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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