Baldy, Blanton Ridge, Moon Mountain, South Eugene Meadows and Wild Iris Ridge. Spencer Butte, the city’s highest point, crowns the Ridgeline at 2,058 feet in elevation. Zigzagging up wooded hillsides, plunging through wide open meadows, crossing small creeks and cresting along sweeping viewpoints, the trail system provides easy access to hikers of all skill levels and offers a diversity of hiking experiences. This fantastic series of hiking paths is easy to get to from The Gordon Hotel; plan short or long hikes depending on your mood and ability.

Spencer Butte is easily the jewel of the Ridgeline Trail system, standing out because its sheer height, alone. One of the most popular city hikes, this short trail has steep switchbacks through beautiful forests, meadows, and a rocky summit, and it can be muddy in the rain given that several streams and rivulets are likely to flow across the path. But that doesn’t render it unpassable; stone steps near the top of the summit make the final ascent easier. Starting at the South Willamette Trailhead, the moderate to difficult 1.7 mile loop trail climbs 784 ft before reaching the approximately 2,000 ft peak— the highest peak in the surrounding valley. The 360-degree view from the summit makes this short but challenging trail worth the effort for hikers of all ages, as long as you break through the clouds. On a clear day, look for views of the Three Sisters to the east and Fern Ridge Reservoir to the west. Looking for more? Hikers can connect this trail with other sections of the Ridgeline Trail System for a longer hike. Depending how early in the season you decide to hike, you may find that the trail is frozen near the top so wear your best hiking boots, sure your step, and be ready for an adventure!

A coastal hike can't be beaten in the rain. With the swirl of mist, the roar of the waves and the steady beat of the rain, all your senses are sure to come alive. With so many great options here from beaches to wooded trails, it can be hard to pick one, but we recommend the hike to the Heceta Head Lighthouse. This shorter, gravel trail handles wet weather well and provides some historic intrigue at the same time.

More of a ramble than a hike, touring Lane County's covered bridges is a great rainy day excursion, too. In Cottage Grove there are six covered bridges and you can cycle or hike between them. For the best hike, follow the Row River Trail on foot. The remaining county bridges require some road-tripping. The great thing about covered bridges in the rain is that they are covered! Enjoy a respite from the rain as you walk through them (some still allow car traffic but many don't). Bring a picnic and listen to the sound of the rain on their roofs.

You might not think of an urban walk through Downtown Eugene as much of a hike, but it can be a great way to stretch your legs and explore all the city has to offer. Rain saturates the already vibrant and uplifting colors of the downtown’s cheerful storefronts and businesses, making for inspired photo opportunities and inviting window shopping. But look where you step! Sidewalk art that only appears when wet is fun to discover underfoot. Tour the brightly painted murals or historic buildings, plaques and memorial tributes along your way. Note the lush parks that punctuate the city blocks. As you go, you'll pass cozy coffee shops and homey wine bars, gift shops, and galleries. Don’t let us stop you– enjoy a brief reprieve from the rain, but do take your coffee to go so you can see what else the city has to offer.

One thing we can promise, no matter where you choose to point your boots, once you are out in the rain and breathe in deep, the fresh and cool mountain air will revive and invigorate. Listen to the rain drops on the leaves, the song of a bird, and the rustle of the breeze. Relish walking with your head in the clouds, literally, and come back to sleep easy with us at the Gordon Hotel.

Salt Creek Falls
This is an ideal time to visit the waterfalls in Eugene, Cascades & Coast. Combine winter as our rainy season with early spring melt-off, and the falls are usually thundering with high volume flow. Plus, you and your traveling companions are more likely to have the whole wondrous place to yourself. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring winter waterfall is Salt Creek Falls. We love it for the snowcapped trees in the deep canyon, the towering falls (second tallest in the state), the dramatic icy basalt walls and the easy walk from the parking lot.

Make sure to bring your winter tires or chains and purchase your Sno-Park permit. For even more winter wonderland bliss, rent snowshoes in Oakridge for the hike to Diamond Creek Falls from Salt Creek Falls. The excellent team at the Willamette Mountain Mercantile offers rentals and can also tell you what gear is necessary to make the trek. Sometimes, your trusty pair of sturdy hiking boots will do the job! Also nearby is the Salt Creek Sno-Park where the whole family can enjoy tubing or sledding.

Haceta Head Lighthouse
Everyone loves the coast in the summer but true Oregonians know the magic of a wintery Oregon Coast, where winter storms create a spectacle of crashing waves. Fog blanketing the coastline makes everything feel mysterious and romantic and the occasional warm and sunny days make you forget it was unmistakably winter just the day before. And to observe it all from Haceta Head Lighthouse is perfect. There’s a protected cove beach ideal for tide pooling, a historic lighthouse shining into the fog with waves crashing on the cliffside below and easy access to the Oregon Coast Trail which leads through beautiful evergreen coastal forests.

Hot Springs Hopping
Choose between rugged, wild hot springs in the forest and floating in a clean pool filled with mineral-rich, hot springs water beside a cozy lodge. A couple of each we suggest are Terwilliger, where a short hike leads to six natural pools in a gorgeous waterfall setting, and Belknap Hot Springs Resort on the banks of the McKenzie River. The naturally occurring minerals in all hot springs are said to be great for the skin, sore muscles and hair - all of which tend to suffer during the winter months and could use the extra love. Some hot springs require fee for entry so bring cash and snacks.

