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  • - Three Days in Lane County
  • A Day in Florence
  • Truffles, Wineries and B&Bs
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  • Golf in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast
  • Cycling Eugene Wine Country
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Three Days in Lane County

Lane County is filled with all of Oregon's wonders. We invite you to see and discover them for yourself. Incorporate the following itinerary suggestions into your Lane County itinerary.

Day 1

Located in the Willamette Valley, the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area is the perfect base for your Lane County experience. With all the conveniences of a large city but with the ease and charm of a small town, Eugene-Springfield provides easy access to culture, restaurants and recreational opportunities.

Itinerary options
University of Oregon - Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, the state"s largest educational facility. Visit the beautiful campus, attend a sporting event at the historic Hayward Field or take in one of the University's museums - Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art & Museum of Natural and Cultural History - to experience Eugene's campus life. The U of O's American English Institute provides intensive English language instruction to international students.

Scenic Drives - Take a leisurely drive through the agricultural community surrounding nearby Junction City on the Long Tom Country Trail, travel south to see six covered bridges on the Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Loop or travel a short distance to Coburg for antique shopping. Or head up into the foothills of the Cascade Range along the Aufderheide Scenic Byway. Stop by the Middle Fork or McKenzie Ranger Stations for an audio tour.

Wineries - Tucked in the coastal foothills lie rolling vineyards. Lane County often compares with the wine-producing region of Burgundy, France because of similar latitudinal and climatic conditions. This region produces exceptional Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris and tours are available at many facilties. From the intimate tasting rooms at Territorial Vineyards & Winery and Pfeiffer Winery to the grand properties of King Estate and Silvan Ridge/Hinman Vineyards, Lane County's wine country is as diverse as its varietals.

Museums - From extensive art collections to vintage aircraft to interpretive exhibits, Lane County's Museums offer fascinating guided and self-guided tours.

Arts & Entertainment - The spotlight shines on Lane County's performing arts scene. Spend the evening enjoying performances at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts by its seven resident companies, McDonald Theatre, Cuthbert Ampitheater, The Shedd, Actors Cabaret, Lord Leebrick and many more. Join the crowd for the free First Friday ARTWalk as the route meanders through the eclectic downtown galleries.

Day 2

Just over an hour west from Eugene-Springfield, visit the Florence area to experience Lane County's diverse coastline. Popular activities include golfing, shopping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, beachcombing, boating, and exploring the 40 miles (64 km) of sand dunes spanning the coastline.

Itinerary options
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area - The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends from Florence to Coos Bay with many access points along the All American Road, Highway 101. The towering sand dunes reach heights of over 500 feet (150 m) and provide recreational opportunities and wildlife viewing. For a wild ride on the dunes, take a guided trip with Sandland Adventures or Sand Dunes Frontier. Or stop by Sand Master Park for a sandboarding lesson on 40 acres (16 ha) of private, sculpted dunes.

Heceta Head Lighthouse - Take a tour of the most photographed lighthouse in the United States, Heceta Head. The Lighthouse and Heceta Head Bed & Breakfast (the former lightkeeper's house) were built in 1894.

Sea Lion Caves - The Sea Lion Caves, the only mainland home of Steller sea lions, is a natural wonder Descend 12 stories to the bottom of the cave where large windows allow a glimpse into the world of the sea lion. From the ocean-view pathways see native birds, sea lions and migrating gray whales.

Day 3

Just over an hour east from Eugene-Springfield, Lane County reaches to the Cascade Mountain Range. Travel there along the scenic McKenzie River Highway 126 or along Highway 58 to the communities of Oakridge and Westfir. Aside from the area's most popular activities, rafting and fishing, experience glorious forest hikes, miles of mountain biking trails, golfing, skiing and waterfalls with the breathtaking backdrop of the Cascades.

Itinerary options
Willamette Pass/Oregon Skyway - In the winter, Willamette Pass is home to seven ski lifts, including a high-speed, six passenger lift that gets you to the 6,683-foot (2037-m) summit in as little as five minutes. When the snow has melted, travel to the top via the Oregon Skyway gondola for access to scenic hiking and mountain biking trails.

Water Recreation - Both the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers provide endless water fun. Raft or kayak for a wet and wild adventure or take a leisurely trip on a pontoon. Go wakeboarding or relax in a driftboat on the area's many lakes.

Waterfalls - The forested area of eastern Lane County is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Oregon. Hiking trails provide easy access to Lower and Upper Proxy Falls, Sahalie Falls and Oregon's second highest waterfall, Salt Creek Falls.