willamettevalley.org | 1 ITINERARIES 19 VALLEY SECRETS Experience all the Willamette Valley has to o er. These detailed itineraries include top attractions as well as must-visit wineries, breweries and distilleries. Pick one for a weekend getaway, or plan a week (or more!) to see them all. 20 Yamhill County 22 Mt. Hood Territory 24 Salem Area 26 Albany Area 28 Corvallis Area 30 Eugene, Springfield & Cascades Area Any visit to the Willamette Valley should be planned with respect and safety for you and our communities. Please visit willamettevalley.org for health and safety advisories and to learn more about your responsibility to our communities, our environment and ethical business practices. FEATURES 4 SIP & SAVOR With world-class wineries and bountiful farmland, Oregon Wine Country is a culinary gem. 6 ADVENTURE AWAITS From hiking and biking to paddling and birding, outdoor explorations abound. 10 FUN FOR ALL AGES Drive a go-kart, pick peaches or pumpkins, ride an antique carousel and more! Here you’ll find activities the whole family will enjoy. 12 TWO WHEELED TOURING Home to the nation’s first o cial scenic bikeway and boasting routes of all types, the Willamette Valley is a cyclist’s haven. 16 NATURAL WONDERS At times the Willamette Valley can feel like a fairy tale with its nearly two dozen picturesque waterfalls in the Oregon Coast Range and across the West Cascades. Funded in part by: The Willamette Valley Travel Guide is provided as a service by the Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA) in partnership with MEDIAmerica. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information here within. WVVA and the publisher assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. RESOURCES 32 WILLAMETTE VALLEY MAP
Lake Oswego features a beautiful trellis patio with an outdoor fire pit and private dining room. Enjoy incredible views of the Columbia River from the spacious patio at our Vancouver Waterfront location. Happy Valley offers a large patio with indoor/outdoor granite boulder fireplaces and a private dining room. Visit our Newest Tasting Room & Restaurants Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling Wine in the Dundee Hills 8800 Enchanted Way SE · Turner, OR 97392 · 503-588-9463 · info@wvv.com Jim Bernau, Founder/CEO Learn more and make a reservation at wvv.com/Visit WillametteValleyVineyards.com
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WILLAMETTE VALLEY: HOME TO A WORLD CLASS WINE SCENE Here in the Willamette Valley, we’re home to more than 700 wineries and are known the world over for our Pinot noir. For decades, vintners and winemakers from throughout the region have brought unmatched levels of care, craft and commitment to every bottle and glass—but even so, wineries continue to innovate with exciting vintages, new varietals and one-of-a-kind experiences. Stoller Family Estate, for instance, has taken wine tasting to new heights with its Experience Center. The expansive tasting room uses augmented reality to share the winery’s history, hosts interactive tasting tables and shows an immersive video that explores the surrounding vineyards. Farther south in Eugene, Oregon Wine LAB showcases the best of the south Willamette Valley by pouring its house wines (crafted under the William Rose Wines label) alongside wines from a variety of local producers. OREGON WINE COUNTRY IS A CULINARY GEM Around the Willamette Valley, good food and drink are always in season. More than 170 crops and livestock items are produced in the region alone—from wine grapes and berries to Christmas trees and hazelnuts. The family-run farms and vineyards growing these crops have given rise to world-class wineries; farm-to-table eateries; renowned craft breweries, cider makers and distilleries; and a bounty of markets and food trails that bring it all together. Here are all the ways you can savor the Willamette Valley’s rich rewards. Sip & Savor 4 | Willamette Valley Travel Guide 4 Spirits Distillery, Corvallis Chehalem Tasting Room
FARMERS MARKETS & FOOD TRAILS SHARE LOCAL BOUNTY The Willamette Valley is one of the most agriculturally diverse regions on earth, so you’re never far from enjoying the area’s bounty. Several farmers markets dot the valley, serving fresh fare straight from the farm. The Corvallis–Albany Farmers’ Markets run April–November, as does the Lane County Farmers Market in Eugene. Both markets boast dozens of vendors selling cheeses, meats, produce, honey, herbs, baked goods and other items. Naturally, self-guided Willamette Valley Food & Farm Trails share this bounty and celebrate the growers who power the region. Plan a day or weekend picking, tasting or sipping your way through a number of thriving farming communities along the South Clackamas Farm Loop, Yamhill Farm Loop, Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail, Great Oaks Food Trail, Marion County Farm Loop, Farmlandia Food Loop or South Willamette Valley Food Trail. Each outing spotlights dozens of passionate farmers, vintners, eateries, makers and more throughout the Willamette Valley. willamettevalley.org | 5 CRAFT BEVERAGE PRODUCERS FIND SUCCESS IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY Wine isn’t the only thing we’re sipping here in the Willamette Valley. Whether growing apples for awardwinning ciders, hops for qua able craft beers or even plants for handcrafted tea, the Willamette Valley boasts an acclaimed array of craft beverages. Salem is home to a thriving Latinx population, and that influence is at the heart of the city’s La Familia Cider Company. The craft cider maker, noted for ciders influenced by Mexican agua fresca fruit drinks, has earned a devoted fan base with its inventive flavors—including a Jamaica hibiscus cider and another sporting tropical notes of guava. Dozens of craft breweries dot the Willamette Valley, pouring a variety of styles sure to please even the pickiest of palates. For instance, since opening in 2016, Eugene’s ColdFire Brewing has produced some of the region’s most popular ales and lagers—including pilsners, IPAs, stouts and barrel-aged o erings. Since 1988, Minto Island Tea Company has cultivated some of the area’s best-loved tea varieties—all certified organic—on one of Oregon’s only dedicated tea farms just outside Salem. In fact, each of Minto’s teas are grown, picked and processed at the company’s farm. Since 2011, the veteran-led 4 Spirits Distillery has poured a variety of small-batch spirits—like its habanerospiced rum and cucumber gin—at the southern edge of Corvallis. Founded in memory of four Oregon National Guardsmen, 4 Spirits routinely donates to statewide veteran reintegration