The Willamette Valley in Oregon has tons of beautiful scenery, wineries, and farmlands that will have you itching to make the trip. Here, you can find a mix of lush forests and rolling hills, making it the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast. If you’re looking for some activities, no worries, here’s a list of the very best things to do during your Willamette Valley trip.
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What is the Willamette Valley?
The Willamette Valley is located in Oregon and stretches over 100 miles from Portland to Eugene, OR. The region covers almost 3.5 million acres and is home to over 700 wineries and vineyards.
Portland is the largest city in the Valley with a population of 641,162, but it’s actually comprised of over 20 different cities. Because the Valley covers such a large area, it’s divided into four distinct regions: North-valley, mid-valley, South-Valley, and The West Cascades.
The above map shows the best things to do throughout all 4 regions!
When is the best time to visit the Oregon Wine Country?
Although a lot of the wineries and attractions are open year-round, the best time to visit Willamette County is from Late May-October. During these months you’ll find great temperatures (usually between 50-80), lush vineyards, and the least chance of rain.
During the month of May, the entire Valley celebrates Wine Month where you’ll find a plethora of special celebrations. But, September and October are known as the “Superbowl” months in Oregon Wine Country as this is when the long-awaited Harvest takes place.
Where should I stay during my trip to the Willamette Valley?
This will of course depend on which region you hope to spend most of your time. There are SO many charming bed and breakfasts throughout the valley that will truly put the cherry on top of your Willamette Valley road trip.
Below are some great options throughout Oregon Wine Country
- Franziska Haus Bed & Breakfast A beautiful B&B with fresh gourmet breakfasts and tranquil farm and vineyard vistas (Dundee, OR).
- The Allison Inn and Spa: A luxurious option with an on-site restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, and a complete full-service spa (Newburg, OR).
- The Inn at 5th: A modern boutique hotel close to the excitement of downtown Eugene. The hotel is complete with complimentary cruiser bikes, pet-friendly rooms, and a luxury shuttle service (Eugene, OR).
Things to do in the Willamette Valley
Experience Oregon Wine Country
Without a doubt, the best thing to do in Willamette Valley is to explore the different wineries. Willamette Valley is home to 700 wineries (That’s two-thirds of the state’s total!!!)
You can visit small family-run vineyards like Anderson Family Vineyard, explore larger boutique wineries, or participate in organized wine tours. Each of these experiences will give you an up close and personal look at how to make wine, from start to finish.
Many wineries also feature tasting rooms where you can sample their products and learn about the various flavors and notes in each bottle. It’s helpful to know the basics of wine-tasting etiquette in Willamette Valley, though, so that you know what to expect.
Visit Leaping Lamb Farm
Leaping Lamb Farm is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience rural life in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The farm offers visitors a chance to explore and interact with its many different animals.
Visitors can take guided tours around the farm to meet sheep, chickens, cows, turkeys, and more. You can also enjoy a day of berry picking, mushroom hunting, and splashing in the creek.
Hike in Willamette National Forest
Hiking in the Willamette National Forest is an unforgettable experience. The forest is one of Oregon’s largest protected areas, providing a haven for outdoor adventurers looking to explore its many trails and natural wonders.
The best way to start your hiking adventure in the Willamette National Forest is by starting with some of its most popular trails. The Tamolitch Blue Pool Trail, located near Blue River, takes hikers through lush forests along a winding river and ends at the turquoise waters of the Tamolitch Pool.
The moderate 2.9-mile hike to Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls is also a great one to check off your list as it leads to one of the most amazing waterfalls in the United States!
Go Kayaking in Clear Lake
Kayaking is another great way to explore the beauty of Clear Lake in Willamette Valley.
You can rent kayaks or paddle boats right at the Clear Lake Resort. It’ll surely be a relaxing paddle as no motorized boats are allowed on the lake!
Visitors can expect to see bald eagles soaring overhead or schools of fish swimming below them as they navigate around this serene clear body of water.
There are also cozy cabins and yurts on-site to rent for the night!
Extend your Oregon adventure! Check out these 14 weird and wonderful things to see in Oregon!
More fun things to do in the Willamette Valley…
Tour the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is home to the famous Spruce Goose (the largest wooden airplane of all time…yes it flew!). In addition to this historic treasure, you’ll also find other historic aviation and space exhibits, a flight simulator, and a theater.
The museum is open daily from 9am-5pm and adult tickets start at $22.
Frolick in the Tulips at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
If you find yourself visiting Willamette Valley in late March-April, a trip to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is a must. Each year they host an extravagant tulip festival complete with a tulip field, a vineyard, food vendors, craft market, and daily demonstrations.
It’s important to note that tickets are not available on-site, you need to purchase your tickets online before visiting!
Silver Falls State Park
If you didn’t already get your hiking fix in the Willamette National Forest, then you need to head to Silver Falls State Park near Salem, OR.
This park is home to the famous Trail of Ten Falls hike where…you guessed it... you’ll hike past 10 magical falls. Although each waterfall is amazing and beautiful in its own way, none are as spectacular as South Falls. It’s a 177-foot waterfall that you can walk behind!
Take a Bike Ride
Once your hiking legs need a break, you can head out on a scenic bike ride through Willamette County! Throughout Oregon Wine Country, you’ll find countless trails that are part of the Oregon Scenic Bikeways. These official state-designated routes showcase the best of Oregon.
A great trail for beginners is the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway which is 36 miles long and passes 6 picturesque covered bridges.
Horseback Ride with Equestrian Wine Tours
Guided wine tasting ON HORSEBACK?! Say whaaaat?! Equestrian Wine Tours offers a unique experience to visit some of Willamette Valley’s best wineries via horse! Yes, you ride right up to the winery and hitch your horse up outside.
Pricing starts at $290 for a 2.5 hour tour (wine tastings are extra). They also offer a horse carriage tour!
Pick Fresh Berries
Throughout Willamette Valley, you’ll find different U-pick farms where you can pick your own fresh berries. Depending on the season, you can spend the day picking blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, or apples from these working farms. Open dates vary depending on the farm, but most are open between May and October.
Willamette Valley Road Trip
Soooo….have I convinced you to visit Willamette Valley yet?! In my not-so-biased opinion, I think it would make a wonderful summer road trip! You could start in Portant (pssst read this blog post if looking for ideas for Portland), and make your way down to Eugene. There are so many things to do in Willamette Valley that it’ll surely be a trip to remember!
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