Pre’s Trail
Pre’s Trail, a 4.1-mile runner’s oasis in Eugene, Oregon, honors the legacy of track hero Steve Prefontaine, offering a diverse landscape of hardwood forests, open grasslands, and riverside views. As reported by Runner’s World, this woodchip-covered path features multiple loops and offshoots, allowing for varied running experiences through Alton Baker Park and connecting to the Willamette River Trail.
Trail Summary
Trailhead: Alton Baker Park
Named After: Steve Prefontaine, Oregon Track Athlete
Length: 4.1 miles
Elevation: Minimal Change
Difficulty: Classified as Easy
Surface Conditions: Wood Chips and Bark
Trailhead Location and Access
Pre’s Trail offers multiple access points for visitors, with three main trailhead entrances located at each of the primary loops within Alton Baker Park. The trail can be accessed off Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, near Autzen Stadium. For those coming from the University of Oregon campus, two footbridges provide convenient access across the Willamette River. The Center Loop can be reached via the Frohnmayer Footbridge, located south of Autzen Stadium and half a block north of Franklin and Agate Streets. The southeastern Big Loop is accessible through the Knickerbocker Footbridge, situated near Franklin and Riverview Streets. These various entry points make the trail easily accessible for runners and walkers coming from different parts of Eugene, enhancing its popularity as a recreational destination in the heart of “Track Town USA.”
Route Length and Surface Details
Pre’s Trail consists of three main interconnected loops totaling approximately 4.07 miles in length. The trail features a unique surface primarily composed of wood chips and bark, providing a soft, low-impact running experience. This surface is particularly beneficial for runners, as it helps reduce the risk of injuries associated with harder surfaces. The trail’s composition includes:
- Southeast (Big Loop): 1.66 miles
- Center (Parcourse Loop): 0.65 miles
- Northwest (Bottom Loop): 1.06 miles
While predominantly covered in wood chips, the trail also incorporates some single-track dirt sections, gravel areas, and a short stretch of asphalt on the Big Loop. The terrain is generally flat with mild undulations, making it suitable for runners and walkers of various fitness levels. This diverse surface composition, combined with the trail’s scenic route through Alton Baker Park, offers users a varied and enjoyable outdoor experience year-round.
Scenic Highlights and Wildlife
Pre’s Trail offers a diverse and scenic landscape, winding through several habitats including hardwood forests, open grasslands, and a lush riparian section along the Willamette River. The trail’s varied environment provides runners and walkers with constantly changing views, making each visit a unique experience. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy spotting a variety of animals along the trail, including eagles, herons, osprey, frogs, ducks, and foxes. The eastern portion of the trail, particularly in the Whilamut Natural Area, is known for frequent fox sightings. The trail also offers beautiful views of the Willamette River, enhancing the overall scenic experience. While the western portions of Pre’s Trail tend to be more crowded due to nearby day-use facilities, the eastern end provides a quieter, more nature-immersive experience for those seeking a peaceful run or walk.
Sources:
Wikipedia, Outdoor Project, Trail Run Project, Runner’s World
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