programs. FARM TO TABLE EATERIES DISH THE BEST OF THE REGION With fruits, vegetables, herbs and more growing around the Willamette Valley, it’s no wonder restaurateurs have made “farm-to-table” the cornerstone of their outposts. Since 2013, Pura Vida Cocina has served Latin American-inspired food and drinks from several countries— including Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador and Argentina—in downtown McMinnville. Each dish on the restaurant’s seasonal menu is prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The Salem-based Willamette Valley Pie Company processes more than 10 million pounds of fresh, locally grown fruit every summer; hosts a local store and cafe; and ships its desserts to grocery stores, farm stands and restaurants all over Oregon. Just about everything is scratch-made at Sybaris Bistro in Albany—even the ketchup. The award-winning restaurant prepares a popular menu of globally inspired dishes, all with a Pacific Northwest twist, that changes with whatever’s in season. The self-guided Willamette Valley Food & Farm T ils showcase the growers who power the re on. Sybaris Bistro, Albany
6 | Willamette Valley Travel Guide It’s hardly a surprise, then, that outdoor recreation takes visitors into the heart of all that scenic beauty. So take your pick: Will you hike, bike or paddle your way through the Willamette Valley on your next unforgettable trip? Adventure Awa s OUTDOOR EXPLORATIONS AROUND THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY TAKE A HIKE IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY Hundreds of miles of hiking trails span the Willamette Valley, ranging from the foothills of Mount Hood to the pastoral valley floor to the height of the Oregon Coast Range. The 6.5-mile (10.5-kilometer) Molalla River Rim Trail Loop, for instance, has a bit of everything that makes the Willamette Valley so great: old-growth forest, plentiful wildlife watching and (in summer) wild berries that can be plucked right from the vine. Across the valley, Marys Peak towers over the Corvallis area as the tallest peak in the Oregon Coast Range—and the site of a popular network of hiking trails. From the summit, hikers enjoy 360-degree views that encompass the Pacific Ocean, Willamette Valley farmland and numerous Cascade peaks—including Mount Rainier in Washington and Mount Hood, Mount Je erson and the Three Sisters in Oregon. HOP IN THE SADDLE FOR A BIKE RIDE Rolling hillsides cut through acres of Willamette Valley farmland, dozens of covered bridges cross creeks and rivers, and forested foothills enchant in the region’s mountain ranges. And perhaps the best way to explore that wonder is from the seat of a bicycle. Mountain bikers have long been drawn to the likes of Westfi r and Oakridge (often called the mountain-biking capital of the Pacific Northwest), where thrilling singletrack trails o er outdoor excitement all year long. In fact, Oakridge is one of only six cities in the United States designated as a gold-level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association—thanks in large part to its adrenaline-pumping mix of roots, rocks, jumps, berms and bridges. Road cyclists, meanwhile, have plenty of country roads and forested foothills to explore: The 36-mile (58-kilometer) Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, for instance, follows a rails-to-trails path, circles the scenic Dorena Lake and, of course, hits several of Lane County’s famous covered bridges. And running through the heart of the region is the 134-mile (216-kilometer) Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, the first o cial scenic bikeway in the United States. Marys Peak Towering forests, panoramic peaks and a river running through it all: The Willamette Valley has no shortage of natural wonders.
willamettevalley.org | 7 PADDLE THE WILLAMETTE WATER TRAIL You never know what a day on the Willamette River might bring: Perhaps you’ll paddle past an osprey fishing from its banks, watch as a gentle breeze cracks the river’s surface like broken glass or see an otter frolicking in the chilly water. Maybe you’ll pitch a tent at one of roughly 50 campsites along the river and watch the sunset from its quiet shore. Thanks to the Willamette Water Trail, such an experience isn’t just possible—it’s a one-of-a-kind outing that can’t happen anywhere else in the region. Fed by tributaries from the Cascade Mountains, the Willamette Water Trail flows northward for nearly 200 miles (322 kilometers) before emptying into the Columbia River near Portland. Along the way, the river passes through cities large and small, boasts dramatic wildlife-viewing opportunities, o ers all manner of outdoor recreation and showcases the natural beauty of the iconic Willamette Valley. The trail’s campsites—many accessible only by boat—make it possible to string together an overnight outing along the trail, but landings in and around the region’s communities o er the chance to get o the water and enrich your experience as well. GO BIRDING IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY’S NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES The Willamette Valley sits along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory bird route that stretches from Alaska to Argentina. So every fall and spring, birders around the region are treated to sightings of more than 230 feathered species as they rest, feed and forage throughout the Willamette Valley. In particular, a trio of national wildlife refuges (Baskett Slough, William L. Finley and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuges) are ground zero for spotting both native and migrating birds. Species to watch for include the dusky Canada goose, which winters almost exclusively in the Willamette Valley, as well as herons, mallards, bald eagles, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks and western sandpipers. Pitch a tent at one of roughly 50 campsites along the ver and watch the sunset from its quiet shore. Mountain biking in Oakridge Willamette Water Trail Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge INDIGENOUS LANDS The Willamette Valley is within the Indigenous homelands of the Kalapuya and Molalla peoples. The Molalla, within the northeastern portion of the valley, are recognized as being of two groups: the Northern Molalla and the Santiam band of Molalla. The Kalapuya are historically identified as including approximately 13 tribes or bands: the Tualatin, Yamhill, Pudding River, Luckimute, Santiam, Mary’s River, Calapooia, Muddy River, Tekopa, Long Tom, Chafan, Mohawk, Winnefelly and Yoncalla Kalapuya bands, from north to south in the valley.
