Life in Eugene
Eugene is a welcoming and affordable city, known for its natural beauty, vibrant community, and strong connection to the outdoors. Home to about 350,000 residents in the combined Eugene–Springfield metro area, the city sits at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. Portland, Oregon’s largest metropolitan center, is a two-hour drive north. For students in ecology and evolution, Eugene offers ready access to diverse ecosystems—from the Pacific coast to the Cascades—making it an ideal location for both living and field-based research.
Running, Biking, and Hiking
Eugene is famous for its running culture and outdoor recreation. The city offers more than 150 miles of trails for cycling, hiking, and running, with scenic destinations like Mount Pisgah Arboretum and the Ridgeline Trail network.
Music and Culture
Eugene hosts a lively arts and culture scene, including the Oregon Country Fair, the Willamette Valley Folk Festival, and the Oregon Bach Festival. The Hult Center for the Performing Arts showcases theater, symphony, and international performances. The University of Oregon itself offers concerts, lectures, film screenings, and art exhibitions year-round.
The Oregon Coast
Just an hour west, the Oregon coast features dramatic rocky shorelines, tidepools, and the largest expanse of coastal dunes in the U.S. It is a favorite destination for field trips, camping, and weekend excursions.
Farm to Table
Eugene has a thriving food scene rooted in local agriculture. On campus, chefs partner with 25 local farms across 14 dining venues. Off campus, students can explore a variety of local restaurants, microbreweries, and vineyards. Weekly farmers markets connect the community with fresh produce and artisan goods.
The Cascade Mountains
One hour east, the Cascades offer year-round recreation: skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking, camping, fishing, rafting, and kayaking in warmer months. Alpine lakes and rivers provide abundant opportunities for research and leisure alike.
Winter Sports
For those who enjoy snow sports, the nearby Cascades host several ski resorts, Nordic skiing areas, and backcountry trails, making it easy to balance academic life with outdoor adventure.
A Living Laboratory
Eugene’s location is especially valuable for students in ecology and evolution. IE² researchers take advantage of nearby old-growth forests, alpine ecosystems in the Cascades, the dynamic Oregon coastline, and the unique biodiversity of the Willamette Valley. This proximity allows students to engage in fieldwork across multiple ecosystems within a short drive of campus, integrating local field opportunities with global research in ecology and evolutionary biology.