Walktober

 

Do you like walking for fun, exercise, or errands? Or wish you had more reasons to walk? Get ready for Walktober this October 2023 - a month filled with walking events! 

Read on for a full list of guided walks, self-guided walks, and walking events in Eugene, Springfield, and beyond. Whether history, art, horticulture, or making friends is your thing - you’ll find walks to suit your tastes. 

For the chance to win prizes and get recognized, join or create a team for the Get There Challenge, happening October 1-15! Log your walks (and bike, carpool, vanpool, and remote work trips) to be eligible for both statewide and Lane County-only prizes.

 

WALKTOBER CALENDAR

All Month Long

 

Coffee Shop Hop: October 1 - 31

Walk, sip, win! Find your new favorite coffee shop with this fun passport sticker event. Receive discounts on drinks, get stickers, and enter a raffle for a gift card to one of the coffee shops. Find a passport at one of the participating shops. *Free *Drop-In *Self-Guided

 

Week 1: October 2 - 8

 

Get There Challenge: October 1 - 15

For the chance to win prizes and get recognized, join or create a team for the Get There Challenge, happening October 1-15! Log your walks (and bike, carpool, vanpool, and remote work trips) to be eligible for both statewide and Lane County-only prizes.

Eugene Frontrunners: Monday, October 2, 6 - 7 pm

A running/walking group for LGBTQAI+ humans and friends! All levels and abilities are welcome! Every Monday, 6 pm, corner of 24th and Amazon. Go to Frontrunners.org to learn about the history of these groups around the world. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Riverwalking Group Walk: Tuesday, October 3, 10 - 11:30 am

This weekly group meets to walk the river path together each week. Distance and destination vary depending on who shows up. The walk starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Walk and Roll to School Day: October 4

Safe Routes to School encourage families to ditch the car and embrace walking, biking, scooting, skateboarding, or any eco-friendly mode of transportation to get to school. International Walk and Roll to School Day is on October 4, but many local schools are participating on different dates or for multiple days, so look out for communication from your school to find out how you can participate. For those unable to walk, bike or bus - try parking a few blocks away and walking or rolling the rest of the way to school. *Free *Drop-In

Wednesday Wheelers: Wednesday, October 4, 10 - 11 am

Wednesday Wheeler' is a grassroots group that promotes exercise through wheeling and walking and camaraderie with a focus on peer support and sharing the journey. Expect to wheel/walk for an hour and visit for 20-30 minutes. Each week features a new location - meet at Owens Rose Garden (300 N. Jefferson St, Eugene, OR). *Free *Drop-In *Group

Ninkasi Run and Walk Club: Thursday, October 5, 6 - 7 pm

Join this social run/walk club every Thursday night at 6 pm. Meet at The Better Living Room (155 Blair Blvd) for a 3 mile run/walk. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Heart Walk & Talk: Thursday, October 5, 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Learn from the heart-health experts at Oregon Heart & Vascular Institute (OHVI) while you walk along the scenic paths at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield. This group meets the first Thursday of each month. Please park in the designated OHVI parking and meet at the path near the RiverBend emergency department. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Walk 'n' Talkers: Friday, October 6, 9 am - 12 pm

This self-led group walks 3-5 miles at a quick pace. The route varies and may have hills or rough pavement.The group walks rain or shine - so dress for the weather! If you would like coffee, bring coffee money for a stop along the way. The walk starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Oakridge Art Walk: Friday, October 6, 5 - 7 pm

Monthly on the first Friday, come to Uptown Oakridge for the Art Walk! Featuring art at Mane Street Coffee, The Uptown, 3 Legged Crane Pub and Art Works. Starts at First Street in Uptown, Oakridge. Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In

Eugene Art Walk: Friday, October 6, 5:30 - 8 pm

Celebrate Eugene’s vibrant art scene during the October 6th First Friday ArtWalk, kicking off Visual Arts Week! Pick up your ArtWalk guide at Farmers Market Pavilion, enjoy artist remarks, an Artist Marketplace, drinks by Thinking Tree Spirits, and musical performances, and then take a self-guided tour of the galleries and art venues. Starts at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E 8th Ave, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Self-Guided

