Skinner Butte Park encompasses a prominent butte in downtown Eugene along the Willamette River. Included in the park's area is land claimed by Eugene Skinner, the first white settler in the area and the founder of Eugene. The park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities and some fascinating historical sites. Start your visit with a drive to the summit parking lot, where extensive views to the south and east await. On a clear day it is possible to see the Three Sisters looming at the end of the McKenzie River valley.
There are a few miles of well-maintained and signed hiking and running trails on Skinner Butte that connect the summit to various attractions in the park. Watch out for poison oak along the south and west facing trails.
A large part of the park is along the Willamette River north of Skinner Butte. There is a great playground, a softball field, and walking path along the river. The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System passes through this part of the park, connecting it with the rest of Eugene and with Springfield.
On the western flank of Skinner Butte, a former basalt quarry provides a great place for rock climbers to practice their crack climbing skills. A number of local organizations offer beginning rock climbing classes here as well.
The Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House has been a local landmark since it's construction in 1888 by a local timber baron. It has been lovingly restored and is open to the public for tours and special events. Anyone interested in history should make time to visit this elaborate example of late Victorian Queen Ann Revival style architecture.
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