Story and Photos by Ashley Van Osdel
As a student at the University of Oregon, I’ve heard about all the places you’re supposed to see and all the things you’re supposed to do while in Eugene. One activity that came up again and again: hiking Spencer Butte.
“You’ve got to go up there,” people would tell me. “Those views are the best in the valley.”
Sure they were, but I always seemed short on time and I figured I’d go up there eventually. It’s not like I didn’t like hiking – I am from the Northwest, after all. Growing up near Portland, I’ve been exploring hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge and around the West Hills since I first learned to walk. Again and again, however, I put off the butte. Then I arrived at the end of my senior year.
One warm and bright Saturday morning not too long ago, I found myself on the 73 UO/Willamette bus along with friends Jenny and Quincey, headed south of Eugene.
I was the oldest of the three of us, and the only one who had never been. Quincey was our guide and led us to the trail. The hike through the forest was slow and steady, but had a constant and dragging ascent upwards. The leafy green cover sheltered us from the sun and thankfully kept sweating to a minimum. Half an hour in, I could feel the muscles in my legs beginning to complain, my water bottle was almost empty – and we weren’t even halfway up the trail!
When our trail ended in a clearing, I figured we must be near the top. But instead we had reached the top of the natural treeline. There was no more forest to walk through.
“This is the part where you use your hands,” Jenny explained. “The top of the butte is all rock.”
True enough, the rest of our trek was managed through a combination of carefully placed feet, balancing, and climbing. It wasn’t exactly rock climbing, but it was close. I pulled my way up to the top.
All around us, Eugenians were enjoying the butte. I saw other college students, people with dogs, and even young families. It definitely pushes you to work harder and keep going when the six-year-old on your right is outpacing you.
Then, suddenly, we were at the top. At once, I understood why so many people had encouraged me to come up here. Looking north I could see all of Eugene. Autzen Stadium was an easily noticeable landmark but appeared small from that height. Fields, forests, rivers, lakes, and the foothills of the cascade and coastal ranges were all in clear sight. The summit provides an excellent 360-degree view of the surrounding Willamette Valley.
It was there while standing at the summit and contemplating the view that I found a way to say goodbye to my home of the past four years.