Cultural Currents Walking Tour: Friday, October 6, 5:30 pm

Cultural Currents is an ongoing collaborative effort led by Lane Arts Council, City of Eugene Cultural Services, and community partners to strengthen Eugene’s cultural vibrancy through city-wide arts placemaking projects. The initiative invests in long-term infrastructure for temporary public art, audio and digital projection, and participatory arts activations. Join this tour led by Jorah LaFleur during the ArtWalk to discover new installations by 10 artists! Starts at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E 8th Ave Eugene, OR). *Free *Drop-In *Guided

Mural Walking Tour: Saturday, October 7, 10 - 11:30 am

Learn about the 20x21EUG Mural Project and community murals of Downtown Eugene on this walking tour! Starts in front of the Eugene Public Library (100 W 10th Ave, Eugene, OR). Please email 20x21eug@gmail.com to sign-up for this tour. *Free *Sign-Up *Guided

Ninkasi Run and Walk Club: Sunday, October 8, 8:30 - 9:30 am

Join this social run/walk club every Sunday morning at 8:30 am. Meet at Farmers Union Coffee Roasters (152 W 5th Ave) for a 3 mile run/walk. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Mural Walking Tour: Sunday, October 8, 2 - 3:30 pm

Learn about the 20x21EUG Mural Project and community murals of Downtown Eugene on this walking tour! Starts in front of the Eugene Public Library (100 W 10th Ave, Eugene, OR). Please email 20x21eug@gmail.com to sign-up for this tour. *Free *Sign-Up *Guided

 

Week 2: October 9 - 15

 

Get There Challenge: October 1 - 15

For the chance to win prizes and get recognized, join or create a team for the Get There Challenge, happening October 1-15! Log your walks (and bike, carpool, vanpool, and remote work trips) to be eligible for both statewide and Lane County-only prizes.

Eugene Frontrunners: Monday, October 9, 6 - 7 pm

A running/walking group for LGBTQAI+ humans and friends! All levels and abilities are welcome! Every Monday, 6 pm, corner of 24th and Amazon. Go to Frontrunners.org to learn about the history of these groups around the world. *Free *Drop-In *Group

McGowan Creek Hike: Tuesday, October 9, 9 am - 2 pm

Meet new friends and explore this nearby stand of old-growth forest in the Coburg Hills. This mellow hike passes Douglas Fir trees seven feet in diameter and 250 feet tall. Expect two miles of hiking. The hike starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *$25 *Sign-Up *Guided

Riverwalking Group Walk: Tuesday, October 10, 10 - 11:30 am

This weekly group meets to walk the river path together each week. Distance and destination vary depending on who shows up. The walk starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Wednesday Wheelers: Wednesday, October 11, 10 - 11 am

Wednesday Wheeler' is a grassroots group that promotes exercise through wheeling and walking and camaraderie with a focus on peer support and sharing the journey. Expect to wheel/walk for an hour and visit for 20-30 minutes. Each week features a new location - LOCATION CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER - meet at Valley River Center food court at 10 am . *Free *Drop-In *Group

Ninkasi Run and Walk Club: Thursday, October 12, 6 - 7 pm

Join this social run/walk club every Thursday night at 6 pm. Meet at The Better Living Room (155 Blair Blvd) for a 3 mile run/walk. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Walk 'n' Talkers: Friday, October 13, 9 am - 12 pm

This self-led group walks 3-5 miles at a quick pace. The route varies and may have hills or rough pavement.The group walks rain or shine - so dress for the weather! If you would like coffee, bring coffee money for a stop along the way. The walk starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Springfield Art Walk: Friday, October 13, 5 - 7:30 pm

Head to Downtown Springfield for the second Friday art walk, live music, refreshments, shopping, and more. The walk begins at Emerald Art Center (500 Main St.  Springfield, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Self-Guided

