EUGENE, Ore. — At the request of the Eugene Springfield Fire Department, the City of Eugene’s Parks and Open Space has closed Skinner Butte Park summit parking lot effective Tuesday, June 2, due to fire danger. The parking lot and summit road will remain closed to motorized vehicles until sometime in October.
Skinner Butte has a history of illegal fireworks activity and brush fires, particularly during the summer season, the city said. In 2024 and 2025, the city closed the summit lot during peak fire season, which effectively reduced risk and was well received by the public.
The physical features of Skinner Butte significantly contribute to wildfire hazard:
- The butte’s steep slopes accelerate uphill fire spread, increasing the intensity and speed of wildfire growth from ignition sources on or near the summit.
- It is immediately adjacent to developed urban areas, including residential neighborhoods, the historic Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, and park infrastructure, all of which are vulnerable to rapid fire encroachment.
- Despite ongoing fuels reduction efforts by Parks and Open Space dry grasses, shrubs, and mature trees continue to create a fuel bed that is highly susceptible during the dry summer season.
During this time, the summit will still be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists (no e-motorcycles)…