FROM FAR LEFT: TURELL GROUP; SPRINGFED MEDIA LOWELL & PLEASANT HILL In the foothills of the Cascades, the little town of Lowell is a gateway to spectacular outdoor activities. Dexter State Recreation Site provides ample picnicking, hiking, boating and swimming on Dexter Reservoir, as well as an 18-hole disc-golf course. Nearby Elijah Bristow State Park offers fishing for salmon and steelhead, and is a great place for an easy stroll on foot or on horseback. Nearby, the challenging Hardesty Trail climbs 3,323 feet (1 km) of elevation in 5 miles (8 km) to the summit of Hardesty Mountain. Lookout Point Lake draws outdoor enthusiasts for picnicking, boating and wildlife watching. Lowell is also home to five of the region’s enchanting covered bridges — Parvin, Cannon Street, Unity, Pengra and Lowell. The Lowell Covered Bridge at Dexter Reservoir, which distinguishes itself as the widest at 24 feet (7.3 m), spans the lake and serves as an interpretive center for the other bridges with photos and historic narratives. Nearby, the community of Pleasant Hill draws hungry sightseers to Cioppino House for its mix of classic and innovative Italian dishes. Rowing competition at Dexter Lake Cycling near Creswell CRESWELL South of Eugene and north of Cottage Grove, the quiet town of Creswell evokes nostalgia for bygone days. Housed in a former church, the Creswell Historical Museum tells the story of the area’s native Kalapuya people, early American settlers and the town’s earliest days. Golf enthusiasts tee off at the Emerald Valley Golf Club, set on the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. Just outside of downtown, spy beaver, birds and other wildlife at Garden Lake Park. Don’t miss Creswell Bakery, the small town’s big contribution to the regional farm-totable movement. You’ll find made-fromscratch breads and picnic provisions as well as a robust menu of sandwiches and savory hand pies. The familyowned Saginaw Vineyard tasting room, housed in a historic red barn, offers classic wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as raspberry and blackberry dessert wines. In summer the winery hosts monthly markets with live music, artisan items and locally grown fare. Creswell’s Hobby Field Airport is one of Oregon’s busiest general-aviation airports. Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center | 550 Pearl St, Eugene 46
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==