Coburg Scarecrow Festival: Friday, October 13, 5- 8 pm

Enjoy music, food, wine bar, games, and harvest fun! Get a map of the scarecrows in Coburg and stroll the town looking for them. Sponsored by Coburg Main Street. Click here to learn more. Starts at E. Mill Street in Downtown Coburg. *Free *Drop-In *Self-Guided

Wild Witches Watch the Eclipse: Saturday, October 14, 5 am

Come watch the annular eclipse with the Wild Witches of The Willamette on top of Spencer Butte! Get there early to get a good viewing spot. The hike starts at the Spencer Butte parking lot. Meet at the Spencer's Butte Parking Lot (85385 S. Willamette St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Nature Walk: Saturday, October 14, 10 am - 12:30 pm

Get outdoors this fall walking or rolling at local parks and trails! Expect to hike up to two miles. Dress for active play - wear good walking shoes and bring a water bottle and a snack. All-terrain wheelchairs will be available upon request. The walk starts at the Hilyard Community Center (2580 Hilyard St, Eugene, OR) and transportation is provided to and from the Center. Click here to learn more. *$50 / Series *Sign-Up *Guided

BEAM BRiGHT Parade: Saturday, October 14, 7 - 8:30 pm

BEAM 2023 is a family-friendly, illuminated event with lots of opportunities to engage! The BEAM BRiGHT Parade, Saturday, October 14, runs 7 - 8:30 pm from Downtown Eugene to the 5th Street Public Market. Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In 

Ninkasi Run and Walk Club: Sunday, October 15, 8:30 - 9:30 am

Join this social run/walk club every Sunday morning at 8:30 am. Meet at Farmers Union Coffee Roasters (152 W 5th Ave) for a 3 mile run/walk. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Masonic Cemetery History Tour: Sunday, October 15, 2 - 3:15 pm

Visit the graves of many of the early pioneers of the Eugene area including Eugene and Mary Skinner, founders of the city of Eugene. We will also visit the graves of other notable residents such as artist Maude Kerns and Oregon’s first governor, John Whiteaker. The walk will end with a tour of the Hope Abbey Mausoleum, a fine example of Egyptian Revival architecture, designed by Ellis Lawrence. Meet at the Eugene Masonic Cemetery (University St & E. 25th Ave, Eugene, OR). *Free *Drop-In *Guided

Tree Walk With Whitey Lueck: Sunday, October 15, 2 - 4 pm

The deep, fertile, well-drained river loam that underlies most of Springfield provides ideal growing conditions for trees. This walk showcases outstanding examples of coast redwood, eastern black walnut, and incense-cedar, along with many other tree species. Meet in Downtown Springfield (NW corner of 4th and C St). *Free *Drop-In *Guided

 

Week 3: October 16 - 22

 

Masonic Cemetery Landscape Tour: Monday, October 16, 2 - 3:15 pm

Learn more about the flora and fauna found in Eugene Masonic Cemetery! On the landscape tour particiapants will learn about the variety of trees and shrubs that make up the recently certified arboretum, as well as other natural features of the cemetery. We may see some of the numerous birds and mammals that live in the forest, too. Along the way, we will consider the history of the site and how it developed over decades to become what it is today. Meet at the Eugene Masonic Cemetery (University St & E. 25th Ave, Eugene, OR). *Free *Drop-In *Guided 

Eugene Frontrunners: Monday, October 16, 6 - 7 pm

A running/walking group for LGBTQAI+ humans and friends! All levels and abilities are welcome! Every Monday, 6 pm, corner of 24th and Amazon. Go to Frontrunners.org to learn about the history of these groups around the world. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Riverwalking Group Walk: Tuesday, October 17, 10 - 11:30 am

This weekly group meets to walk the river path together each week. Distance and destination vary depending on who shows up. The walk starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Historic Homes Tour: Tuesday, October 17, 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Join an evening walking tour of historic homes! Afterwards enjoy a reception with wine and appetizers at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House and hear about latest developments and projects. Meet at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House (303 Willamette St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *$35 *Sign-Up *Guided

