Eugene is the second largest city and boasts the second largest metropolitan population (146,483 estimated as of 2006) in the state of Oregon, and is also the county seat of Lane County, Oregon, USA. It is located at the south end of the Willamette Valley, at the confluence of the McKenzie River and the Willamette River, about 60 miles (100 km) east of the Oregon Coast.

Eugene is home to the University of Oregon. The city is also noted for its natural beauty, activist political leanings, alternative lifestyles, recreation opportunities (especially bicycling, rafting, and kayaking), and arts focus. Eugene's motto is "The World's Greatest City for the Arts and Outdoors." It is also referred to as "The Emerald City" and "The Track Capital of the World." The Nike corporation had its beginnings in Eugene.