Oregon State University, Corvallis Recreation Site, which also has 12-plus miles (19 kilometers) of mountain-bike trails. Old-growth trees tower in the McDonald–Dunn Forest. A dozen trails zigzag through the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, a 5,325-acre (2,155-hectare) nature reserve that provides winter habitat for migrating waterfowl, especially the dusky Canada goose. However you spend your time outdoors, pick up a copy of the Heart of the Valley Outdoor Recreation Map (available at the Corvallis Visitor Information Center) to plan your next epic adventure. Vintners crush grapes at more than a dozen wineries in the surrounding countryside, but the craft-beverage scene only starts with vino. Sample the best of it on the Mid-Valley Sip Trip, which spotlights craft breweries, distilleries and cideries. Cap o a tasting tour with dinner at one of many farm-to-table restaurants, such as Gathering Together Farm in Philomath, an organic farm with a restaurant and market. Tyee Wine Cellars, Corvallis SIP STOPS MEET A FEW OF THE AREA’S CRAFT BEVERAGE PRODUCERS Tyee Wine Cellars Led by a fifth-generation Willamette Valley farmer, Tyee Wine Cellars produces a variety of regional favorites—including Pinot noir, Pinot gris and Chardonnay. Those acclaimed wines pair well with Tyee’s pastoral setting, open April through December: Sip wines under regal oak trees, and take a short walk through the farm’s hazelnut orchards before arriving at a scenic beaver pond. Block 15 Brewing Company One of the Corvallis craft-beer scene’s most established breweries, Block 15 Brewing Company is also among Oregon’s most innovative, with an extensive and ever-changing variety of wild and sour beers, as well as cask-aged rarities. The tap list looks different on every visit to its downtown pub and tasting room in south Corvallis. Long Timber Brewing As one of the Willamette Valley’s newest breweries, Long Timber Brewing in Monroe is already a must-visit destination along Highway 99W. Long Timber's massive two-story pub is a nod to the region's rich logging history—with lumber hanging over the bar area, beautifully carved benches and historic logging equipment on display. Pair your refreshing ales and lagers with an extensive pub-food menu that includes sandwiches, pub grub and Pacific Northwest-inspired fare. Cardwell Hill Cellars The simple pleasures of Cardwell Hill Cellars reveal themselves when you grab a seat on the patio and soak in the views of the hilly vineyards, the Coast Range foothills and Marys Peak. After enjoying a flight in the tasting room, you’ll want to bring home bottles of the stellar estate wines, which have earned accolades from top critics at Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Marcotte Distilling Company Inspired by the homemade spirits originating in Appalachia, Marcotte Distilling Company launched one of the first lines of flavored moonshine in the Pacific Northwest. Pop into their Philomath tasting room on Fridays and Saturdays for tastings, with varieties ranging from hazelnut and coffee to coconut and strawberry lemonade. willamettevalley.org | 29
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