Bethel - Eugene, OR Area Guide

During the mid-1800’s, the area now known as Bethel began as part of the fur-trading town of Eugene. The townspeople raised money together to open a public university, which became the University of Oregon. The city of Eugene continued to experience rapid growth throughout the 20th century. Through the growth of this city, the neighborhood of Bethel was born. Stop in at the Lane County Historical Museum for more information on the area’s history and culture.

Eugene hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year that bring the community together. Residents gear up for the annual Festival of Eugene. Watch dances and performances, buy unique handcrafted items from local vendors, enjoy some regional dishes and celebrate wellness with the numerous health demonstrations, such as martial arts and yoga.

Dining in the Bethel area takes you on a flavorful trip around the globe, exploring regional dishes from the Far East, Mexico and Europe. Head towards historic downtown Eugene for a collection of top-notch restaurants and bars.

Sample the rich flavors and spices of Mexico when you dine at Mami’s Mexican Grill. Mami’s dishes out carefully prepared meals crafted with local ingredients. Try the signature Mami burrito, loaded with adobada pulled pork seasoned in red chili. Chow down on a qusedilla with chicken, or savor the carne asada made with tender chunks of marinated steak.

For a casual lunch, be sure to stop by Ubon Thai Kitchen for authentic Thai cuisine. Sample the flavors of the signature Pad Thai dish, featuring fresh lime, eggs and a spicy peanut sauce. For a light snack, order up a plate of the Thai spring rolls, featuring freshly made ingredients wrapped in a crunchy pastry,

Jung’s Mongolian Grill provides a cultural dining experience that transports you to the steppes of the wild mountains regions of the East. Grab a bowl and load up on your choice of a variety of meat, freshly cut veggies and noodles. Select your protein from among options such as lamb, shrimp, tofu and fresh salmon. Add some sauces to your dish like yellow curry, chili oil or coconut milk, and then hand it to the chef. Sit back and watch as the chef expertly fries up your dish.

For a night on the town, grab your dancing shoes and head out to enjoy Bethel’s lively and eclectic nightlife scene. Head to a sports bar to shoot some pool, taste the flavors of the local beers at a brewery or kick back and enjoy good vibes at one of the area’s live music venues.

Rightoutside the neighborhood, Oakshire Brewing Public House stands out as a local gathering spot for a lively night out. Grab a burger or a slice of pizza from one of the food trucks outside and enjoy a cold pint of beer. For just $4, you can get a beer sampler to taste the brewery’s premiere beers. This brewery serves up some unique beers from pale ales to aged Belgian brews. Sit down outside on the patio and listen to a live music group.

Bethel lies northwest of Eugene off the Pacific Highway West and Route 569. It takes around 15 minutes to drive from Bethel to Eugene via OR-99 North. Driving to Portland takes around one hour and 45 minutes via Interstate-5 North. Find on-street public parking available throughout Bethel.

Serviced by the Lane Transit District, the Bethel area features several bus routes throughout the neighborhood as well as express buses to the greater Portland area.

Dedicated bike lanes line most of the major roads in the area, making it easy to get around by bike. Due to the high concentration of shops and attractions, you can also access the area easily on foot.

If you need a quick ride, call a local cab company such as Oregon Taxi. However, Uber rideshare drivers don't service the Bethel area.

The Bethel area houses an array of parks and natural areas that allow locals to get out and enjoy the vast collection of outdoor activities available in the state.

Spend an afternoon meandering through the densely forested acres of Acorn City Park. Run a few laps on the running track, let the kids run around on the playground, toss some Frisbee or sit down for a picnic. This dog-friendly area encourages you to bring your canine companion along for a stroll around the park.

Get in shape when you head to Bethel Community Park to bike, run or walk around the extensive paved trail system. Toss the pig skin on the park's football field, enjoy the skate park or let the kids play on the well-equipped playground system.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the Bethel area costs about $735 a month, coming in well below the average rental cost in Eugene. Gas prices settle around 10 percent higher than the national average. A one-way ticket fare on a Lane Transit District bus costs $1.75, and a day pass costs $3.50. A pint of beer at a local pub generally runs about $4. The overall cost of living in the Bethel area sits lower than the living cost for Eugene.

There isn't much for shopping in the neighborhood outside of grocery stores. Locals grab groceries at chains such as Winco Foods, Fred Meyer, and The Corner Market. For boutiques and other necessities they head over into Eugene where there is a larger selection of retail shops.

Right outside the neighborhood you can pick up the little things you need for around the house at Walmart Supercenter, or to the Clothes Horse for unique trendy clothing items at unbeatable prices. Find all your favorite name brands such as Loft, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. Clothes Horse also stocks a large number of sporting clothes from REI, Columbia Sportswear and L.L. Bean.

Also in Eurgene, Velvet Edge Boutique stocks a collection of individual chic clothing and accessories. From a glamorous party dress to handmade earrings, this establishment's helpful and friendly staff do their best to help you find everything on your fashion list.

Stock your cupboard with fresh produce and local products from Lane County Farmers Market. Pick up some crisp persimmon tomatoes, juicy raspberries or grass-fed beef. Munch on some caramel corn mix as you listen to live performance from folk musicians, or sip on a Ninkasi at the beer garden.