Activities

Outdoor Activities

Recreation services offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities for all ages. Learn more about our programs below. Some activities are only offered seasonally. 


Canoeing

The Willamette Valley, reaching into the Cascades and stretching to the Oregon Coast, offers incredible opportunities for those wanting to canoe. Aware of this vital resource, the Outdoor Program has offered excellent Canoe instruction and outings since it opened as a program in the 1970’s. Join us for a relaxing family canoe evening, learn basic canoeing skills, or increase your skills by doing an overnight trip. We canoe on calm Cascade lakes or journey down swift water rivers.


For a current listing of offerings browse our Rec Guide or register online.


Kayaking

Join us for exciting indoor and outdoor programs. In the summer we offer a full scale version of week-long kayak camps. Our selection of 20 boats ranges from beginning sit on tops to highly responsive play boats. 


Winter will never be the same when you spend time in the warm waters of Echo Hollow Pool or on the river with the guidance of our staff.


For a current listing of offerings browse our Rec Guide or register online.


Rafting 

It is easy to determine why our most popular river sport is white water rafting. Combine excellent instruction & leadership, a beautiful river, and an eager excited group and you have a very special day. We primarily raft the Willamette, McKenzie, Deschutes, and John Day rivers. These rivers give us a mix of options that range from afternoon floats to isolated scenic wonderment with the fun rapids keeping us wet when needed. 


Our primary object in introducing people to river rafting is to teach them all the skills necessary to eventually do it on their own. This includes critical awareness of river safety, environmental ethics of river travel, wildlife habitat, and of course - how to paddle and row.


For a current listing of offerings browse our Rec Guide or register online.


Rock Climbing 

The nature of climbing fits so well with our mission and goals. Excellent climbers are acknowledged not just on their physical ability but on their skills of communication, developing trust, problem solving, goal setting and supporting their climbing partners. Rock Climbing is also a fantastic way to maintain or improve your health and fitness. 


For a current listing of offerings browse our Rec Guide or register online.


Sailing 

Sailing classes start each spring and run through early October.


Programs include

  • Family Sailing Trips
  • Sailing Levels I & II
  • American Sailing Association Basic Keelboat Certification available
  • Private lessons on our boats or yours
  • Sailing practice nights

For current listing of offerings browse our Rec Guide or register online.


Skateboarding 

Track down our skate instructors if you are interested in learning or improving your skills skateboarding in local skate parks. Currently we offer classes or camps in the spring, summer and fall. 


Summer is camp time in our local skate parks. This year we have five week-long day camps; 2 beginning, 1 all-girls and 2 Skate Oregon which is intermediate and advanced skaters. We look forward to another fun filled summer!


Classes and Lessons

Track down our skate instructors if you are interested in learning or improving your skills skateboarding in local skate parks. Currently we offer classes or camps in the spring, summer and fall. 


Private lessons are always available. This option is great if you want more one on one instruction or if you want to put together a small group. 


For current listing of offerings browse our Rec Guide or register online,


Skiing & Snowshoeing 

Touring on local trails, Telemark skiing on the slopes, ski skating for fitness, skiing in Yellowstone, backcountry and snow camping trips. Wow! We have classes and trips to help make lasting memories.


Our classes are designed to help you attain a solid foundation so you can set off on your next ski adventure with confidence.


Our trips are led by instructors skilled in wilderness travel, safety and instruction who are ready to share their passion for adventure with you.


Highlights 

  • Snow camping outings to Crater Lake and the Old McKenzie Pass.
  • Professional Ski Instructors of America member ski school which insures quality instruction.
  • Telemark and touring classes for beginning through intermediate skiers.
  • Telemark Festival every January at Hoodoo.
  • Downhill ski program for skiers with disabilities.
  • Skiing or snowshoeing in Yellowstone - our annual favorite.

Classes start in December and run through early March. Check out this outing checklist. to make your adventure more enjoyable.


For current listing of offerings browse our Rec Guide or register online.


Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Join the fastest growing paddle sport! You can do it on a lake, river or the ocean. It’s easy to learn and great for fitness. We offer classes for you, your family and even your dog can come along.


For current listing of offerings browse our Rec Guide or register online.


Summer Camps

For a full listing of programs browse our Rec Guide or register online. Choose Camps to see what we offer.


All camps require the Summer Camp Health Form. Please download the form, fill it out completely and bring it with you to camp. Click here for scholarship information. 


Contact the Outdoor Program 541-682-5329 if you need further information.


City of Eugene operates under a Special Use Permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service for the Deschutes, Siuslaw, Umpqua and Willamette National Forests; and under Special Recreation Permits granted by the Bureau of Land Management in the North-west Oregon and Prineville districts. City of Eugene is an equal opportunity outdoor recreation service provider.