The bustling Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area provides an urban center for Lane County and is the largest between Portland and Sacramento. The first wagon train to follow this trail, comprising about 70 people, set out in 1841. Visitors from other counties and states came to these resorts to enjoy the healthful baths with their alleged curative powers as well as the natural splendor of Lane County. Buster Keaton came to Lane County in the 1920s to make The General , a spectacular silent film. Susan Saint James bought a Lane County hideaway after completing the movie How to Beat the High Cost of Living .
Moviemaking is a small but growing part of Lane County's economy.
Eugene bills itself as the running capital of the country, with some justice considering the outstanding track and field program at the University of Oregon. Many international running stars including Mary Decker Slaney, Alberto Salazar, and Joaquim Cruz have trained there with coach Dick Brown. The 6.3 kilometer Pre's Trail, circling through Alton Baker Park in Eugene, is named in memory of Steve Prefontaine, star of the 1972 Olympic trials. Prefontaine held American records at one time or another in almost every long-distance event. His coach at the University of Oregon and for the 1972 Olympic team, Bill Bowerman, was instrumental in creating Nike, Inc., as well as instigating the popularity of jogging throughout the United States.