Demographics & Geography
Lane County is the second largest county in western Oregon by area, stretching from the Oregon Coast to the Cascade Mountains. The Eugene/Springfield metro area is the second largest metropolitan area in the state (after the Portland metro area). State population is near 3.7 million, with just under 10% of that population in Lane County, concentrated in the Eugene/Springfield area. Eugene, the county seat and largest city, is centrally located, roughly an hour from the Pacific Coast or the Cascade Mountains.
Green on Green
The overwhelming impression one first gets of Lane County is that it is very, very green. More than 75% of county land is forested. About 50% of the forestland is under USFS management. The rest is metropolitan or, within the Willamette Valley, farmland. It is also one of the most green-conscious (translate eco-conscious) areas in the US.
The Coast
The Oregon coast is nothing short of spectacular. Massive sand dunes, miles of pristine beaches, the majestic Pacific Ocean, numerous lakes, picturesque towns, commercial and sport-fishing fleets, and unforgettable coastal vistas - an hour from Eugene. Whales migrate annually up and down the Oregon coast, and are easily spotted during peak migrations.
The Mountains
The white-capped Cascade Mountains lie just over an hour to the east of Eugene, with downhill and cross-country skiing, hundreds of miles of wilderness trails, many lakes, two major rivers, and miles upon miles of wilderness. Recreation and scenery reign in east Lane County: hiking, backcountry camping, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Incomparable views of mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and lava fields abound. Wildlife also abounds, with deer, elk, coyote, bear and cougar populations (bears and cougars rarely seen).
The Rivers
The Willamette river is the centerpiece of the Willamette Valley, flowing through the city of Eugene. Several large waterfront parks adorn the city. The McKenzie River flows from Clear Lake in the Cascade Mountain into the Willamette river at Eugene. The McKenzie is a world-famous fly-fishing destination, home of the now world-famous McKenzie Drift Boat. The McKenzie's water is as pure as can be found anywhere on the planet. Native redside trout also abound, for catch-and-release fishing only.
The Weather
Now we come to some of the "not so great" about Lane County. Winters are wet and dreary - not suited for veteran desert-dwellers. Rain and snow in the mountains, rain in the valley, and rain and wind on the coast give meaning to the University of Oregon moniker "ducks". The rain extends from November into May or June, literally half of the year. It's not raining every day, of course, but there is a LOT of rain in winter and spring. On the other hand, that's what keeps the place verdant green all year. Mid-summer through fall are paradise in Lane County (July through October). Warm, sunny days from the mountains to the coast are a welcome relief from the wet winter and spring.
Visitor Info
For a more complete pictorial and informational view of Lane, please visit the Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County website.
For Real Estate and McKenzie Valley information, please visit us online!
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