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Spencer Butte Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 679 Google reviews · Running trail in Eugene, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Spencer Butte Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Popular butte with hiking trails, panoramic valley vistas and friendly squirrels.
What runners say about Spencer Butte Trailhead
“View was beautiful, the inside forest was very peaceful, you can see the foliage, and trees sway, and hear the wind in your ears.”
Love this hike, as ALWAYS. It is only 20 mins from my place after all. Attached are unedited photos along my reflective/meditative hike today. If you like the pics and review, please follow for more local reviews!
We went up the Butte on the hazy day with some smoke from the wildfire East of town. In the past month they had a gravel to the trail so it wasn't as smooth but it wasn't muddy either. Even though we couldn't see the sisters or any of the big mountains it was still a worthwhile hike and felt good to get to the top.
I just cannot get enough of these views. Multiple different angles, photos, nature times, sunsets, moon rises... All EPIC!! Also a good place to clear your mind and be in nature. I tend to enjoy going the steep shorter hike up and then take the longer less steep path back to the parking lot.
The round trip distance from the parking lot to the summit is 2.5 miles, and it’s a moderately difficult trail. The final 0.5 mile to the top has a fairly steep incline and a rocky path. It took about an hour round trip without breaks, with a 5-minute rest at the summit.
Trail conditions & character
“View was beautiful, the inside forest was very peaceful, you can see the foliage, and trees sway, and hear the wind in your ears.”
“i would say going up and looking at the beauty of the natural sceneries is worthwhile looking at if you don't plan to climb all the way.”
“From the parking you have 2 trail options: west route & main route; the West Route is short BUT extremely difficult.”
“There were other dogs on the trail as well but I would not recommend for smaller dogs.”
“In the past month they had a gravel to the trail so it wasn't as smooth but it wasn't muddy either.”
“There is a loop that is supposed to be more difficult and will try that another time.”
“Parking was great, lots of it, bathrooms were clean and did not smell as much.”
Plan your run at Spencer Butte Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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.
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