Sunday, October 4, 2026 / Eugene
Spencer Butte trailhead adds new paved parking lot on South Willamette Street
The City of Eugene is completing a formalized 52nd Avenue parking facility and pedestrian beacon system to alleviate roadside congestion near the southern park entrance.
Hikers accessing Spencer Butte Park from the south will soon find a safer, formalized parking area as the City of Eugene nears completion of its Willamette Street and West 52nd Avenue parking lot project.
The newly paved lot, situated just south of 52nd Avenue across from the southern park approach, replaces years of informal and congested roadside shoulder parking along Willamette Street. In addition to asphalt paving and designated vehicle stalls, the project installs rapid-flashing pedestrian crosswalk beacons across South Willamette Street, providing clear crossing sightlines for trail visitors.
Finishing touches including striping and final landscape restoration are wrapping up this week. Visitors are reminded to use marked crossings and exercise caution when approaching active crews during final staging.
Field notes
What changed: A new paved parking area and pedestrian beacon system south of West 52nd Avenue is nearing completion to serve Spencer Butte trailhead visitors.
Why it matters: Shoulder parking along South Willamette has long created sightline hazards on a fast-moving two-lane corridor.
Who may be affected: Hikers, neighborhood residents, and motorists traveling between Eugene and South Willamette rural corridors.