HISTORIC WILLAMETTE MAIN STREET West Linn | 503-607-8033 historicwillamette.com TRISKELEE FARM West Linn 503-741-9930 | triskeleefarm.com LAWRENCE GALLERY Lake Oswego 503-843-3633 | lawrencegallery.com ALPACAS AT MARQUAM HILL RANCH Molalla 503-407-3699 | mhralpacas.com HANSON VINEYARDS Woodburn 971-338-9760 | hansonwine.com END OF THE OREGON TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CENTER Oregon City 503-307-1773 | historicoregoncity.com Visit this working alpaca ranch, feed the alpacas, watch them graze and shop in the ranch store for a curated collection of luxury alpaca goods. Small estate winery on a fourth generation family farm. Classic Willamette Valley wines and fun, unusual blends. Information center and museum open every day with many new exhibits including the film “Oregon’s First People,” made in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. Where rivers and people meet. Explore local shopping and dining in downtown West Linn. Pick up a Historic Willamette walking map to learn stories of the area. Experience farm life by reserving a guided farm tour with Triskelee Farm. Meet and feed alpacas, goats, ostriches, peacocks and more. Plus evening “Tipsy Tours” for adults. You’ll always find the best original artwork by the best NW artists at Lawrence Gallery. Family owned since 1977, bringing you beauty and joy. At the northern edge of the Willamette Valley you’ll find Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory. Its towns and main streets offer vibrant arts and culture scenes, boutique shops filled with locally made goods and restaurants offering direct-from-the-source dining experiences. Venture further into rich farmland to meet amazing animals, walk through endless acres of brilliant flowers and visit friendly, family-run wineries. Discover more at mthoodterritory.com. Welcome to OREGON’S MT. HOOD TERRITORY
10 | Willamette Valley Travel Guide Fun forAll Ages RELAX & RECONNECT ON AN ACTIVE FAMILY GETAWAY opening in 1971. The family-run park boasts a variety of rides, slides, a haunted house, the largest log ride in the Pacific Northwest, a thrilling roller coaster and plenty of other fun activities for a storybook adventure. For a trip back in time, stop by the Historic Carousel and Museum in Albany, where you can watch volunteers carve and paint new carousel animals—and take a ride on a historic 1909 carousel, home to 36 handcrafted animals and mythical creatures, such as gira es, dragons, unicorns and lions. Interested in regional wildlife? Cascades Raptor Center is a nature center and animal hospital that treats more than 300 sick, injured and orphaned birds of prey each year near the southern edge of Eugene. The center is also home to nearly 40 birds, all native to the Pacific Northwest, in large outdoor aviaries. Self-guided tours are available, as are educational opportunities for students young and old. If you want to enjoy an active outing, connect with the Willamette Valley’s history, enjoy a day on the farm, or even learn a thing or two at our engaging museums, you’ll find plenty to do here. Here’s just a sampling of the many ways you and your whole family can enjoy the Willamette Valley on your next trip. FAMILY OUTINGS OFFER FUN, SHOWCASE HISTORY & MORE Whatever your family’s interests, you’re sure to find something to love for kids of all ages in the Willamette Valley. In the mood for an active outing? Bullwinkle’s boasts enough fun for multiple afternoons in Wilsonville. Attractions include an 18-hole mini-golf course, go-karts, bumper boats, a climbing wall, an 800-foot-long (244meter) zip line, an arcade with more than 100 games and 16 lanes of bowling. In Salem the one-of-a-kind Enchanted Forest outdoor theme park has been a Willamette Valley icon since The Willamette Valley is home to fun attractions for kids young and old—even most of our tasting rooms are family-friendly. Watch volunteers carve and paint new carousel animals—and take a de on a histo c 1909 carousel. Historic Carousel and Museum, Albany
FOOD TRAILS SHOWCASE LIFE ON THE FARM Kids—and kids at heart—love exploring the self-guided Willamette Valley Food & Farm Trails that crisscross the area. In spring, U-pick farms invite families to savor the flavor of the region by enjoying peaches, berries and other fruits straight from the source; in late summer and early fall, many of the area’s farms host harvest festivals, pumpkin patches and other fun festivities. And that’s to say nothing of the farm animals kids can see along the way all year long. Visit some of the area’s historic farms, craft beverage producers, farm-to-table restaurants and artisan markets along the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail, which covers the charming communities of Monroe, Albany, Philomath, Alsea, Lebanon and Corvallis. Sip world-class wines, enjoy one-of-a-kind lodging opportunities, sample your way through home-grown bakeries and cafes, and head to a variety of family-friendly farms along the South Willamette Valley Food Trail, which passes through Eugene, Cottage Grove, Junction City, Creswell and even the McKenzie River. The Great Oaks Food Trail, meanwhile, shares the bounty of historic farming communities—such as Dallas, Monmouth, Amity and Independence—with more than 40 exciting stops. Your itinerary may include farms, markets, quaint eateries, artisan merchants or familyfriendly wineries in the heart of the region. The South Clackamas Farm Loop boasts 20 memorable stops in the foothills of Mount Hood, where you can purchase plants and flowers, savor locally grown fare and boutique wines, meet passionate farmers and vintners, and even enjoy encounters with farm animals and elk. Suzanne Arlie Park U-pick flowers at Peoria Road Farmer's Market Midway Farms, Albany Each of the four seasons creates a different experience on farms and at tasting rooms around the Willamette Valley. Here’s how to make the most of your next visit—whenever that visit may be. Spring Blooms Around the Willamette Valley Signs of spring abound all over the Willamette Valley: The season’s first steelhead and Chinook salmon swim the Willamette and McKenzie rivers, cherry blossoms cover the Oregon State Capitol grounds and the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest (a regional celebration since 1985) showcases thousands of vibrant flowers. At the same time, wineries welcome spring with bud break, the unofficial start of the growing season, and (in May) Oregon Wine Month. Growing Season Arrives With Summer The heart of summer is also the heart of the growing season in the Willamette Valley. Cherries, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes and a wide range of fresh vegetables show off the region’s rich bounty at markets, farm stands and (of course) farm-to-table restaurants. Meanwhile, stalks of fragrant lavender and fields of colorful dahlias cover farms and fields throughout the region. Harvest Festivals Ring in Fall Pumpkin patches and apple orchards are mainstays at autumn attractions. Our farmers also harvest the ever-popular hazelnut; the Willamette Valley produces more than 99% of all hazelnuts grown in the United States. Wineries gear up for harvest and Wine Country Thanksgiving, which often includes special releases, live music and other fun events in November. Winter Brings Truffle Tastings and Wine Releases January heralds the arrival of the Oregon Truffle Festival, which celebrates the delicacy with tastings, workshops, special menus, a truffle marketplace and other fungi-focused events. And winter is Cellar Season for Willamette Valley wineries, where you can relax around the fireplace, chat with the winemaker who poured your Pinot and savor the season’s newest releases. Learn more about the bounty of the Willamette Valley at willamettevalley.org/farm-and-food willamettevalley.org | 11 CELEBRATE THE GROWING SEASONS OF THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY
12 | Willamette Valley Travel Guide Naturally, this scenery has long charmed cyclists seeking out adventure all over the region. Mountain bike riders shred world-renowned single-track trails in the forests around Oakridge, gravel riders find thrills in the backroad foothills of the Oregon Coast Range and road cyclists love exploring the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway—the first official scenic bikeway in the United States. Here’s a look at the world-class versatility of the Willamette Valley’s cycling scene. Two-Wheeled Touring EXPLORE THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY BY BICYCLE There’s so much to love about the beauty of the Willamette Valley: Rolling hillsides cut through acres of farmland, dozens of covered bridges cross creeks and rivers, and forested foothills enchant in the region’s mountain ranges. RIDE THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY SCENIC BIKEWAY Running along country roads and through small towns, the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway is a 134-mile, (216-kilometer) state-designated road-bicycle route showcasing many of the region’s most popular highlights: quiet country roads, charming communities, family farms, pastoral parks and—of course—some of the Willamette Valley’s most popular (and scenic) wineries. Strong cyclists can complete the self-guided tour in as little as one day, but we’d recommend two or three days to stop and enjoy the sights. Dedicated cyclists can camp at Champoeg State Heritage Area, Willamette Mission State Park, Brownsville’s Pioneer Park and Armitage Park— while bed-and-breakfasts and hotels, many offering secure bike storage, provide more comfortable options for multiday rides. The enthusiasm spawned by the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway has led to the development of additional bikeways throughout the region—including the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway and the Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway. Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway
willamettevalley.org | 13 MOUNTAIN BIKE THE FORESTED FOOTHILLS SURROUNDING THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY The Willamette Valley is bookended by a pair of mountain ranges—the Coast Range to the west and the Cascades to the east—both o ering mountain bike trails through forested wilderness. Popular paths include the mountain bike trails at Alsea Falls Recreation Site, which promise rollers, berms, rock gardens, hips, rock chutes, banked turns and exposed root features for an exciting challenge through a lush, second-growth forest. In the world-class West Cascades, Oakridge has been dubbed a gold-level destination by the International Mountain Bicycling Association— making it one of only six areas in the world to receive the honor. GRAVEL RIDING OFFERS NEW CHALLENGES, SENSE OF SOLITUDE Every day, cyclists are taking their adventures o pavement and onto gravel paths for a quieter experience that bridges the divide between urban rides and forested adventures. And at the western edge of the Willamette Valley, Oregon Coast Range foothills o er plenty of opportunities to hit the trail for a mixed-terrain ride. Gravel rides throughout the region pass award-winning wineries, cut through acres of farmland, cross covered bridges that date back nearly a century and visit some of Oregon’s most charming towns. H the t il for a mixed-ter in de. Gravel riding Alpine Trail near Eugene Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway
The #1 medium-sized U.S. city for biking* *Or unicycling, if that’s your thing. 2022 ranking by saveonenergy.com Mural by Eileen Hinckle
16 | Willamette Valley 2022 Travel Guide EXPLORE THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY’S MAJESTIC WATERFALLS At times, the Willamette Valley and its nearly two dozen waterfalls can feel like a fairy tale. After all, where else can you walk behind thundering cascades, admire fastmoving chutes from forested riverbanks and walk across ancient lava flows before gazing upon crystal-clear falls? You can do it all—and more—at picturesque waterfalls in the Oregon Coast Range and across the West Cascades. Begin your scenic trip here, and learn more about the other waterfalls of the Willamette Valley at willamettevalley.org/guide-to-waterfalls. SILVER FALLS STATE PARK AND THE TRAIL OF TEN FALLS Silver Falls State Park is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks system— and its namesake waterfalls routinely draw visitors from around the world. The 7.2-mile (round-trip) Trail of Ten Falls hike is easily the park’s most popular attraction. Here a trail descends into a forested river canyon where hikers can view an astounding 10 waterfalls. Five of those are taller than 100 feet, and hikers can walk behind four. Don’t have time for all 10? You can still view many of the park’s waterfalls along several shorter loops that begin from the South Falls and North Falls day-use areas. Whichever hike you choose, keep in mind that Silver Falls State Park is rightfully popular—so try to visit before 9:00 a.m., and aim for a weekday outing to enjoy some solitude. Silver Falls State Park Natural Wonders | Willamette Valley Travel Guide S ver Falls State Park’s namesake waterfalls rou nely d w tors from around e world.
