Events and Trips
Ducks Live for the Outdoors
Whether you are a newbie or an experienced explorer, the Outdoor Program is excited to introduce you to the many wonders in Oregon and beyond. We offer a variety of all-levels group outings, bike rides, classes and clinics, and service projects led by Outdoor Program student staff and trip initiators.
OP Outing or Common Adventure Trip—what’s the difference? OP Outings are group outings led by knowledgeable Outdoor Program staff who are very familiar with the activity or area. OP Outings are entry-level, led instead of consensus-based, and do not last overnight. Common Adventure Trips are adventures planned and led by students who have taken our Trip Initiator Clinic. Common Adventure Trips operate on a group-consensus, decision-making process and tend to vary in difficulty. Some are easy and require little to no experience, while others are technical and require more experience.
Students are automatically members of the Outdoor Program, so take advantage of our low-cost outings and trips and try out a new activity.
Type of Events
CLINICS AND CLASSES
Learn a range of outdoor basics from raft guiding and snow shelters to mushroom picking.
OP OUTINGS
Outings include everything from hikes and bike rides to kayaking and visits to hot springs, led by our staff.
COMMON ADVENTURE TRIPS
Cooperative travel for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels—planned and led by students like you.
OP EVENTS
Movie premiers, guest speakers, the annual Banff Mountain Film Festival, and more.
SERVICE PROJECTS
Environmental restoration such as beach clean-up, Hendricks Park trail restoration, and more.
BIKE PROGRAM
Your hub for all things bike related—a DIY workspace, repair stations, classes, rides, and rentals.
April 2024
8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Embark on an exhilarating journey through lush forests and winding trails on this beautiful hike. Traverse rocky paths, cross small streams, and immerse yourself in nature's beauty. This hike is an 8 mile out and back with about 3,000 ft in elevation gain.
This hike will depart Sunday, April 7 at 8am at the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). We aim to be back by 3pm.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This trip costs just $15.
5:30–9:30 p.m.
Get to know Eugene's incredible river trail system and meet new friends on this evening ride with the Outdoor Program!
This ride go out Tuesday, April 7 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). This outing is open to students only. It has a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5pm on Friday, May 3 at the OP Bike Program.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $5.
6:30–10:00 p.m.
Come practice your whitewater kayaking roll and paddling techniques with a special edition of kayak roll sessions at Willamalane Pool! You can ride with us from campus, a few minutes drive-time, or meet us there and find kayakers from all over Eugene.
There will be students and folks who just kayak for fun. Learn from new people and make friends! No experience needed. Bing a +1 to learn a new skill!
This outing will depart Monday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). We will be back by 10pm. This outing is for students only.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $8 with your own boat, or $12 with an Outdoor Program boat.
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Sometimes, Friday afternoons are exhuasting. You're tired from a week of school and work, dragging yourself through the last few hours before the weekend. You know what would lift your spirits? Frolicking through the wilderness with friends on an Outdoor Program hike!
Get outside, meet new people, and enjoy all the rich natural beauty Eugene has to offer on the Outdoor Program’s stress-less Friday hikes.
These hikes will go out every other Friday from 3pm to 6pm, starting Week 2. We will depart from the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). These hikes are for students only.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $5.
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn the joy of fixing your own bicycle with in-depth instruction from Bike Program mechanics. This six-session course will teach you to repair and maintain a standard road, mountain, or commuter bike including lessons on flat fixes, hub overhauls, wheel truing, bottom brackets, brakes, drivetrains, and derailleurs.
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm. It starts April 16th and ends May 21st. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Want to learn bouldering but don't know where to start? Join the Outdoor Program for a night to learn the basics of bouldering and have fun climbing with new people. We can't wait to meet you!
This outing will occur Wednesday, April 17 from 6pm to 8pm at the Student Recreation Center (1320 E. 15th Ave). This outing is open to students only.
No need to sign up for ths outing. It's free!
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Whether you're an experienced kayaker or it's your first time, you're sure to enjoy Kayak Pool Sessions! This is a safe way to practice your skills, learn new tricks, and meet other kayakers!
