PARKS Located on the Willamette River, Salem’s Riverfront Park is a 32-acre oasis in the city and perfect for a relaxing urban stroll. Along with meandering pathways, a playground and plenty of green space for lawn games and picnicking, there’s a dock that provides access to the Willamette River and the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler. The park is also home to a number of Salem’s annual events, including the World Beat Festival, Summer Movies in the Park, Holiday Tree Lighting and many walk/run events. The Riverfront Park connects to Minto-Brown Island Park, a wondrous expanse of woodlands and wetlands with 29 miles of trails for walking, running and biking. Look for blue herons and ospreys from the many observation platforms — the park also serves as a waterfowl and wildlife sanctuary. It’s even a paradise for dogs, as there’s a 30-acre, designated off-leash dog area for roaming, fetching and sniffing. For a unique combination of history, nature and Reed Lane Photography outdoorsy fun, Champoeg State Heritage Area checks all the boxes. It was an important settlement in the Willamette Valley in the early 1840s, and it’s the site where Oregon’s first provisional government was formed. In addition to heritage sites and museums, there are ample opportunities for kayaking, fishing and biking. Don’t miss the Historic Butteville Store, founded in 1863. It’s the oldest mercantile store in Oregon — and a nostalgic spot for enjoying scoops of delicious homemade ice cream. WILDLIFE REFUGES For a slice of serene nature, Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is south of Salem and has ample trails and wildlife overlooks, plus a nature center and an outdoor classroom. Near the city of Dallas, Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and plants. Initially established to be a wintering habitat for dusky Canada geese in 1965, expect to see other regular residents ranging from black-tailed deer and the eastern pond turtle to the tiny least sandpiper. Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge 13 TravelSalem.com
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