willamettevalley.org | 17 SAHALIE AND KOOSAH FALLS Some 3,000 years ago, a pair of thick lava flows dammed Clear Lake in the Cascade Range and created a pair of Oregon’s most beloved waterfalls: Sahalieand Koosah falls. (Translated from Chinook, Sahalie means “heaven” and Koosah means “sky.”) Today both waterfalls can be accessed via a scenic loop trail that parallels the McKenzie River. Most visitors park at the Sahalie Falls parking area, which a ords almost immediate views of the 100-foot waterfall, before following the McKenzie River toward Koosah Falls—which itself drops 70 feet into a pool below. (If Sahalie Falls looks vaguely familiar, fun fact: It was featured in the Disney film “Homeward Bound.”) SPIRIT FALLS, MOON FALLS AND PINARD FALLS At the far southeastern edge of the Willamette Valley, in the Cascade Range foothills, sit three impressive waterfall hikes within a short drive of each other. The undeniable star is Spirit Falls, which drops 60 feet in a mossy basalt amphitheater into a pool populated by frogs and salamanders. Nearby quick treks head through lush old-growth forests and to the base of the 100-foot Moon Falls and the 105-foot Pinard Falls. Given the remote nature of the waterfalls, chances are good you’ll have the views all to yourself—even on sunny summer weekends. If you do all three hikes on your outing—and if you’ve driven this far into the woods, why wouldn’t you?—you’ll tally about 3 miles of hiking and 600 feet of elevation gain. MCDOWELL CREEK FALLS COUNTY PARK At the eastern edge of the Willamette Valley, where farmland gives way to rising hillsides and towering forests, sits McDowell Creek Falls County Park. The wooded park hosts a 2-mile (round-trip) loop hike (gaining just 230 feet) that passes a pair of impressive cascades, both accessible by boardwalks and viewpoints for an easy yet rewarding outing. The highlights here are the 120-foot, two-tiered Royal Terrace Falls and the 40-foot Majestic Falls, both of which fall in rocky amphitheaters and are surrounded by towering Douglas fir, hemlock and maple trees. Keep an eye out along the way for the 15-foot Crystal Falls and the 20-foot Lower McDowell Creek Falls for even more scenery. A lack of winter snow makes the trail a popular o -season destination, and the park positively glows with colorful fall foliage in September and October. ALSEA FALLS RECREATION SITE Sitting along the South Fork Alsea River in the heart of the Oregon Coast Range, the Alsea Falls Recreation Site has a bit of everything for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes, including its namesake waterfall. Alsea Falls tumbles just 30 feet, but it does so while cascading over smooth rocks in the river, creating a staircase-like flow that’s unique among waterfalls in the region. A short path from the dayuse area leads to a viewpoint at the base of Alsea Falls. A longer hike through a mossy forest of Douglas fir, maple and alder leads to views of the 45-foot Green Peak Falls. There’s no bad time to see Alsea Falls, but aim for a visit March through May to enjoy the waterfall at its thundering peak—or September through October to appreciate the colorful fall foliage lining the riverbanks. Visit willamettevalley.org/guide-to-waterfalls for more information, safety tips and seasonal updates. Alsea Falls Recreation Site Sahalie Falls
willamettevalley.org | 19 Wherever you go in the Willamette Valley, you’ll find natural playgrounds that enchant casual adventurers and weekend warriors alike. FUN ON THE WATER The 187-mile Willamette Water Trail, for instance, winds its way through the heart of the Willamette Valley; easy access points in the likes of Eugene, Corvallis, and Salem reward paddlers with a bucolic outing. Higher in the West Cascades, adrenaline junkies love whitewater thrills on the emerald-hued McKenzie River. DRAMATIC WATERFALL HIKES If you’d prefer your outdoor adventures on solid ground, myriad footpaths lead to thundering waterfalls. Take a hike through the majestic Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park just outside Salem, to the base of Alsea Falls in the Oregon Coast Range, and past dramatic cascades in McDowell Creek Falls County Park near Albany. VARIETY OF CYCLING ADVENTURES Plenty of pedal-powered fun awaits as well. The communities of Oakridge and Westfi r sit surrounded by epic mountain biking trails, while the 134-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway showcases vineyards, orchards, farm stands, and other attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Even if your idea of being outdoorsy means sipping pinot in park-like settings, good news: Many of the Willamette Valley’s more than 700 wineries host scenic patios that overlook old-growth oak savannas, sprawling vineyards, and the region’s mountain ranges. Explore all the Willamette Valley region has to offer through our towns, cities, and attractions guide. Each offers so much to discover, you’ll want to return again and again. Valley Secrets Silver Falls State Park
20 | Willamette Valley Travel Guide McMenamins UFO Festival Downtown Newberg Dusky Goose Winery, Dundee Imagine floating through the clouds in a hot-air balloon, gliding over vineyards (Vista Balloon Adventures) high above wine connoisseurs trotting along rows of ripening grapevines on a horseback tour (Equestrian Wine Tours). That’s the essence of Yamhill County, which draws visitors from around the world and nearby Portlanders alike for a full immersion in Oregon wine country. It may be only an hour’s drive southwest of the city, but this is far more than a mere day trip. More than 250 estate wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms dot the landscape, which encompasses the walkable towns of Newberg, Dundee, Dayton, Carlton, McMinnville and Amity—all popular jumping-o points for wine tours, as well as arts and culinary destinations on their own. In addition to locally sourced fare from restaurants such as Earth & Sea, Carlton claims the most tasting rooms per capita in the United States, with nearly two dozen in the town alone. Restaurants, breweries, antique stores, galleries and tasting rooms pack historic downtown cores in Newberg and McMinnville (especially along Third Street, McMinnville’s main drag). In Newberg, the upscale Allison Inn & Spa sits on 35 groomed acres (14 hectares) with a state-of-the-art spa, the renowned JORY Restaurant and a sculpture garden presenting 500 original works from Oregon artists. Pick up provisions for a vineyard picnic at the Red Hills Market in Dundee, or cap a day of tasting at the Joel Palmer House in Dayton, a multigenerational family restaurant famous for cooking with wild mushrooms. Yamhill County
Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery Atticus Hotel, McMinnville And to satisfy your sweet tooth, stop at The Brigittine Monks Gourmet Confectionery in the small burg of Amity, where monks craft fudge and tru es with local nuts, fruits and more. Amity’s petite downtown has other tasty diversions, including The Common Cup espresso and wa e bar, and a cluster of tasting rooms. A tour of Yamhill County doesn’t end with its tasting rooms. The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville (home to Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose, the largest wooden airplane ever built) shares its campus with the year-round, indoor Wings and Waves Waterpark. Newberg’s Chehalem Cultural Center, meanwhile, celebrates the local arts scene with rotating art exhibits, studios and classrooms; an exhibition hall; and even five music studios. If you need to stretch your legs, 8 miles (13 kilometers) of trails connect historic sites in the Champoeg State Heritage Area near Newberg and Dundee. willamettevalley.org | 21 SIP STOPS MEET A FEW OF THE AREA’S CRAFT BEVERAGE PRODUCERS Carlton Winemakers Studio When it opened in 2002, the Carlton Winemakers Studio pioneered a first-of-its-kind model for a shared winery, a communal production space and tasting room where more than a dozen unique labels crush, age and bottle wines using the same equipment. You can enjoy a taste of the innovative project in the shared tasting room, which pours vintages from some 15 tiny producers. Stoller Family Estate Stoller Family Estate tops a lot of lists. In 2018 it ranked first in the USA Today poll for Best Tasting Room in the Nation, and it’s easy to see why: The eco-friendly winery was the world’s first to receive LEED Gold certification, and it sits surrounded by vast vineyards in the Dundee Hills. The winery’s new Experience Center reimagines the tasting room experience with augmented-reality tools and interactive tasting tables that explain the winery’s rich history and how its grapes are grown. Saffron Fields Vineyard Visiting the design-focused Saffron Fields Vineyard feels like walking into a gallery. The tasting room exhibits the owners’ exquisite collection of contemporary art, including multimedia light sculptures, and overlooks exterior gardens created by the renowned Japanese landscape architect Hoichi Kurisu. Saffron Fields’ wine turns heads too, earning praise in major wine publications. Argyle Winery With its original winery in a converted hazelnut-processing plant and its tasting room occupying the former Dundee City Hall, Argyle has a clear link to Oregon’s heritage. And in the past four decades, it has added to the state’s pioneering history with its celebrated wines. You can get a taste of Argyle’s legacy in guided tastings and classes, which are hosted in their two remarkable wine libraries. Rex Hill Since the early '80s, Rex Hill has been growing Pinot noir grapes just east of Newberg. Pinot noir remains the winery's standout 40 years later, but other highlights include an estate-grown Chardonnay and seasonal rosé. Enjoy it all in a renovated tasting room with an open floor plan that's full of natural light and panoramic views year-round. Rex Hill
22 | Willamette Valley Travel Guide B's Bake Shoppe, Canby Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn In the northeast corner of the valley, a cluster of historic cities and countryside towns define the Mt. Hood Territory. For fresh fare in the middle of the food source, explore Wilsonville. Wake up with a mug at the Corner Coffee Shoppe and, for an unforgettable lunch, visit Moroccan restaurant Dar Essalam (order the chicken bastilla, a dish typically reserved for weddings). Follow it up with an equally decadent dessert from Lux Sucre Desserts. For dinner, dine at Parkway Grille Bar & Restaurant in the new Hilton Garden Inn, or book a table for seasonal alfresco dining at The Kitchen at Middleground Farms, known for its on-farm cooking classes. In between meals, explore Wilsonville Memorial Park, Coffee Lake Wetlands and Graham Oaks Nature Park. Follow the town's foodie and outdoorsy trip itineraries at explorewilsonville.com for more themed fun. Southeast of Wilsonville, bursting with nurseries and flower farms, visit Canby, “The Garden Spot,” for unique downtown shops. Think vintage typewriters from Red Door Antique & Resale, locally made products at the new Dahlia Home & Garden and plenty of indie titles from bookstore The Book Nook. You’ll also find local restaurants supporting Canby farms: Wayward Sandwiches, for instance, uses cheese from TMK Creamery, a stop on the South Clackamas Farm Loop. This must-do, self-guided route o ers diverse stops, from Swan Island Dahlia Farm and an on-farm bakery at Fir Point Farms to Puddin’ River Chocolates to the Clackamas County Fairgrounds & Event Center. Mt. Hood Territory
Molalla River Mural, downtown Canby Continue heading southeast for a big welcome in Molalla. Over the past 100 years, the community has celebrated its rural roots—especially with the Molalla Buckeroo, a multiday rodeo each July—and its ability to reinvent itself. This spirit drives Main Street’s growth. Local favorite Cowgirl Trading Co. carries fun Western wear and decor, while the new Par-Li & Co. Boutique o ers trendy clothing, bath treats and fun snacks, including MoonPies. New restaurants, including the Humble Pig Café, are also opening alongside established favorites—from the Hitching Post Café to the Prairie House Inn & Cowboy Coffee Shop. While visiting, watch for Rodeo Walk of Fame plaques commemorating rodeo greats and the city’s history. No visit is complete without touring Molalla stops on the South Clackamas Farm Loop, from the always-popular Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch (o ering tours and summer alpaca yoga) to Willamette Valley Melon Company. Get outside in all the beauty that makes Mt. Hood Territory magical with a trip to the Molalla River Recreation Area and its less-traveled trails. willamettevalley.org | 23 TMK Creamery, Canby SIP STOPS MEET A FEW OF THE AREA’S CRAFT BEVERAGE PRODUCERS Hanson Vineyards This family-owned and 100% estate-grown winery may be small, but it boasts 11 varieties of wine grapes, one recent favorite being Gamay. Bring your own picnic, and stay a while on their outdoor patio. TMK Distillery Canby's TMK Creamery—the world's first creamery and farmstead distillery—turns leftover whey from its cheesemaking process into "cowcohol" (like sipping vodka). Wooden Shoe Vineyards The iconic Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is best known for its 40 acres (16 hectares) of flowers, which blossom each spring. But its garden campus also includes a small-lot winery, having planted 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of grapes in 2009 and bottling its first vintage in 2012. Stop by Wooden Shoe’s renovated tasting room for a flight and a tour of the colorful grounds. Terra Vina Wines Family-owned Terra Vina Wines believes fruit should speak for itself and that great wine begins in the vineyard. Here, meticulous natural farming practices and a long hang time combine with natural cellar techniques for wines that reflect a purity of flavor and balance. Their resulting “Big Red” wines are full-bodied and opulently complex. Vanguard Brewing Housed in an industrial space with a 15-barrel brewing system, Vanguard Brewing largely focuses on crafting classic beers in traditional style, with a crisp pilsner and well-balanced IPA always on draft. But there’s also space for experimentation on the tasting room tap list, where you can spot a wider range of seasonal and limited releases. Both the taproom and beer garden welcome patrons 21 and over.
