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The Willamette Valley & Wine Country

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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Overview

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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Willamette Heritage Center

    The Willamette Valley & Wine Country

    This interesting 5-acre complex houses grassy gardens, two gift shops, a clutch of pioneer buildings and two museums. The Mission Mill Museum, Jason Lee…

  • Champoeg State Heritage Area

    The Willamette Valley & Wine Country

    A state heritage area and popular family destination, Champoeg is 25 miles southwest of Portland. There are 615 acres of old-growth woodland, grassy…

  • Willamette University

    The Willamette Valley & Wine Country

    Just south of the capitol, Willamette University was the first university in the western USA and is well respected for its liberal-arts undergraduate…

  • 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…

  • Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

    The Willamette Valley & Wine Country

    A mile east of McMinnville, this museum showcases Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose, the world's largest wood-framed airplane. In 1947, with Hughes at the wheel…

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