Run Oregon Road Trip to The Eugene Dome

Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience! The most recent location for our runcation series is a new stay at The Eugene Dome.

Use Code RUNORDOME for 10% off!

First the Running:

Eugene is a runner’s paradise, no doubt about it. But with the number of running options in Portland and SW Washington, it can sometimes feel like a task to trek 2 hours away to run. But if you haven’t, you should make time for it!

With its lush, tree-lined streets, scenic river paths, and an abundance of parks, Eugene was tailor-made for pounding the pavement. The crown jewel is obviously Pre’s Trail near downtown Eugene, but there are plenty of other great options in and out of city limits.

The Eugene Dome has the namesake of the city embedded in it, but it sits 20+ minutes south of town on two-lane country roads. Surprisingly, there is actually a bike lane on the adjacent Lorane Highway but be prepared to be seen and have a plan when cars arrive. It’s a quiet enough highway but isn’t exactly ripe for safely running. That being said, there are at least a few options that are a simple and quick drive away.

1. On-Site Trails!
   • The Eugene Dome sits on 5 acres of property and the owners express that there are current trails on the property and they are constantly building new trails all the time. You have full reign of the surrounding land, so go explore here! Make sure you ask first, as they can be a little challenging to find.
2. Ridgeline Trail System
   • This is probably the closes true running option for runners looking for some trail miles. It is just shy of 8 miles from the Eugene Dome. The Spencer Butte Summit is only a 2.5 mile RT jaunt from the trailhead – easily within reach of you are looking for amazing views!
   • It provides an extensive network of well-marked trails spans across the South Hills of Eugene, offering a variety of terrains and difficulty levels.
3. Amazon Trail
   • If you are looking for some flatter trail options, the Amazon Trail is underrated in Eugene. You can start about 11 miles from The Eugene Dome.
   • Here’s a solid 6-mile option all within this narrow stretch of pavement and hard packed trails.

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The Spot:

Alright, strap on your running shoes because The Eugene Dome is unlike anything I have ever stayed in. I have told my wife I want to eventually take a trip to stay in an earthen home in New Mexico, but this spot is as reminiscent a spot as I could envision in Oregon.

The Eugene Dome sits about 20-25 minutes south of Eugene – up near a myriad of wineries and vineyards. It’s in the middle of nowhere – while also being in the middle of everything great about the city.

Picture this: you walk into this cozy rotund retreat, and it feels like you’ve stumbled into a scene from Middle-earth. The Eugene Dome’s curved ceilings and warm earthy tones make it look and feel like a real-life Hobbit hole. It’s the kind of place that not only invites you to relax with a glass of wine and a Lord of the Rings book (there is NO cell reception), but also inspires you to lace up and hit the trails.

Rolling up to the Eugene Dome, take note that the driveway is easy to miss. It’s not hidden, but if you aren’t looking for it, you may drive past a few times…like me. However, once you find it, the rest is simple and easy. The door has a code lock, so independent check-in is easy!

The dome is an open space concept, but there is more than enough space and a surprisingly solid amount of privacy. The bedroom has pulled curtains that can keep the queen-sized bed separate. If you are travelling with family or your run-crew, there is a queen-sized air bed and the space is large enough to cover a variety of mattresses along the floor.

I travelled with my youngest daughter who slept on the floor in the bedroom area. While it was just the two of us, we easily could have had a number of floor mattresses in the main living area without issue.

The kitchen area is small obviously, but its got pretty much all the amenities necessary for runners. There is a small fridge, sink, Keurig and (surprisingly) an oven and a stove. They even provide coffee (and its fixings) as well as pasta, rice, and oats to keep you fueled up and ready to run!

Refueling: