Shotgun Creek
Shotgun Creek Trail, located approximately 19 miles north of Springfield, offers hikers a diverse and accessible outdoor experience in the Willamette Valley. This popular recreation area features a network of trails suitable for various skill levels, with the main loop providing a moderate 5-mile hike through lush, mossy forests and along scenic creek views.
Trail Summary
Trailhead: Located 30 miles northeast of Eugene
Length: 5 miles with options to extend or shorten your hike
Elevation: Hikers will ascend 800-950 ft
Difficulty: Classified as easy to moderate
Surface Conditions: A mix of well maintained trails to rugged terrain
Route Length and Surface Conditions
The Shotgun Creek Trail system offers a main loop of approximately 5 miles, with the option to extend or shorten the hike using connecting trails. The trail surface is primarily composed of natural forest floor, including dirt, rocks, and roots, which can become muddy and slippery during wet seasons. Hikers are advised to wear waterproof boots, especially in winter and spring, as the trail can be very wet and muddy. The path varies in width and condition, with some sections featuring well-maintained trails and others presenting more rugged terrain. Throughout the loop, hikers may encounter occasional fallen trees or debris, particularly after storms, though the trail is generally kept in good condition by maintenance efforts. The varied surface conditions contribute to the trail’s moderate difficulty rating and provide a diverse hiking experience through the low-elevation forest of the mid-Willamette Valley.
Sources:
Related Articles
Biking, Events, Outdoors, Sports & Wildlife
Festival Overview The Oakridge Tree Planting Festival, now in its 72nd year, is a vibrant celebration held from May 1-4, 2025, in Oakridge, Oregon. It’s known for...
Eugene, OR – April 21–27, 2025 –Some art demands your attention. Other art invites it—gently, unexpectedly, like sunlight filtering through a window you hadn’t noticed...
Florence, OR – On Saturday, April 26, 2025 experience a quiet kind of joy that comes from giving back to the land you call home. The occasion? Arbor Day—a day that...
