Story and photos by June Russell-Chamberlin (unless otherwise noted)
Introduction
In the southern half of the Willamette Valley, just 50 miles south of Portland, Oregon, the world slows down. The towns get smaller, the fields get wider and the forests wilder. The snarled crush of traffic fades away. Here, award-winning wineries and breweries abound, outdoor recreation is always nearby, and farm-to-table means fresh from the nearby farms. Art and culture thrive not just in the cities, but in small towns as well. A friendly, easy-going vibe seeps into everything, drawing visitors to the southern half of the Willamette (pronounced will-AM-met) Valley for an escape filled with life’s simpler pleasures.
Watch for Wildlife in South Willamette Valley
City culture, small-town charm and outdoor adventure come together in the Willamette Valley and create a variety of fun things to do. With forests and waterways just a short drive from almost any town, it’s no surprise that residents enthusiastically embrace outdoor recreation. Rivers, trails and scenic backroads entice locals and visitors alike to paddle, bike and hike throughout the Valley. Camping, ziplining, horseback riding, rock climbing and bird watching draw more people outdoors. In addition to wineries, the Valley’s museums, art galleries, historic sites, music venues, festivals, farm-to-table restaurants, coffee shops, craft breweries and distilleries offer visitors a taste of the local culture and history.
Where is the South Willamette Valley?
The southern half of the 150-mile long Willamette Valley stretches roughly from Albany to the Calapooia Divide just south of Cottage Grove. To the west are the Oregon Coast Range mountains; the Central Cascade Mountains rise to the east. Interstate 5 (or I-5 as locals call it) runs the length of the Valley and the state, connecting Oregon to Washington state in the north and California in the south. The Valley is approximately 60 miles wide at its widest point, with a relatively flat floor and rolling foothills on both sides. For our purposes, we consider the South Willamette Valley to be the valley south of Salem.
The Kalapuya (or Calapooia) tribe called the valley home long before fur trappers arrived in the early 1800s. By 1840 the fur trade was in decline, and many trappers had settled down in the valley with their native wives and turned to farming. Wagon trains on the Oregon Trail brought a flood of pioneers in the 1840s and 1850s eager to homestead and farm in the fertile valley. Oregon achieved statehood on February 14, 1859.
10 Top Things to Do in the South Willamette Valley
Sip wine and admire the view at more than 40 wineries
Enjoy farm-fresh berries, honey and more at a farmers’ market
Tour six covered bridges in Cottage Grove
Hike to three waterfalls at McDowell Creek Falls near Sweet Home
Paddle and play in the water at Fern Ridge Reservoir in Veneta
Discover world-class art at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene
Savor dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant
Ride the historic carousel in Albany
Admire the wildflowers and panoramic view on Mary’s Peak in Corvallis
Drink a pint at more than 35 craft breweries, distilleries and cideries
South Willamette Valley Wine Country
Lingering over exceptional wine in uncrowded tasting rooms with stunning views is one of simple pleasures to be found in the South Willamette Valley Wine Country. More than 40 artisan wineries, many family-owned, are clustered in and around Eugene, Corvallis and Albany. Some wineries offer urban tasting rooms, but most tasting rooms are down quiet lanes in the countryside. Pinot noir is king in Oregon wine country, but local wineries also bottle chardonnay, riesling, syrah, cabernet sauvignon and other varieties of wine. Don’t be surprised to discover small-batch wines you can’t find anywhere else. Stop by the visitor information centers in Eugene, Corvallis and Albany for information on local wineries. Tasting room hours vary and some require reservations, so call ahead before you visit. If you prefer, tour operators can do driving for you.
Fine Dining, Pub Fare, Farm-to-Table, and Sweets
From pub fare to fine dining and everything in between, foodies will find restaurants to please every taste in the Southern Willamette Valley. In an area rich with farms, local and fresh ingredients play a starring role on many menus, but especially those of farm-to-table restaurants. Brewpubs are among the restaurants serving casual fare, often elevated by locally sourced ingredients. Fine dining restaurants offer a splurge-worthy menu; some include lovely riverside views and patios. Flavors from all over the world are represented in small, locally owned eateries and food carts throughout the valley. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are common; many also offer vegan options. Don’t miss the artisan cheeses, hazelnuts, locally made jams and honey available at local shops and farmers markets. Northwest favorites include wild-caught salmon and anything with fresh berries — especially marionberries — including pies, waffles, smoothies and more. For dessert, the valley offers an array of artisan chocolatiers, craft bakeries and handmade ice cream.
Towns of the South Willamette Valley
The largest city in the South Willamette Valley is Eugene. It also happens to be the state’s third most populous city, and hosts a variety of art galleries, museums and restaurants. On Interstate Highway 5 (or as the locals say, I-5), Eugene is about 100 miles south of Portland and 20 miles north of Cottage Grove. Corvallis and Albany, roughly 45 miles north of Eugene, are also principal cities in the area, though less populous. Corvallis is home to the Beavers at Oregon State University (OSU), and Eugene hosts the University of Oregon (UO or U of O) Ducks. The Willamette River flows through the three cities.
The valley also boasts dozens of smaller rural towns, many of them with their own artisans, bakers, farmers markets, craft breweries, wineries and restaurants serving farm-to-table fare. Food trails, wine trails and beer trails lead visitors to tasty gems in these country towns.
Enjoy Art, Culture and the Outdoors in Eugene
One of the pioneers who came to the Oregon Country was Eugene Skinner, who arrived in 1846 at a small valley between two buttes at a bend in the Willamette River. In 1862 he founded Eugene, now the most populous city in the southern half of the valley.
Eugene has an easy going vibe and outdoors-oriented, environmentally friendly approach to life that includes a plastic bag ban, extensive riverfront parks, bike lanes and dedicated bike routes, hiking trails in the hills, stream protection programs and much more. The University of Oregon’s football and track teams dominate the sports scene, but the town also enjoys running trails, a local baseball team and rock climbing on Skinner Butte. Art aficionados won’t want to miss the murals and galleries throughout downtown or the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. In keeping with the outdoorsy vibe, down puffer jackets, fleece, plaid shirts and jeans are everywhere.
Dining options run the gamut from food carts to fine dining, with everything in between. Eugene is home to outstanding restaurants such as the Glenwood, Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria, Oregon Electric Station and Cafe Soriah. Many restaurants offer gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Burgers often headline the brew pubs’ menus, but many feature pizza, pasta and heartier fare as well.
Looking for a hotel in Eugene? Indulge in pampered luxury at the Inn at the 5th, the hip Graduate Hotel or in a bed and breakfast such as the Campbell House Inn. Lodging options abound in the Willamette Valley.
Beer, Roses and Outdoor Fun in Corvallis
Corvallis, home of Oregon State University, is a bike friendly city with a small-town feel. The walkable downtown is full of unique restaurants and breweries, such as the Oregon Trail Brewery and Block 15 Brewing. Outdoor enthusiasts hike, bike, fish and bird watch in urban spaces such as the 75-acre Avery Park and in the wilder natural areas and wildlife refuges just outside town. The iconic Mary’s Peak is just 25 miles outside town.
Corvallis has a lively arts scene that includes live performances, concerts, festivals, galleries and exhibits in the Arts Center and the Benton County Historical Museum. Nearly two dozen nearby artisan wineries, including Tyee Wine Cellars and Lumos Wine Company, invite wine lovers to visit their tasting rooms.
Fuel up with breakfast at New Morning Bakery in downtown Corvallis and grab an espresso to go. Hike Mary’s Peak, ramble through the countryside to visit tasting rooms or discover one-of-a-kind creations in the art galleries. When it’s time for dinner, head to one of unique restaurants downtown, such as Del Alma or Sky High Brewing. Tuck in for the night at the Hanson Country Inn, a genteel bed and breakfast minutes from downtown.
Farm-to-Table Food, History & Craft Beverages in Albany
Known as “The Gem of the Willamette Valley,” Albany, Oregon, is in the heart of the South Willamette Valley’s fertile farmland. Locals know how to make the most of the local bounty with farm-to-table cuisine and award-winning craft beverages, including beer, wine, artisan cider and distilleries. A few to visit: Springhill Cellars, Ankeny Vineyard, Calapooia Brewing Company, 2 Towns Ciderhouse and Vivacity Spirits. History and architecture lovers will enjoy the four historic districts that encompass styles from the 1840s through the late 1920s.
The Historic Carousel and two-story, 20,000-square-foot Albany Antique Mall draw visitors to the historic downtown; unique shops and restaurants such as Sweet Red Bistro and Frankie’s give them reason to linger. Outdoor enthusiasts can stay active with cycling, mountain biking, paddling the river, hiking, fishing and golfing. Bird watchers won’t want to skip Talking Water Gardens in Albany and the nearby wildlife refuges. When it’s time to call it a night, grab a room at the historic 206 ½ Hotel downtown and enjoy a soak in the vintage clawfoot tub.
Endless Opportunities For Fun in the Willamette Valley
With its city culture, small town charm and opportunities for outdoor adventure, the Willamette Valley boasts a range of fun things to do and places to eat. Slow down and savor the fresh food and boutique wines of the countryside, or take a challenging hike to the top of a peak. Feel the cool mist of a waterfall or the warmth of fire in a cozy brewpub. Discover a museum showcasing fine art or a gallery of local artists. Sleep snug in a historic inn or luxurious hotel. Foodie restaurants, museums, wineries, art and outdoor fun are never far away. In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, you’ll have endless opportunities to play, stay and eat.
While you’re in the area, discover more with a side trip to wineries in Eugene.