This term, Kayak Pool Sessions will meet at the Rec Pool on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm. Kayak Pool Sessions are open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! This outing costs $6 with your own boat and $10 with an Outdoor Program boat.
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Have the material and psychic conditions of capitalist patriarchy prevented you from being the confident, nerdy bicycle mechanic you would love to be? Calling femmes, women, trans, non-binary, and other gender diverse humans wanting to learn (or learn more) about the joys of bicycle maintenance!!!
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. It starts April 18th and ends May 23rd. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
In the Central Oregon McKenzie River Valley, the Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool trek has grown to be one of Oregon’s residents favorite hike. Situated in the center of the mossy, old-growth forest, there is a magnificent pool full of crystal clear blue water that like a gemstone. It is accessible via a somewhat easy and well-maintained trail along the river.
We will hike 4 miles total. This hike is somewhat challenging, some hiking experience is preferred.
This outing will go out Saturday, April 20 from 10am to 4pm, departing from the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). This outing is open to students only.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This trip costs just $15.
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn the joy of fixing your own bicycle with in-depth instruction from Bike Program mechanics. This six-session course will teach you to repair and maintain a standard road, mountain, or commuter bike including lessons on flat fixes, hub overhauls, wheel truing, bottom brackets, brakes, drivetrains, and derailleurs.
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm. It starts April 16th and ends May 21st. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Whether you're an experienced kayaker or it's your first time, you're sure to enjoy Kayak Pool Sessions! This is a safe way to practice your skills, learn new tricks, and meet other kayakers!
This term, Kayak Pool Sessions will meet at the Rec Pool on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm. Kayak Pool Sessions are open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! This outing costs $6 with your own boat and $10 with an Outdoor Program boat.
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Have the material and psychic conditions of capitalist patriarchy prevented you from being the confident, nerdy bicycle mechanic you would love to be? Calling femmes, women, trans, non-binary, and other gender diverse humans wanting to learn (or learn more) about the joys of bicycle maintenance!!!
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. It starts April 18th and ends May 23rd. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Sometimes, Friday afternoons are exhuasting. You're tired from a week of school and work, dragging yourself through the last few hours before the weekend. You know what would lift your spirits? Frolicking through the wilderness with friends on an Outdoor Program hike!
Get outside, meet new people, and enjoy all the rich natural beauty Eugene has to offer on the Outdoor Program’s stress-less Friday hikes.
These hikes will go out every other Friday from 3pm to 6pm, starting Week 2. We will depart from the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). These hikes are for students only.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $5.
8:45 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join Tes and Maya for a laid back day at the Oregon Coast! We’ll hike the Hobbit Beach Trail, then visit Heceta Head Lighthouse and explore the beach before heading into Florence for a snack on the water. This outing is open to anyone who wants to come hang and explore Oregon’s natural beauty, no experience required!
This hike will go out Saturday, April 27 from 8:45am to 4pm from the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). This outing is open to students only. This outing includes a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5pm on Friday, April 26, at the OP Rental Barn.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $15.
8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
The Columbia River Gorge is home to stunning views, swathes of old growth forests, and over 90 waterfalls. Join Sonya and Claire for a beautiful adventure through the gorge.
This hike will go out Sunday, April 28 from 8am to 7:30pm, departing from the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). This outing is open to students only. It includes a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5pm on Monday, April 22, at the OP Rental Barn.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This trip costs just $15.
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn the joy of fixing your own bicycle with in-depth instruction from Bike Program mechanics. This six-session course will teach you to repair and maintain a standard road, mountain, or commuter bike including lessons on flat fixes, hub overhauls, wheel truing, bottom brackets, brakes, drivetrains, and derailleurs.
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm. It starts April 16th and ends May 21st. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
6:00–9:00 p.m.
The 2024 World Tour brings films from the 48th annual Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival to more than 40 countries around the world. From an exploration of remote landscapes and mountain cultures to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films in this year’s world tour are sure to captivate and amaze the explorer within you.
