I (Jody) have been walking almost every morning on Eugene’s lovely Ruth Bascom Riverside Path System. The system covers both sides of the Willamette River with 14 miles of bike and pedestrian paths. Five bike-pedestrian bridges cross the river (Owosso, Valley River Center, Peter DeFazio, Autzen Stadium, and Willie Knickerbocker). Hundreds use the paths to bike to work each day, including two of our sons.

The system includes several city parks, some ponds, an extensive running trail system (which used to be the city dump), and habitat for wildlife. It is a wonderful asset to the community. Here’s a map of the whole system.

Because we’ve been living about 3/4 mile from the path, I cover only about 1 mile of path in my hour-long walk. But even this short stretch is diverse and beautiful. Last week, on a chilly, 40 degree F. (4 degree C.) morning, I tried to capture some of the beauty I see each morning.

The Walk

Starting Out (Pre-dawn)

Willamette River

On the Path

Sunrise!

Maurie Jacobs Park

Junction to Valley River

Through the Park

Community Gardens

Gardens Close-up

Bicyclist

Playground

Mileage Marker

River & Valley River Bridge

River Viewpoint

Small Amphitheater

Fall Crocuses

Fall Crocuses

Rose Gardens

2nd Community Gardens

Park & River

Park

Valley River Bridge

River from Bridge

Selfie

River

Sun through Trees

Path

Junction

Grasslands

The Signs Along the Way

The Solar System Path (more info here)