24 | Willamette Valley Travel Guide Downtown Salem Whatever you’ve come to Oregon for, chances are you’ll find it in Salem, the state’s capital and third-most-populous city. Lush green spaces define the cityscape; acclaimed chefs make magic in the kitchen with local ingredients; creative types work in studios and galleries; and fruitful countryside rings the city, meaning wineries (such as Bryn Mawr Vineyards and Cória Estates) and farms (like Beilke Family Farm) are mere minutes away. Salem's historic downtown fills its walkable blocks with way more than legislative business. Stroll in any direction and you’ll spot third-wave cafes (Archive Coffee & Bar), galleries (Bush Barn Art Center), an eclectic variety of museums (ranging from the Hallie Ford Museum of Art to the Gilbert House Children’s Museum) and ambitiously planned parks—the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge connects three urban parks with more than 20 miles (32 kilometers) of trails. Nearby, the Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health was the primary set for the landmark 1975 movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, based on the novel by Oregon writer Ken Kesey. And west of the city, theChachalu Museum and Cultural Center tells the story of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde through artwork, photography, online exhibits and more. Just a short drive from the city center, you’ll encounter some of the most iconic natural sites in the Pacific Northwest, most notably Silver Falls State Park near the town of Sublimity. There you can actually walk behind waterfalls on the fantasy-esque Trail of Ten Falls. Paddle Don Froylan Creamery, Salem Salem Area
Oregon State Capitol, Salem Detroit Lake or float on the Willamette Water Trail, and make sure you have a life jacket! A stone’s throw from Historic Downtown Silverton, the 80-acre (32-hectare) Oregon Garden displays the astonishing botanical diversity of the Pacific Northwest in 20 specialty gardens. The garden is also home to the Gordon House, the only Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned building in the state. The city of Salem is split between Marion and Polk counties, both agricultural wonders that lead the state in productivity. Get a taste of this culinary goodness at the area’s farmers markets—one good reason to explore the picturesque downtowns of Monmouth, Independence and Dallas. For more agricultural bounty, take a self-guided culinary journey on the Great Oaks Food Trail. Along the trail, you’ll find small towns with big hearts, modern makers honoring local history and family farms that work hard to preserve the land, including restoring the native great white oak savannah. These businesses are committed to sustainable practices to last through the next century and beyond. willamettevalley.org | 25 SIP STOPS MEET A FEW OF THE AREA’S CRAFT BEVERAGE PRODUCERS Illahe Vineyards Nestled between the quiet communities of Dallas and Monmouth, Illahe Vineyards sits in the heart of the new Mount Pisgah, Polk County, Oregon American Viticultural Area (AVA) growing region. Since its founding, Illahe has earned acclaim for Pinot noir, white wines, and other varietals—all of which are made without enzymes or additives, and several of which are made wholly by hand. Aurora Colony Vineyards Since planting its first vines in 2002, the awardwinning Aurora Colony Vineyards has earned a devoted following for growing its Pinot noir, Gamay noir, Muscat, and other grapes with organic practices. Enjoy a glass or flight in Aurora Colony's spacious tasting room or on its sweeping patio, which frequently hosts local musicians in the shadow of the Cascade Range foothills. Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard Eola Hills Wine Cellars is one of Oregon’s largest wineries—and has garnered praise for using sustainable practices to grow and harvest its estategrown Pinot noir and Chardonnay (among other varietals). Enjoy those selections at the sweeping Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard, which pairs its pours with picturesque patio views, summertime concerts, selfguided hiking trails through vine-covered hillsides and other fun events. La Familia Cider Company The Gonzalez family launched La Familia Cider Company in 2017, crafting hard ciders inspired by fruity agua frescas—crisp fruit drinks popular in the family’s native Mexico and throughout Latin America. Today La Familia’s flagship taproom is a popular gathering spot in downtown Salem. TopWire Hop Project Want to sip your beer on the farm where some of its ingredients are grown? At the innovative TopWire Hop Project, you can do just that. The bucolic beer garden, open May through October, is surrounded by rows of Centennial hops on Crosby Hops' farm—and pours a lineup of regional beers and ciders infused with those ingredients. Stop by in mid-August to see the hop bines, which can reach 20 feet (6m), at their verdant height. TopWire Hop Project