Wednesday Wheelers: Wednesday, October 18, 10 - 11 am

Wednesday Wheeler' is a grassroots group that promotes exercise through wheeling and walking and camaraderie with a focus on peer support and sharing the journey. Expect to wheel/walk for an hour and visit for 20-30 minutes. Each week features a new location - meet at Hilyard Community Center (2580 Hilyard St, Eugene, OR). *Free *Drop-In *Group

Historic Homes Tour: Wednesday, October 18, 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Join an evening walking tour of historic homes! Afterwards enjoy a reception with wine and appetizers at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House and hear about latest developments and projects. Meet at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House (303 Willamette St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *$35 *Sign-Up *Guided

Ninkasi Pink Run for the Oregon Cancer Foundation: Thursday, October 19, 6 - 7 pm

Join this social run/walk club to show support for the Oregon Cancer Foundation at 6 pm. Meet at The Better Living Room (155 Blair Blvd) for a 3 mile run/walk. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Walk 'n' Talkers: Friday, October 20, 9 am - 12 pm

This self-led group walks 3-5 miles at a quick pace. The route varies and may have hills or rough pavement.The group walks rain or shine - so dress for the weather! If you would like coffee, bring coffee money for a stop along the way. The walk starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Nearby Nature's Haunted Hike: Friday, October 20, 5:30 - 9 pm

Celebrate night creatures at Nearby Nature's 27th annual Haunted Hike Celebration and Fundraiser! Enjoy an hour long pumpkin-lit hike in Alton Baker Park and meet an entertaining costumed bat, frog, spider, owl, and more. Join for night-themed activities in the shelter before or after your hike. The event happens rain or moonshine - so dress for the weather! Click here to learn more. *$10/individual or $25/family *Sign-Up *Guided

Third Saturday Bird Walk: Saturday, October 21, 8 am

Join the Lane County Audubon Society's Third Saturday Bird Walk at Luper Cemetery. Meet at the gate to Luper Cemetery parking area off of Beacon Dr. (not Prairie Rd). Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged. The walk is on a gravel road and is approximately 1 1/2 miles long. There are no restrooms at this location. Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Guided

Nature Walk: Saturday, October 21, 10 am - 12:30 pm

Get outdoors this fall walking or rolling at local parks and trails! Expect to hike up to two miles. Dress for active play - wear good walking shoes and bring a water bottle and a snack. All-terrain wheelchairs will be available upon request. The walk starts at the Hilyard Community Center (2580 Hilyard St, Eugene, OR) and transportation is provided to and from the Center. Click here to learn more. *$50 / Series *Sign-Up *Guided

Ninkasi Run and Walk Club: Sunday, October 22, 8:30 - 9:30 am

Join this social run/walk club every Sunday morning at 8:30 am. Meet at Farmers Union Coffee Roasters (152 W 5th Ave) for a 3 mile run/walk. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Strides for Social Justice (downtown route): Sunday, October 22,  10 am - 12 pm

This guided walk, following the free Strides for Social Justice app, makes nine stops in downtown Eugene. It starts at Alton Baker Park, where Lane County’s first African-American community once stood, moves into the city center, with stops at the historic Mims Houses and Rosa Parks Plaza, and ends at the Eugene Depot. The tour describes what it was like for a Black person to live and work in Eugene in the early 1900s through the 1940s when Oregon exclusion laws prohibited Black people from living in the state. It also shares the remarkable, inspiring stories of those who stayed. Meet at Alton Baker Park at the base of the DeFazio bike bridge, near the duck pond. Please download the free Strides for Social Justice app before you arrive. Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Guided 

 

Week 4: October 23 - 29

 

Eugene Frontrunners: Monday, October 23, 6 - 7 pm

A running/walking group for LGBTQAI+ humans and friends! All levels and abilities are welcome! Every Monday, 6 pm, corner of 24th and Amazon. Go to Frontrunners.org to learn about the history of these groups around the world. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Riverwalking Group Walk: Tuesday, October 24, 10 - 11:30 am

This weekly group meets to walk the river path together each week. Distance and destination vary depending on who shows up. The walk starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Wednesday Wheelers: Wednesday, October 25, 10 - 11 am

