Swing Hill

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

This two-mile loop gives easy access to sweeping views across the valley and surrounding hills of the Eugene/Springfield area.

Parking passes are required at this County owned park. You can buy a pass at the trailhead or through various other outlets, including with your membership to Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah.

Start from the North Trailhead at Howard Buford Recreation Area (aka Mt. Pisgah) - not the main parking area. Head up the trail to the kiosk that's visible from the trailhead and turn left (north) on Trail #3 - West Slope Trail to amble through the Springbox Savanna. Enjoy the views as you hike through the open oak savanna habitat. Duck into the shade as the trail turns and wind through the woods until you emerge at an open saddle. Look right (west) for the short trail up to Swing Hill. After taking in the views, head back down the spur and continue back into the woods. At the junction with Trail #7, turn right (west) and return to the North Trailhead and parking lot.

Keep your eyes peeled for the springbox - an open topped square made of concrete blocks - on the south side of the trail. Until recently, this collected a seep which was used for the dairy farm operations below.