Introducing The Willamette Valley
Imagine a land of flowing streams, placid farms, beautiful forests, chirping birds, and buzzing bees. Literally a land of flowing milk and honey. Also wine, flowers, and hazelnuts, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. What is it that makes Willamette Valley so special and why is a road trip the perfect way to explore it?
Why You Should Visit The Willamette Valley
In order to understand what makes Willamette Valley so special, we need to take a look at geography.
Willamette Valley is surrounded on three sides by mountains, and ends at the Columbia River. On the west side you have the Coastal Range, on the east you have the Cascade Range, while in the south it’s cut off by the little known Calapooya Mountains. Down the center runs Willamette River which effectively begins in Eugene and runs north through the valley floor, through the main cities, and empties into Columbia River.
As a result, the Willamette Valley has some of the most fertile soil in the United States. If you leave the main cities which run along the I-5 corridor, you’ll immediately find yourself surrounded by farms, vineyards and forests. Unfortunately this is not something that people do very often. Don’t get us wrong, we love Portland, and there’s a lot you can do in this amazing city! Check out our blog post about exploring Portland. There is, however, so much MORE to see and do. Take a road trip from Portland to Willamette Valley!
A big thank you goes out to Oregon Wine Country who worked with us to set up this amazing road trip through the Willamette Valley. If you are planning to visit Willamette Valley check out Oregon Wine Country for your trip inspiration!
More Adventurous Things To Do In Oregon
HOW TO SPEND A WEEKEND IN SALEM OREGON
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SAND DUNES OF OREGON
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXPLORING EUGENE OREGON
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON A RAINY DAY
Willamette Valley Map and Travel
(AVA stands for American Vitocultural Area)
For an interactive map and a list of all the wineries in the Willamette Valley click here.
The Willamette Valley is about 50 miles south of Portland’s airport and can be closer depending on what part of the valley you want to visit.
The best way to get around Willamette Valley is to drive by car. If you’re coming from out of state consider renting a car from the airport and starting your Oregon wine country road trip from Portland!
Another great way to travel through Oregon is with an RV. Did you know that you can rent an RV or motorhome through RVshare?! RVshare is a place where RV owners can rent out their RVs and Motorhomes to people who want the comforts of home while exploring beautiful places! The really cool thing about it is that you can find the perfect RV that you are looking for. Whether you need something that is pet-friendly, large enough for a family or a pop-up camper for just two people, you can adjust the filters to get what you are looking for. RVshare! has a Worry-Free Rental Guarantee that guarantees protection for your trip.
RVshare is a perfect idea for exploring Willamette Valley because you’ll have a vehicle and lodging all in one! Check out RVshare! for all the awesome options that are in Oregon currently!.
If you are thinking of flying into Portland, Oregon and bringing back home Oregon wine, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™ members may check up to one case of wine for free on any domestic flight. Also, check out Oregon Wine for more detailed information.
When To Road Trip Willamette Valley
Visiting Willamette Valley at anytime during the year would make for a fun and unique experience. The most popular time to visit is from May through September. If you’re visiting in the winter you will experience a lot less traffic and maybe even get to meet the owner or winemaker at the wineries you visit.
During the fall through spring time you can also forge for native Oregon truffles and mushrooms or enjoy them in your meals! If you want to enjoy more of the sunshine, picnics, hiking and and the beauty of vineyards in full bloom then summer and fall might just be the best time for you to visit!
Best Farms To Visit In Willamette Valley
The Willamette Valley is full of a myriad of farms and nurseries well worth the visit. Of course not all of them are able to have a public facing front to their business, yet nevertheless there are so many which do, we cannot even begin to list them all. Below are a few you will absolutely love.
Leaping Lamb Farms
One of the first farm stays in the U.S. this charming farm hidden in the forest will delight you. Their specialty is lamb of the highest quality, however, they also grow all sorts of veggies, and have farm fresh eggs. You can schedule a tour of the place, or better yet, stay a night at the farm. For a small family, the cottage is perfect, or come with your friends and stay at the farmhouse.
We had a delightful visit on the farm. As we arrived Scottie greeted us, and helped us settle in. Afterwards we came over to their house for dinner and were able to taste the lamb they raise. It was delicious and unlike any we had tried before. The next morning we awoke to go on a morning hike with Scottie, pick some fresh eggs for breakfast, along with some wild mushrooms Scottie pointed out to us along the hike. We finished up with a tour of the farm, getting a chance to bottle feed an orphaned lamb, and let the sheep out to pasture.
Thyme Garden
This place is an absolute delight to visit. You are greeted by an herb garden, and located just in front of the greenhouses. This family owned business of mom, dad, and two daughters is the perfect one stop shop for a wonderful experience. Enjoy a tour of their property, eat a delicious meal at one of their luncheons, or plan your wedding here.
If you are a home brewer you can look through their catalog of hops rhizomes. Keep an eye out for upcoming events at the Thyme Garden, such as Earth day, Mother’s day, and Bollywood events. You can eat here by scheduling a luncheon, or even have your wedding here. One thing we are super excited for is watching the salmon spawning in their creek come September!
TMK Creamery
Want to see how your cheese is made? Go beyond the Tillamook Cheese Factory and see the process from raising the food, to milking, and on to the actual making of the cheese. Schedule a tour or visit on a Saturday to get hands-on with their cow-lebrities! After seeing the farm, go inside their creamery where you can see their artisan cheese maker, try some amazing cheese, and take some home with you! Check out their website for more information.