Wednesday Wheeler' is a grassroots group that promotes exercise through wheeling and walking and camaraderie with a focus on peer support and sharing the journey. Expect to wheel/walk for an hour and visit for 20-30 minutes. Each week features a new location - meet at Hilyard Community Center (2580 Hilyard St, Eugene, OR). *Free *Drop-In *Group

Ninkasi Run and Walk Club: Thursday, October 26, 6 - 7 pm

Join this social run/walk club every Thursday night at 6 pm. Meet at The Better Living Room (155 Blair Blvd) for a 3 mile run/walk. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Walk 'n' Talkers: Friday, October 27, 9 am - 12 pm

This self-led group walks 3-5 miles at a quick pace. The route varies and may have hills or rough pavement.The group walks rain or shine - so dress for the weather! If you would like coffee, bring coffee money for a stop along the way. The walk starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Nature Walk: Saturday, October 28, 10 am - 12:30 pm

Get outdoors this fall walking or rolling at local parks and trails! Expect to hike up to two miles. Dress for active play - wear good walking shoes and bring a water bottle and a snack. All-terrain wheelchairs will be available upon request. The walk starts at the Hilyard Community Center (2580 Hilyard St, Eugene, OR) and transportation is provided to and from the Center. Click here to learn more. *$50 / Series *Sign-Up *Guided

Ninkasi Run and Walk Club: Sunday, October 29, 8:30 - 9:30 am

Join this social run/walk club every Sunday morning at 8:30 am. Meet at Farmers Union Coffee Roasters (152 W 5th Ave) for a 3 mile run/walk. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Witches Walk: Sunday, October 29, 12 pm

Come out for the first annual Witch’s Walk Eugene! Bring your potions, your hats, your brooms, your merriment and your rage. The walk starts at in Downtown Eugene at Kesey Square (10 E Broadway, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

 

Week 5: October 30 - 31

 

Eugene Frontrunners: Monday, October 30, 6 - 7 pm

A running/walking group for LGBTQAI+ humans and friends! All levels and abilities are welcome! Every Monday, 6 pm, corner of 24th and Amazon. Go to Frontrunners.org to learn about the history of these groups around the world. *Free *Drop-In *Group

Riverwalking Group Walk: Tuesday, October 31, 10 - 11:30 am

This weekly group meets to walk the river path together each week. Distance and destination vary depending on who shows up. The walk starts at the Campbell Community Center (155 High St, Eugene, OR). Click here to learn more. *Free *Drop-In *Group

 

DIY WALKING TOURS

 

• Coburg Historic Home Walk: The National Historic District of Coburg boasts of over 20 "historic homes", exhibiting a variety of architectural styles common in the late 1800's. Enjoy the history and beauty of this charming community while taking a self-guided Tour of the Historic Homes.
• Coburg Walking Tours: In April 2016, Coburg completed a project in partnership with Next Exit History to create a Coburg Historic Walking Tour! Now you can NextExit History app and see what sort of historic buildings and places are near your home.
• Springfield Downtown Walking Tour: Walk Downtown Springfield and view 25 sites of historical significance to Springfield history.
• Springfield Washburn Walking Tour: View a variety of architecturally significant homes in the Springfield Washburne Neighborhood.
• Springfield Public Art Walk: Take a self-guided tour of the murals on "Art Alley", stroll through eclectic galleries and shops, and check out world-class sculpture throughout Springfield.
• Springfield Upstream Art Walk: Take a walk in Downtown Springfield to see all 21 murals, painted between 2016 and today. Remember - storm drains empty into local waterways, so we all play a part in keeping pollutants away.
• Strides for Social Justice App (7 Tours): A PeaceHealth initiative developed in partnership with the Eugene Marathon. These family-friendly tours engages and educate participants on the contributions, achievements and milestones of Black residents of Lane County, and highlight the injustices many have faced. 
• Eugene Talking Stones Tour: Take a self-guided tour of the Talking Stones, which can be found throughout the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park in Eugene.
• Eugene Solar System Trail: Scaled at 1:1 billion, this unique trail (longest on the West Coast, and the only one in Oregon) is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while exploring our solar system.