26 | Willamette Valley Travel Guide Gamberetti's Italian Restaurant, Albany McDowell Creek Falls The stroll-worthy streets of Albany are a living-history museum. A longtime commercial hub at the confluence of the Calapooia and Willamette rivers, the city’s downtown comprises three historic districts, which fit more than 800 restored structures into a 100-block area. Take a tour on foot for a full-scale exhibit of late-19th- and early-20th-century American architecture, with varied styles ranging from Italianate and Queen Anne to art moderne and Craftsman bungalow. Don’t miss the first frame structure in Albany, which has been carefully restored as the Monteith House Museum, where you can take a step back into Oregon’s pioneer days. And dive into the city’s industrious past at the Albany Regional Museum. Today Albany packs its city center with acclaimed chef-owned restaurants such as Matt Bennett’s Sybaris Bistro and Kevin “Fuji” and Ariana Fujikawa’s Frankie’s Restaurant. Funky shops, art galleries and museums keep browsers on the prowl. Pop into the 20,000-square-foot (1,858-square-meter) Albany Antique Mall to peruse everything from turn-of-the-century furniture to comic books to collectible co ee mugs; upstairs, old-school fashions are arranged by decade. Take a spin on the lovingly restored 100-year-old ride at the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum, adorned with a menagerie of animals hand-carved and painted by community volunteers. Albany sits in the middle of one of the broadest and lushest stretches of the valley. Take a drive on quiet country roads to see eight covered bridges. A half-dozen bridges Albany Area
Oregon Tru e Feast, Sybaris Bistro, Albany Iron Water Ranch, Albany span rivers and creeks near the teensy town of Scio. Take a pit stop for an espresso and pastry at the Covered Bridge Bakery & BBQ. Farther south in Sweet Home, pack provisions for a picnic at Sankey Park, where the 120-foot-long (37-meter) Weddle Covered Bridge was moved and reconstructed to save it from destruction. Turn back the clock more than 150 years at the one-of-a-kind Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site near Shedd, which preserves the state’s oldest water-powered mill and o ers guided tours. Celebrate Oregon’s berry heritage at Lebanon’s century-old Strawberry Festival, which serves the world’s largest strawberry shortcake each June. A straight shot south of Albany, Brownsville’s historic Main Street might look strikingly familiar to some firsttime visitors. The town was the setting of the acclaimed 1986 coming-of-age film Stand by Me, which residents and movie bu s alike commemorate each July with Stand by Me Day events. willamettevalley.org | 27 Springhill Cellars Winery, Albany SIP STOPS MEET A FEW OF THE AREA’S CRAFT BEVERAGE PRODUCERS Springhill Cellars Winery This small family winery near Albany specializes in producing small batches of oak-aged Pinot noirs, including some interesting variations such as a Port-style Pinot. But its big annual party, the Federweisser Festival in November, focuses on pairing the German-style Federweisser—that is, young and still-fermenting Riesling—with bratwurst, live music and dancing. Deluxe Brewing Company and Sinister Distilling Company Behold, Albany’s first-ever “brew-stillery,” a distillery and 15-barrel brewery under one roof. Sinister uses a traditional pot still from Portugal for its gin, grappa, rum and single-malt whiskey, while Deluxe focuses on easy-drinking lagers and ales. Taste craft beverages from both in their relaxed riverfront tasting room. Calapooia Brewing Co. and Vivacity Spirits Housed in a sprawling warehouse that was once home to a beer-keg distributor, Calapooia Brewing Co. has all the trademarks of a locals’ favorite hangout: a cozy tasting room, a menu of classic pub grub, live music and, yes, a tap list of much-loved craft brews. The brewery turns out some novel creations such as the popular Chili Beer, which is flavored with Anaheim, serrano and jalapeño peppers. Vivacity Spirits, meanwhile, launched in 2011 and has earned acclaim for its craft vodka, gin and brandy in the years since. Vivacity joined forces with Calapooia Brewing Co. in 2019, and today the two producers share production and tasting space. Margin Coffee Roasters Dubbed "Albany’s Living Room," Margin opened in 2017 and immediately drew a loyal following of customers who agreed with the shop’s philosophy: “Allow some time in our day to simply be. Like margins on a page, a little room around the edges of life makes it a lot more comfortable.” Margin roasts its own sustainably sourced coffee and sells locally made pastries at two locations in Albany.
28 | Willamette Valley Travel Guide Greenhouse Co ee & Plants Marys Peak There’s no defining line where nature ends and urban begins in uber-green Corvallis, a progressive college town (home to Oregon State University) whose apt name comes from the conjunction of the Latin words for “heart” and “valley.” Leafy trees shade almost every street in the compact downtown, which hugs the Willamette River. Pause for a cold brew or an espresso drink at Tried & True Coffee Company, and then browse the eclectic independent storefronts, which range from Peak Sports to Burlap & Lace. Dozens of Benton County growers and producers truck their dew-kissed fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, raw honey, and organic meats to the Corvallis Farmers Market, which takes over First Street twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday, April to November). On sunny days, picnickers spread out blankets in the adjacent Riverfront Commemorative Park. Also in downtown, the Benton County Historical Society's Corvallis Museum features four galleries of art, artifacts and more from the city's history. Recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as one of the most cyclist-friendly cities in the nation, Corvallis has more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) of bike paths. You can take your bike on the city buses, which are free to ride. Hikers can hit the trails in a matter of minutes, with lush natural areas mere minutes from the center of town. The most iconic mountain to trek up is Marys Peak, the tallest in the Coast Range at 4,097 feet (1,249 meters). You’ll catch views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the valley to the east. Access two rumbling cascades at the Alsea Falls Corvallis Area Vulcan Cellars, Corvallis
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