Mount Pisgah
A beautiful bronze relief statue on the top of Mount Pisgah has vertical slits along its length through which the summer and winter solstice sun shines perfectly. Although visiting during the winter solstice is a special treat, this hike is wonderful all winter long. High above the fog, the summit has stunning nearly 360-degree views of the valley and beyond. The miles and miles of trails mean you can see something new hike after hike. When Eugene gets ice, this hike is extra magical as you gain elevation going through a variety of landscapes from oaky savannahs to fern forests.

5th Street Public Market
Finally, just outside your door, literally, enjoy the charming boutique stores and fine restaurants at the 5th Street Public Market and adjacent Market Alley where friends sip wine or hot cocoa on the veranda and children toss pennies in the fountain.
After you’ve enjoyed a decadent meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants and finished all of your shopping, submit to the urge to cuddle up and get cozy, inside the Gordon Hotel, your ideal winter escape. Enjoy a room with a jacuzzi and a fireplace to warm your bones. If you get hungry again, order room service from Marché and share it with someone special as the lights twinkle at the market outside.

We can’t wait to host you and share all the details to ensure your winter adventuring is as enjoyable as it is beautiful. Call today to make your reservation!

Ultimately, regardless of the activity, it’s safe to say the Oregon Coast can be a great place to escape to when winter weather visits Eugene and Springfield with a cold drizzle. Here are a few suggestions to help plan your coastal retreat.

COASTAL STORMS
While clear sunny days can grace the Oregon Coast in winter, many visitors actually come to the ocean seeking stormy weather. The romance of rain against the windows, howling wind ripping down the beach and gigantic waves pounding the cliffs can be exhilarating. Feel the rain mixed with salt spray, watch for lightening out at sea and imagine what it was like when ships relied on stars and lighthouses to chart their course. But don’t get too wet; fog and clouds can swamp in the views, and suddenly, so find a cozy spot to wait out the storm. Cozy up in the window of a beach-facing cafe or bistro pub, and after the storm, when the fog has lifted, breathe in the fresh ocean air and listen to the gulls as they discover stranded crabs and other sea snacks. For treasure seekers and beachcombers, ocean storms wash up new and interesting discoveries in tidal pools along the beach. What natural treasurers might you find? Driftwood, seaweed, smooth stones, bits of shell, the skeleton of a crab, sea glass, a bird feather, or washed up jellyfish. If you’re fortunate you might pick up an agate, fossil, or piece of petrified wood. Rare glass floats are always an exciting find! And don't worry about any foam lingering as the water recedes; it is not soap or pollution, just organic material whipped frothy by the winds over the waves.

WINTER BEACH & FOREST HIKES
The coastal mountain range collides with the Pacific Ocean to make hiking in the region incredibly scenic. Trek to one of the highest viewpoints on the Oregon Coast at Cape Perpetua lookout or take an easy stroll from the forest to the beach by following the Siltcoos River on the Waxmyrtle Trail. The nearly four-mile trail from Heceta Head Lighthouse to Hobbit Beach is a stunning stretch with plenty of Instagram-worthy stops along the way, too. Perhaps the best part of hiking these trails in the winter is that there are fewer people. While most of the beaches in this area remain fairly uncrowded year-round, wintering beaches are the perfect place for solitude, reflection, and discovery. More about these hikes in a later post!

RIDE THE DUNES
Believe it or not, winter is also a great season to explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The largest coastal dunes in the U.S., this otherworldly ecosystem is an ever-shifting landscape of sandy mountains and valleys home to unique coastal plants and animals. The dunes are easiest to access by buggy or wild ATV rides, but you can also ride out to the flat sandy beaches on horseback. Reserve a spot on the popular sunset horseback ride which includes a jaunt through forested dunes and the wide-open beach just as the sun dips into the Pacific. While you’re out, keep your eyes peeled for the tell-tale green flash and splashes of whales en route to Mexico. By buggy or by horse, this is a journey you won't soon forget.

WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching is at its best on the Oregon Coast in winter. From December through the end of March, approximately 18,000 gray whales migrate south from as far north as the Artic to warmer waters around the Baja Peninsula. Although some gray whales have made Oregon their permanent home and other whales, such as orcas, pop up at various times throughout the year, winter is the most rewarding time to catch glimpses of the giant creatures on their journey.
During one week in December and one week in March, volunteers turn out to count whales and share whale information with curious visitors. For optimal viewing, find a high place such as the viewpoints along Highway 101, the Sea Lion Caves, or Heceta Head Lighthouse. Spray from spouting whales is easier to see in the evening when the sun is low.

GOOD EATS AND ANTIQUES
Historic Old Town Florence is a charming riverside gathering place full of art, finery, and nostalgia. Plan to spend at least one full afternoon shopping in Historic Old Town Florence, or better yet, make a day of it by starting with coffee at River Roasters overlooking the Siuslaw River Bridge. In addition to the wonderful boutiques, explore the bountiful antique stores and art galleries you'll find on side streets. Grab some saltwater taffy to nibble on while you window shop. Buy a handcrafted wooden surfboard, art made from driftwood, and cozy new winter coats. For book lovers, nothing delights more than cozy bookstores like Books 'N' Bears. You'll find ample free parking, plenty of unique items, friendly shop owners and a festive atmosphere. Lunch at one of the great local restaurants and savor the smell of fresh-baked bread and warm, buttery clam chowder. Or, enjoy a full tea experience at LoveJoys after shopping for fine teas from around the world. Prefer wine over tea? Stop in to Bodega Wine Parlor for small plates and a stellar cellar selection of finewines. Florence is Oregon's coastal playground in every season. With the proper clothing and gear, you can enjoy this charming slice of the coast no matter the weather.

Pack to dress for every type of weather, and you’ll be ready to take on the coast during your stay with us at The Gordon Hotel.