Outdoor Program: Common Adventures

If there’s one thing we all seem to have in common here, it’s that we love the outdoors. The beauty of the mountains, the trees, and the river inspires us every day to get out and find something new. But it’s not always easy to take advantage of everything that Eugene has to offer. Luckily, the Outdoor Program (OP) is here to guide you through Oregon’s natural wonders.

Written by Sydney Johnson

Photography by Henry Cohen

Located on the ground floor of the EMU, and at their rental barn near McArthur court, the OP does a lot of awesome things at once. They are part bike program, part gear rental service, and part adventure coordinator. That last part should get your attention — OP’s Common Adventure trips are a fantastic way to see parts of Oregon you never would have thought possible.

Many UO students wish they could go to Mt. Hoodoo or Bachelor while the snow is around, but most of us don’t have the means to make the journey to ski or snowboard. Or what about the countless waterfalls and rock climbing spots all around us? The wild Oregon coast? Every week there are different destinations and activities, either local or within a few hours’ drive.

OP outings are open to all UO students, usually for a small fee. They will set you up with the necessary gear for a trip, lending out supplies like boots, bikes, or kayaks if you don’t have your own. They provide transportation to and from the excursion site, an added bonus for those of us without cars, and guide you through the rest of the trip. If you’re already a local expert, you can even take classes to become the leader of your own excursion.

The OP offers events suitable for everyone from newbies to experienced adventurers, catering to every interest along the way. They often have kayak sessions in the Rec pool to help raise your confidence in the water before heading out into a real river or ocean. Then there are excursions like the upcoming Red Rocks trip: a 2-day camping and climbing trip to Nevada over Spring break. Hikes to picturesque hotspots like Sweet Creek Falls will always give you something to look forward to on weekends.

They are also champions of inclusivity, often hosting BIPOC or LGBTQ+-centered events. Their “redefining outdoorsy” initiative was created to challenge the structures of the outdoor industry by empowering and amplifying underrepresented communities with a variety of affinity trips. These are great opportunities to gather with like-minded people while also building new and useful skills.

The Outdoor Program takes the guesswork out of outdoor adventuring. No matter your skill level, no matter your interest — the OP can give you the experience to create a lasting memory. Everyone has an equal opportunity to make the most of their time here and become a part of everything that Oregon has to offer.