Mount Pisgah Arboretum Trails
In addition to the trails, the arboretum offers a visitor center, information kiosk, restrooms and picnic areas. Benches intermittently pop up trailside if you and your fur-baby need a breather or just want to take in the furtastic vegetation surrounding you. Bring any essentials for your trek, including water to share, and clean-up bags.
Three of the named trails offer virtually flat, easy hiking on the Willamette River's South Fork. These include the Riverbank Trail, Meadow Road and the Water Garden Trail. Other trails require a climb, but feature the rewards of furtabulous views of the Willamette Valley and Eugene. The Mount Pisgah Arboretum Trails meander through woodlands, wetlands, over creeks and and oak savannas. Several tree species grow within, including Douglas Fir, Incense Cedar and Oregon Ash.
The West Summit Trail #1 rises 290 feet to the 1050-foot top of Mount Pisgah via the West Summit Trailhead. The first half of the climb is steep and challenging, but it becomes gentler on the second half. Once at the top, you're treated to panoramic views on a wide, grassy mountaintop. You and your pooch may also spy osprey and red-tailed hawks soaring on the thermals above and below you, looking for lunch. Small mammals inhabit the forested areas and meadows, so Fido will have an exciting hike!
The Mount Pisgah Arboretum Loop combines several trails into a comprehensive route that begins at the West Summit Trailhead and ends at the David Douglas Monument at the summit. Keeping track of the connecting trails can be confusing, so a map is a must. The Loop features a 350-foot climb and can be crowded, so be sure to keep a tight grip on your pupster's leash. The trails are surfaced in gravel and bark chips and can be muddy in winter, so watch your step and be prepared with a towel for Fido.
Whether you're in search of a long, easy hike or are up the challenge of a moderate climb, the Mount Pisgah Arboretum offers both, pawrfect for two- and four-footed adventurers!
