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Past Activity

Forest Ranch Exploratory Walk

  • Start date: 10/17/2024

  • Start time: 9:00 AM

Description:

Forest Ranch Exploratory.  An easy, leisurely visit to a 2-mile loop walk to the west of Spencer Butte.

Discover 73 acres that have not been timbered for over 75 year…. a lush landscape of mature pine trees, open meadows and abundant wildlife to thrive. Eugene Parks Foundation is in the process of purchasing the property to be eventually turned over to the City of Eugene Parks Department.

Virtually no elevation gain.
Parking by Spencer Creek Grange near Lorane Highway and McBeth Road.

Mari Baldwin, Debra Messinger, David Medera, Pat Esch, David Yordy, Sue Wolling, Steve Adey, Patty Morrow, John Winquist Photo by: Joanna Alexander

  • Event Leader: Joanna Alexander

  • Event Leader Phone: 541-513-9624

  • Event Leader Email: joalexgypsy@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Urban

  • Departure Location: See Trip Description

  • Rating: Easy

  • Roundtrip total drive miles:

  • Season: 2024

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required:

  • participant prerequisites:

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 2 miles

  • Member Fees: —

  • Elevation Gain:

  • Non-Member Fees: 2

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

On a sparkling, sunny fall morning in an enchanting forest, we ambled on mossy paths through golden vine maples, towering above us ancient white oaks, valley pine, white fir, white ash, and curvy bigleaf maples, with an astounding variety of flora, sword and other ferns, and even wildlife seen and heard. Ooh\'s and ah\'s and the distant song of a Northern Pygmy Owl were heard. This seventy-something acre forest near Spencer Creek Grange will soon be acquired by the Eugene Parks Foundation (EPF) for eventual transfer to become a park of the City of Eugene. John Winquist, a longtime member of the EPF largely responsible for much work leading up to this imminent acquisition, shared stories from the current owner and of adjacent properties, access to which at some future time allow the Ridgeline Trail to connect completely around the south side of Eugene.

Gallery