Facility Overview

Mt. Pisgah Southeast Parking (frequently referenced by local hikers and trail runners as the East Trailhead or Southeast Trailhead) serves as a peaceful gateway to the southeastern reaches of the expansive Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA). Situated off Dery Road just outside Pleasant Hill and southeast of Eugene-Springfield, this open-air, gravel surface parking area provides direct access to the county park’s scenic back trails. Unlike the bustling main trailhead near the Mount Pisgah Arboretum on Frank Parrish Road, this rustic staging area offers a quieter, less congested starting point. The lot features an open-sky layout free of vertical clearance barriers, easily accommodating standard passenger sedans, crossovers, full-sized pickup trucks, SUVs, and high-roof adventure vans.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Surrounded by oak savannas, conifer groves, and rolling Willamette Valley foothills, this parking area sits directly at the base of premier outdoor destinations:

• Howard Buford Recreation Area: Direct on-site foot access to over 2,200 acres of preserved parkland and roughly 30 miles of mixed-use trails traversing forests, ridgelines, and meadows.
• Mount Pisgah Summit Trail Routes: Hikers can ascend toward the 1,531-foot summit via Trail 3, Trail 4, or connections from the east and southeast flanks, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Cascade Range, Spencer Butte, and the Willamette River basin.
• Mount Pisgah Arboretum: Located roughly 3 miles via trail connection or a short drive around the western base of the park, offering curated plant collections, nature trails, and educational pavilions.
• Coast Fork Willamette River: Located within a short hike or drive, providing serene riparian corridors and seasonal birdwatching opportunities.
• Pleasant Hill Community & Amenities: Approximately 3 to 4 miles southeast via Highway 58, featuring local rural diners, cafes, and fuel stops.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle ingress and egress is accessed via Highway 58 (Willamette Highway) heading toward Pleasant Hill, turning north onto Parkway Road, and continuing onto Dery Road until reaching the trailhead parking turnaround. Dery Road transitions into a rural lane, requiring cautious driving around blind curves and passing pedestrians or cyclists. Due to its rural, secluded setting in Lane County, there is no direct public transit or bus service connecting directly to the Dery Road turnaround; visitors rely on personal vehicles, bicycles, or rideshare pickups arranged in advance. Drivers can reach Interstate 5 (Exit 189) within an 8-to-10-minute drive, making regional transit to and from Eugene, Springfield, or Cottage Grove straightforward.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Rural Staging: Unpaved gravel surface lot with unobstructed overhead clearance for tall recreation vehicles.
• Trailhead Kiosk: Educational informational signage displaying park trail maps, boundary lines, and regulations.
• Equine & Dog Friendly: Convenient staging access for equestrians on designated trails and leashed canine companions.
• Passive Natural Setting: Minimal artificial light pollution, providing a serene outdoor atmosphere.

Ideal For

• Hikers and Trail Runners: Visitors seeking a rugged, less crowded alternative to the western summit trailhead.
• Nature Photographers & Birdwatchers: Enthusiasts exploring native oak habitats, wildflower blooms, and woodland wildlife.
• Equestrians & Dog Walkers: Local riders and pet owners utilizing multi-use trail loops through Buford Park.
• Quiet Solitude Seekers: Anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Mount Pisgah away from peak-hour crowds.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking at the Howard Buford Recreation Area requires a valid Lane County Parks parking pass. Crucially, this remote southeast trailhead does not have an automated self-service credit card kiosk or daily ticket machine. Visitors must obtain an annual Lane County Parks permit or purchase a $5 daily parking pass online or at the main park entrance prior to arrival, displaying the receipt clearly on the dashboard. Cellular service can be spotty along rural dips in Dery Road, so download digital maps and verify trailhead directions ahead of time. Lock all vehicle doors and stow valuables completely out of sight to deter opportunistic vehicle break-ins common to regional trailheads.