Whilamut Natural Area

The Whilamut Natural Area (WNA), formerly known as East Alton Baker Park, covers 237 acres of riverfront open space dedicated for passive recreation and habitat restoration. The WNA provides many key features to Eugene’s riverfront park system, including a linkage to Springfield by way of riverside bike paths and open space. Countless volunteer hours have been invested in the park to restore natural habitat by removing invasive vegetation, planting natives, educating the public and helping to direct future management of the park.

A master plan for the Whilamut Natural Area was developed by a coordinated effort which included the Citizen Planning Committee of the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park (CPC), Willamalane Park and Recreation District, City of Eugene staff, and community input. Adopted in 1996 by the City of Eugene City Council and the Willamalane Board of Directors, the plan presents key concepts and ideas to shape the park.

The easternmost portion of the Whilamut Natural Area, on the east side of Interstate 5, is owned and managed by the Willamalane Park and Recreation District. See the Willamalane Park and Recreation District’s Eastgate Woodlands webpage for more information about the Springfield portion of the park.

The name Whilamut (pronounced "wheel-a-moot) was chosen in collaboration with the Komemma Cultural Protection Association of the Kalapuya Tribe. Whilamut is a Kalapuya word which means "where the river ripples and runs fast." The CPC initiated the renaming of the park, and selected a Kalapuya name as a gesture of honor and respect for the tribal members who hunted, fished, and gathered camas bulbs on the land that is now the Whilamut Natural Area. A traditional Kalapuya naming ceremony was held to commemorate the new name on September 7, 2002.


Talking stone with word "whilamut"Talking Stones

Through a collaborative effort between the CPC, City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division, and the Willamalane Parks and Recreation District, 11 basalt boulders with Kalapuya word engravings were installed in both the Eugene and Springfield portions of the natural area in the spring of 2003. The final four stones were installed in 2013 during replacement of the Willamette River I-5 Bridge, officially titled the Whilamut Passage Bridge. The stones are each carved with a Kalapuya word and the English translation. For example, the Kalapuyan word "Whilamut" is translated into English as "where the river ripples and runs fast."

The purpose of the project is to provide a historical appreciation of the early inhabitants of this area. Kalapuya Elder Esther Stutzman and the Kommema Cultural Protection Association consulted on the project to determine names and appropriate stone locations. The project also provides a link between Eugene and Springfield, which share this riverfront parkland.

Download a map and brochure about the Talking Stones.


Nearby Nature

Since 1992, the non-profit group Nearby Nature has sponsored nature education and environmental restoration programs annually in the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. Through its flagship school field trip program, Nearby Nature’s staff and volunteers lead spring and fall natural history tours of the Whilamut Natural Area for over 2,500 children and their teachers every year. Nearby Nature also teaches classes for middle and high school students in the Whilamut Natural Area as part of the local Network Charter School. During the summer, Nearby Nature staff and volunteers host day camps for 250+ children. All year long, Nearby Nature hosts monthly family Nature Quests and environmental Restoration Celebrations in the natural area for people of all ages. For more information, call 541-687-9699 or see nearbynature.org.


For more information about the Whilamut Natural Area, please contact:

Short URL to this page: www.eugene-or.gov/whilamut