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The Willamette Valley & Wine Country

The Willamette Valley is world famous for its fabulous and plentiful wineries, which could easily take several days to explore. They're not the region's only highlight, however. Visit humble Salem, Oregon's capital city, for its museums and stately buildings. Nearby is an amazing waterfall-filled state park, along with a lovely abbey that's home to a 2.5lb hairball (no joke). Pause in dynamic and liberal Eugene, full of energetic college students, pretty riverside parks and fine restaurants. And don't forget historic Oregon City, the lovely McKenzie River area and the region's wealth of festivals.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Silver Falls State Park
The Willamette Valley & Wine Country
Oregon's largest state park, Silver Falls, 26 miles east of Salem on Hwy 214, is an easy day trip from Portland, Salem and Eugene. It offers camping,…
Marys Peak
The Willamette Valley & Wine Country
At 4097ft, Marys Peak, in the Siuslaw National Forest, is the highest peak in the Coast Range. Several hikes are strewn around the summit, and on a clear…
Oregon Garden
The Willamette Valley & Wine Country
Plant-lovers shouldn't miss this garden, located 15 miles east of Salem outside Silverton. Over 20 specialty gardens are showcased on 80 acres, including…
Peavy Arboretum
The Willamette Valley & Wine Country
Peavy Arboretum is heaven on a hot day, with several interpretive trails that wind through 40 acres of shady forest. From here, you can continue into…
Saturday Market
Eugene
For great fun and a quintessential introduction to Eugene's peculiar vitality, don't miss the Saturday Market, held each Saturday from April through…
Gordon House
The Willamette Valley & Wine Country
Next to the Oregon Garden in Silverton is the Gordon House, the only building in Oregon designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built in 1964 and moved to…
Hallie Ford Museum of Art
The Willamette Valley & Wine Country
Willamette University's Hallie Ford Museum of Art boasts the state's best collection of Pacific Northwest art, including an impressive Native American…
Oregon State Capitol
The Willamette Valley & Wine Country
The state's first capitol building burned down in 1855, and a domed classic Roman edifice was built to replace it. Unfortunately, that building also…