SALEM IS MOPO OUTDOORS explore the outdoors The Mid-Willamette Valley is a hiker’s playground. Whether you like your hikes along hillside vineyards or near waterfalls and through old-growth forests, the Salem region offers countless trails to explore. For one of the most popular hikes in the area, head to Croisan Creek Trail, a 1.5mile out-and-back trail lined with a mix of Douglas fir, bigleaf maples and cottonwood trees. The dog-friendly hike is perfect for any season and suitable for all skill levels. For an easy riverside loop, try the Willamette Mission State Park just north of Salem and you’ll see the nation’s largest black-cottonwood tree, nearly 300 years old. You can also glide across the Willamette River on the Wheatland Ferry, a nostalgic cable boat that dates back to 1844. Blend history and scenic beauty at Champoeg State Hertatge Area, where Oregon’s first provisional government was established in 1843. Today, the park offers serene trails along the Willamette River, winding through open meadows and oak savannas, with interpretive signs that narrate the state’s pioneer past. It’s perfect for hiking, biking or simply enjoying a riverside picnic. In nearby Dallas, the Ellendale Creek Loop weaves throughout the Ellendale foothills and the lush edge of the Siuslaw National Forest. The 5-mile trail packs in steady climbs and forested paths, but sweeping views of the Willamette Valley make every step worthwhile. About 15 miles northwest of Salem, try wiking (a fun combination of hiking and wine tasting) at Left Coast Estate, where you can follow trails through a majestic oak savanna and hillside vineyards. No matter what route you choose, remember to tread lightly, respect nature and wildlife, and leave no trace. WATERFALL HIKES Hike to some of the state’s most breathtaking waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park, where the famed Trail of Ten Falls weaves through lush forest and past 10 magnificent cascades. Don’t miss the iconic South Falls, where you can walk behind the shimmering curtain of water. For a more rugged adventure, head to Abiqua Falls, a stunning cascade reached by a steep 1.8-mile trek through old-growth forest. Nearby, Shellburg Falls offers a more moderate 1.6-mile loop that winds through fern-draped trails and across a bridge to another soaring 100-foot cascade. WATER ADVENTURES Running through Salem and connecting several scenic towns, the 187-mile Willamette Water Trail is like a hiking trail on water and a wonderful way to explore the region. Grab a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or canoe, and float your way through forests, meadows, parks and farms. Join Oregon Kayak Tours for a guided kayaking adventure — some routes coast through whitewater rapids while others cruise by waterfalls and wildlife. Paddle at your own pace with a kayak from Independence Kayak Rentals. Just south of Salem, Turner Lake Park offers a beach, picnic tables and access to a lake that’s perfect for beginner paddlers. East of Salem, the Santiam River Territory has a range of exciting water experiences for visitors from lively rapids to wildlife viewing. Consider fishing for bass on picturesque Detroit Lake, or turn up Robert Glusic Corbis South Falls at Silver Falls State Park TravelSalem.com 10
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==