Road Trip - Alton Baker Park and Pre Trail

Steve Prefontaine was an American middle and long distance runner, who inspired millions with his efforts and successes.  He won the NCAA Division 1 cross country championships three times, and made the cover of Sports Illustrated when he was just 19.  

While travelling in Europe, he was inspired by the style of the trails, and encouraged local officials in the University of Oregon college town of Eugene to build a similar trail.  The trail was finished just 4 months after his early death in a car accident.  His legacy continues on this beautiful trail, which is a must visit for any runner going to Eugene.  

Official Website of Alton Baker Park

The trail is located in Alton Baker Park, next to the University of Oregon's Autzen stadium.  Much of the trail is covered in bark chips, and winds through the beautiful forests around the stadium.  As you run on this trail, you'll notice how pleasant and soft the trail feels on your feet, and it gives a surprising bounce to each step.  

If you have the good fortune to be visiting Eugene, take some time to run on this trail.  It's a very rewarding experience. 

Park Map

Wikipedia entry on Pre's Trail

Trail Images:

Rocky Ridge Trail Pictures

These images are from a recent hike on the Rocky Ridge Trail.  

Hike to Brittle Leaf

The hike to the Brittle Leaf Trail takes you to a nice bench among the Manzanitas, and a beautiful view of an Oak filled open space.  

Location: Bort Meadow Staging Area

Trail Map

Photo Map

Mileage and Elevation: 2.6 miles round trip, 804' elevation ascent/descent

From the Bort Meadow staging area, take the MacDonald Trail, off to your right as you face the valley.  Before you start, look up over the valley and you'll probably see hawks circling, looking for their next meal.  The valley below contains the Bort Meadow/Big Trees group camp, which is used by groups for picnics and overnight camping.  

Go through the gate and start your hike. 

The MacDonald trail is a wide, fire road trail, popular with mountain bikers and trail runners.  It's got some ruts and minor channels from past rain runoff, so be careful with your steps.  

As you hike, you'll notice some nice clusters of Oaks on your right.  

At about 1.23 miles, you'll reach the Brittle Leaf Trail, on your right.  

You'll have a very short little hike down a narrow path to the end of the Brittle Leaf Trail.  No bikes are allowed on this trail (it's very narrow and a bit overgrown).

At the end of the trail is a bench, with beautiful views across and oak studded valley.  

You'll be sitting in a Manzanita grove, so take some time to look at these unique and beautiful shrubs.

When you're ready, head back up the Brittle Leaf Trail to the MacDonald Trail, and take a left.

Follow the MacDonald Trail downhill back to the staging area.  About half way back, you can sit on this bench and watch the hawks over the valley.

Going to Brittle Leaf Trail is uphill, and the return trip is all down hill.  This hike won't take you long, especially if you run it.  But it's a perfect Sunday morning stroll, especially if you get there early.  Enjoy!

Images

Road Trip, Eagle Rock, Lake Tahoe

Eagle Rock offers a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe.  Until recently, the only way to get to the top of Eagle Rock was to climb up steep, random trails created by hikers.  However, this past summer, the California Tahoe Conservancy spent $100,000 and enlisted volunteers to build a new, meandering trail up to the top.  It's an easy climb, and when I visited, the trail was busy.  You'll see a variety of trees, and shrub, including manzanita.  The rock at the top is lava rock, and you'll find ample supplies to build little zen rock towers, if you're so inclined...

Portola Redwood State Park Highlight Reel

This video showcases the beauty of some of the trails at Portola Redwood State Park.  Even in late summer, the streams were clear, and the vegetation was lush.