The film festival is on Tuesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 1. Both nights, doors open at 6pm at the show runs from 7pm to 9pm. This event will take place at McDonald Theater (1010 Willamette St). This event is open to students and community-members.
Tickets for the film festival go on sale April 1!
May 2024
6:00–9:00 p.m.
The 2024 World Tour brings films from the 48th annual Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival to more than 40 countries around the world. From an exploration of remote landscapes and mountain cultures to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films in this year’s world tour are sure to captivate and amaze the explorer within you.
The film festival is on Tuesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 1. Both nights, doors open at 6pm at the show runs from 7pm to 9pm. This event will take place at McDonald Theater (1010 Willamette St). This event is open to students and community-members.
Tickets for the film festival go on sale April 1!
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Have the material and psychic conditions of capitalist patriarchy prevented you from being the confident, nerdy bicycle mechanic you would love to be? Calling femmes, women, trans, non-binary, and other gender diverse humans wanting to learn (or learn more) about the joys of bicycle maintenance!!!
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. It starts April 18th and ends May 23rd. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn the joy of fixing your own bicycle with in-depth instruction from Bike Program mechanics. This six-session course will teach you to repair and maintain a standard road, mountain, or commuter bike including lessons on flat fixes, hub overhauls, wheel truing, bottom brackets, brakes, drivetrains, and derailleurs.
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm. It starts April 16th and ends May 21st. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Whether you're an experienced kayaker or it's your first time, you're sure to enjoy Kayak Pool Sessions! This is a safe way to practice your skills, learn new tricks, and meet other kayakers!
This term, Kayak Pool Sessions will meet at the Rec Pool on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm. Kayak Pool Sessions are open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! This outing costs $6 with your own boat and $10 with an Outdoor Program boat.
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Have the material and psychic conditions of capitalist patriarchy prevented you from being the confident, nerdy bicycle mechanic you would love to be? Calling femmes, women, trans, non-binary, and other gender diverse humans wanting to learn (or learn more) about the joys of bicycle maintenance!!!
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. It starts April 18th and ends May 23rd. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Sometimes, Friday afternoons are exhuasting. You're tired from a week of school and work, dragging yourself through the last few hours before the weekend. You know what would lift your spirits? Frolicking through the wilderness with friends on an Outdoor Program hike!
Get outside, meet new people, and enjoy all the rich natural beauty Eugene has to offer on the Outdoor Program’s stress-less Friday hikes.
These hikes will go out every other Friday from 3pm to 6pm, starting Week 2. We will depart from the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). These hikes are for students only.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $5.
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn the joy of fixing your own bicycle with in-depth instruction from Bike Program mechanics. This six-session course will teach you to repair and maintain a standard road, mountain, or commuter bike including lessons on flat fixes, hub overhauls, wheel truing, bottom brackets, brakes, drivetrains, and derailleurs.
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm. It starts April 16th and ends May 21st. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Whether you're an experienced kayaker or it's your first time, you're sure to enjoy Kayak Pool Sessions! This is a safe way to practice your skills, learn new tricks, and meet other kayakers!
This term, Kayak Pool Sessions will meet at the Rec Pool on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm. Kayak Pool Sessions are open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! This outing costs $6 with your own boat and $10 with an Outdoor Program boat.
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Have the material and psychic conditions of capitalist patriarchy prevented you from being the confident, nerdy bicycle mechanic you would love to be? Calling femmes, women, trans, non-binary, and other gender diverse humans wanting to learn (or learn more) about the joys of bicycle maintenance!!!
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. It starts April 18th and ends May 23rd. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Outdoor Program for a group ride at Whypass (Carpenter Trail system). This is one of the closest mountain bike trail systems near Eugene and offers riding for all skill levels.
This hike will go out on Saturday, May 18 from 9am to 3pm at the OP Bike Program. It includes a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5pm on Friday, May 17 at the OP Bike Program.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This trip costs just $15. Sign up fee does not include a mountain bike rental, which are available in a limited supply for $30.
5:00–9:00 p.m.
Showing curated short films about bicycles and the outdoors, the Filmed by Bike Film Festival is based out of Portland. The show is now touring internationally! The films focus on diverse representation in cycling and stories from across the globe.
