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The largest loop of Pre's Trail follows the Willamette River near a protected natural area.


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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

Loop

438' 134 m

High

419' 128 m

Low

19' 6 m

Up

18' 6 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

2%

Max Grade (1°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers

Alton Baker Park is open from 6 am to 11 pm, 365 days a year.

Description

Like the Yellow Loop and Green Loop to the west, the Red Loop of Pre's Trail is a flat hike through Eugene's scenic Alton Baker Park. Further from the streets and encompassing the Whilamut Natural Area, the Red Loop is more peaceful and remote that the rest of Pre's Trail, though it is still a popular destination for local runners and walkers.

Beginning at the pond on the Red Loop's western end and circling clockwise, the trail starts near two benches at the end of Yellow / Red Connector. Head north along the lake, and then pass underneath a small bridge as the path turns east along Canoe Canal. Here, the Loop is bordered by some nice riverfront homes to the left and the grassy fields of the Natural Area to the right.

As the trail nears the elevated interstate, it turns south after passing another footbridge and crosses the asphalt bike path. It then turns west, passing another pedestrian bridge, and follows the Willamette River. Despite some tree plant areas on the left, this section allows the best views of the river along Pre's Trail. This also seems to be muddiest section of the trail in wet weather, although the wood chip-gravel construction drains quickly and is rarely much of a problem.

Red Loop nears a pair of radio towers around the mile and a half point and turns north. It's a few hundred feet to the end of the trail by the connector. Trail users wanting to go a bit further can cross the bike path to the right and pick up the Red Loop Shortcut, which cuts through the Natural Area.

Flora & Fauna

While the loops of Pre's Trail don't stay in any one environment for long, it does provide short opportunties to see several types of western Oregon wildlife and plants. Wooded and grassland sections alternate, along with some interesting riparian segments along the river. Wildlife is mostly restricted to smaller park animals like ducks and frogs, though fox sightings in the Natural Area are common. Birds circling overheads can include eagles, herons, and ospreys.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brendan Ross

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#17767

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  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#609

in Oregon

#17,767

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252 Since Mar 30, 2016
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Photos

The grasslands of the Whilamut Natural Area are a nice alternative to the thick woodlands of the Pacific Coast. The Willamette River is just out of sight to the left.
Apr 2, 2016 near Springf…, OR

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