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Howard Buford Recreation Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 133 Google reviews · Running trail in Eugene, Oregon · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Howard Buford Recreation Area yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAFlat & fastHillyTrailhead parking

Mountain park featuring a wildlife refuge, marked trails, a mountain peak and an arboretum.

What runners say about Howard Buford Recreation Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (133 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“There are steep Meandering paths through forests, and fields up the mountainsides with beautiful views overlooking the valley containing Eugene.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Beautiful quiet trails, there are some muddy spots but it is a nice easy hike.”

This place offers a wide variety of diversity in types of hiking available. You can choose to hike in the fields, woods, forests, next to the river, or in wetlands. There are wide fairly flat paths that could accommodate wheelchairs.

★★★★★ — L.D. , Apr 2023

A very fine, "fine, fine, how are you...boring conversation anyway" place to walk. Rainy and cold this day, still, easy going. Beautiful at times. Lovely. I will have to speak with someone in charge about this.

★★★★★ — Gary , Jan 2024

This is a nice little hike that connects up to the top of Mount Pisgah. We went down from the summit going east on a small trail that lead to another way around the mountain through an assortment of wildflowers and ferns. Very beautiful and worthwhile hike.

★★★★☆ — Rob , Aug 2018

Beautiful place to explore. Lots of hiking trail options that go around the base of Pisgah as well as options to go up.

★★★★★ — Lisa , Oct 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 133 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 15 mentions

“There are steep Meandering paths through forests, and fields up the mountainsides with beautiful views overlooking the valley containing Eugene.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 13 mentions

“Love the trails, but disappointed that people insist on letting their dogs off leads on the trails.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“There are steep Meandering paths through forests, and fields up the mountainsides with beautiful views overlooking the valley containing Eugene.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Several different parking areas, portapotties easily accessible, well defined trails, some great elevation.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“There are wide fairly flat paths that could accommodate wheelchairs.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“Several different parking areas, portapotties easily accessible, well defined trails, some great elevation.”

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Plan your run at Howard Buford Recreation Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitebufordpark.org
  • Phone(541) 747-3817
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Howard Buford Recreation Area

34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR 97405

Get directions

Running trails near Eugene

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Georgia Pacific Park

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1.6 miles away

Mill Race Path, Jasper Road Trailhead

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PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Scenic, tree-lined paved trail along a river that's popular for walking, biking, and jogging.

2.0 miles away

Mill Race Path Bridge

4.7 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

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2.7 miles away

Mill Race Path, Booth Kelly Trailhead

4.4 ★★★★☆ 100 reviews

Springfield, OR

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Walking and biking path that’s also a trailhead for hikes.

3.1 miles away

Millrace Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 95 reviews

Springfield, OR

ScenicDog-friendly

Pet-friendly riverside spot featuring grassy areas, an arbor and an overlook to view wildlife.

3.5 miles away

West D Street Greenway

4.5 ★★★★★ 39 reviews

Springfield, OR

Scenic

3.9 miles away

All running trails in Eugene, OR →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.