Local venues show the films and produce events with their own themes. The University of Oregon's 2024 theme is "Journey Better, Pedal Together."
UO Transportation Services and the Outdoor Program are partnering with local bicycle non-profits, Shift Community Cycles and Cascadia Mobility, as well as the city of Eugene and Lane Council of Governments. This event is part of the May is Bike Month celebrations.
The event is also a fundraiser: all entry ticket and raffle ticket sales will go to Shift Community Cycles. We will show 1.5 hours of films and screen the winners of our local film contest. We’ll have free food, a raffle, a group ride to the event, as well as free bike valet and on-site bike repair services for your convenience. Come join us for an inspiring night of bicycle films and information about local bike activities and groups here in our community!
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn the joy of fixing your own bicycle with in-depth instruction from Bike Program mechanics. This six-session course will teach you to repair and maintain a standard road, mountain, or commuter bike including lessons on flat fixes, hub overhauls, wheel truing, bottom brackets, brakes, drivetrains, and derailleurs.
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm. It starts April 16th and ends May 21st. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Whether you're an experienced kayaker or it's your first time, you're sure to enjoy Kayak Pool Sessions! This is a safe way to practice your skills, learn new tricks, and meet other kayakers!
This term, Kayak Pool Sessions will meet at the Rec Pool on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:30pm. Kayak Pool Sessions are open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! This outing costs $6 with your own boat and $10 with an Outdoor Program boat.
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Have the material and psychic conditions of capitalist patriarchy prevented you from being the confident, nerdy bicycle mechanic you would love to be? Calling femmes, women, trans, non-binary, and other gender diverse humans wanting to learn (or learn more) about the joys of bicycle maintenance!!!
This course goes from Weeks 3-8 on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm. It starts April 18th and ends May 23rd. This class meets at the OP Bike Program (EMU 008). This class is open to students and community-members.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! The entire 6-week course costs $65, with scholarships available.
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Sometimes, Friday afternoons are exhuasting. You're tired from a week of school and work, dragging yourself through the last few hours before the weekend. You know what would lift your spirits? Frolicking through the wilderness with friends on an Outdoor Program hike!
Get outside, meet new people, and enjoy all the rich natural beauty Eugene has to offer on the Outdoor Program’s stress-less Friday hikes.
These hikes will go out every other Friday from 3pm to 6pm, starting Week 2. We will depart from the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). These hikes are for students only.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 346-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $5.
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Outdoor Program for a hike to both upper and lower Kentucky falls. Oregon is famous for its waterfalls. You won't want to miss this one!
This hike will go out Saturday, May 25 from 8am to 2pm at the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). This outing is open to students only.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $12.
9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Adventure sports are very exciting but we also know that they can be intimidating! Especially for people who have been historically underrepresented in the outdoors, it can be daunting to try something new. Join us on an FTW (femme, trans, women, non-binary) kayak trip down the Willamette River! All levels are welcome and no experience is necessary.
This ride go out Sunday, May 26 from 9:30am to 3:30pm at the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). This outing is open to students only. It has a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5pm on Monday, May 20 at the OP Rental Barn.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $10.
June 2024
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Join the OP on a trip to Oregons clearest lake: Waldo! Where's Waldo? At the top of the Willamette watershed! This beautiful lake will be great to enjoy on a kayak or stand up paddle board (SUP).
This outing will go out Sunday, June 2 from 10am to 6pm at the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). This outing is open to students only. It has a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5pm on Friday, May 31 at the OP Rental Barn.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $25.
8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Thousands of years ago, Newberry Vpolcano erupted and created a deep caldera. Now filled with water, we call this caldera Paulina Lake! Come vsit this beautiful site with the Outdoor Program.
This outing will go out Sunday, June 9 from 8:30am to 6:30pm at the OP Rental Barn (1225 E. 18th Ave). This outing is open to students only. It has a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 5pm on Thursday, June 6 at the OP Rental Barn.
Call (541) 346-6092 or (541) 3476-4365 to sign up! This outing costs just $25.