The loop to the top of Spencer Butte, which dominates Eugene’s southern skyline, may seem simple on the face of it, but there are a few hazards to be aware of if you want to get the city’s best views. If you are doing the loop, it’s best to take the West Trail first, but this steep rocky path is very slick when wet, sometimes necessitating a scramble here and there. On a rainy day, hikers may want to opt for the more gently graded, newly refurbished (2015) Main Trail as a 2.2 mile out and back. In addition, Spencer Butte is a haven for poison oak from top to bottom, so mind your leaves of three! If this weren’t enough, the hill is home to some of the Willamette Valley’s last remaining rattlesnakes although you should count yourself very lucky if you happen to see one (The Butte’s native name is Champ-a-te, Kalapuyan for ‘rattlesnake’.).