What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Tsanchiifin Walk
This is a half-mile loop that traverses sensitive wetlands. The path is well manicured and includes boardwalks to protect the delicate ecosystem. Interpretive signs along the way provide information about the West Eugene Wetlands.
Length: 0.5-mile loop
Intensity: Easy
Fern Ridge Bike Path
The Fern Ridge Path is a nearly seven-mile, multi-use, paved path that winds through the West Eugene Wetlands. Besides walking, jogging, and bicycling, it is great for birding. The primary trailhead is at Meadowlark Prairie, where you'll find restrooms and picnic tables. The trailhead includes a viewing area with interpretive signs. The path has several access points and wildlife viewing areas along its route.
Length: 6.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Delta Ponds Loop
This trail is located right next to the Valley River Center Mall in Eugene, making it a great escape in the middle of town. The Delta Ponds is a 150-acre protected wetland and riparian area. If you're looking for a longer stroll, this path connects with other trails in the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing & Boating
Because of the sensitive nature of wetlands, fishing and boating are currently not allowed. However, there are tentative plans to create a fishing area along Amazon Creek. In the meantime, boating and fishing are allowed at the Fern Ridge Reservoir, which is connected to these wetlands. Warmwater fishing includes an abundance of crappie and largemouth bass.
Wildlife Viewing
While you won't find any big game, the West Eugene Wetlands is home to 200 wildlife species. You might see raptors, herons, ducks, and other water birds. Four-legged creatures include beaver, river otter, and Pacific chorus frogs.
Picnicking
Several areas throughout the West Eugene Wetlands offer places to stop, eat, use the restroom, take pictures, and take in the restored native habitat. Meadowlark Prairie offers the most services with covered picnic tables, restrooms, and interpretive signs.
Disc Golf
The Stewart Pond Disc Golf Course is located beside the Bertelsen Nature Park off of Bertelsen Road. Built in 2015, it is the first 18-hole disc golf course on BLM land. During the winter, which is the rainy season, the course converts to a 12-hole course.