We had a really fantastic time visiting the creamery and seeing the process ourselves. From meeting all the cows and seeing them feed, to actually milking one of the cows ourselves it was a ton of fun and very educational. In addition we really liked the tasting in the creamery afterwards. One of the really amazing things about this creamery is they are able to create some very delicious and unique flavors you would never find in your local grocery store.
Gathering Together Farms
Located not too far from the Thyme Garden is Gathering Together Farms. One of the biggest organic farms in Oregon at over 50 acres, you can stop in for a tour, grab lunch or even dinner, and sign up for a CSA if you live in Corvallis, Newport, or Portland. For a unique experience check out their wine dinners every third Saturday of the month, where they serve an amazing five-course meal partnered with three wine pours from local vineyards. Check out their website for more information.
Red Ridge Farms
More than a vineyard, here you can go on a tour of their olive mill, check out their nursery or explore their amazing lavender field. Did you know that olives can be grown in the PNW? Pick up your own hardy PNW varietal and you can have some home grown olives of your own! If you are visiting from out of state check out their lodging options, a perfect home base for exploring the area. Check out their website for more information.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is open to the public during the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in the spring (March-April). You can visit the farm, buy some tulip bulbs, or bouquets, and do some wine tasting from the farms very own vineyard. Nearby you check out the food court, crafts stalls, and much more. Of course the real star of the show are the tulip fields, row upon row of beautiful tulips you can Instagram next to with perfect abandon. Check out their website for more information.
Bob’s Red Mill
Before big-ag, Monsanto, and GMO’s there were plain old simple stone mills. These mills did a phenomenal job at grinding wheat just enough so that it was tasty, while allowing the nutrients in the grain to still be served. Bob’s Red Mill has gone back to that age old tradition of grinding wheat with stone mills, and you can see it in action at their factory tour. Check out their website for more information.
Field And Vine Events
Field and Vine Events has an amazing Farm Dinners Series. They partner local vineyards with local farmers to deliver a series of amazing dinners on location. While one spot features a barn built in 1900, another features an early summer classic horse show, while at a third location you get to meet Alpaca’s. Each dinner is unique and exemplifies the wonders of Willamette Valley. Check out their website for more info.
Best Willamette Valley Vineyards To Visit
There’s a reason Willamette Valley is also know as Oregon’s wine country. Although the gross quantity of wine produced in Oregon is relatively small compared to states such as California, we have some of the best wines produced in the country. In the ’70s a feasibility study was done and it was determined that the temperate climate of the region would be especially conducive to the growth of pinot and chardonnay. In terms of quality of wine Oregon is on par with the Burgundy region, while the price is more accessible.
Elk Cove Vineyards
Founded in 1974 by Pat and Joe Campbell, this scenic vineyard is well worth a visit. Pat and Joe were some of the first wine growers in Oregon and the depth of wine knowledge is reflected in the quality of their wine. In 1995 their son Adam joined forces with them and continues to carry on the family legacy. Their winery is situated at the top of a wooded hill, giving you a wonderful view in all directions.
We really enjoyed the tour of the vineyard, and Katherine did a fantastic job explaining the entire process from how the grapes are grown all the way to the bottling process. Afterwards we had a tasting accompanied by a charcuterie plate which was sourced locally. We visited the vineyards before bud break and they were really beautiful, but we’ll definitely need to come back later in the season to see it in all its glory. Check out their website for more info.
WillaKenzie Estate
Named after the soil of the region, WillaKenzie Estate is located on rolling hills in the Yamhill County. We had a delightful tour and tasting here, and were especially impressed by their Triple Black Slopes wine. Their wine making process using all gravity systems, which allows for most of the power on the estate to be supplied by solar power, in true Oregonian environmental friendly fashion. Check out their website for more info.
Roots Wine Co.
Located near WillaKenzie this inspiring winery goes right to the root of things, creating wines using natural fermentation. Their dedication to the land is borne out in their commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices. Check out their website for more information.
Bjornson Vinyards
Bjornson Vineyards is located near Salem. As you ascend out of the valley you are greeted by stunning views, and fields of vineyards. Nestled among the hills is this wonderful vineyard begun by a couple who’s passion is wine, and who’s life is their family. We were met by their extremely friendly dog who was touring the farm just then. Stepping inside we were greeted by a beautiful sitting room and the friendly owners. We had a great tasting with some delightful snacks to accompany the wine. Check out their website for more information.
Kings Estate
A little further afield is Kings Estate. This place is huge. Not only do they have some amazing wines, but when you arrive here you realize you have come to a truly special place. The vineyard is all about using sustainable and organic growing practices, and in addition to growing grapes you will also find a lavender field, orchards, garden, and nursery. The estate focuses on providing the freshest and highest quality ingredients in their restaurant and as a result grows them itself. Don’t take our word for it though, check it out yourself, you’ll have a pretty astounding experience. Check out their website for more information.
Big Table Farms
If you are needing some inspiration in your life, head on over to big table farm. Here you have a family run farm making some amazing art, wine, and creating some delicious meals. Brian Marcy and Clare Carver came from California in 2006 and since then have developed their land into a working farm with a vineyard, animals, seasonal vegetables, and even honey. Clare is a painter who makes amazing art and designs the labels on their wine, which have won national awards. You can check out their website to get more information.
Pfeiffer Winery
This place is so good, one of their wines was picked to be served at Obama’s pre-inauguration dinner. Need I say more? The husband and wife team are dedicated to showcasing Oregon wine wherever they travel, and their stories of grit and perseverance will inspire you! Check out their website for more info.
Small Towns And Cities To Visit In Willamette Valley
Approximately 60% of Oregon’s population lives inside the Portland Metropolitan Area. It’s a great place to live and people all over the world ask themselves, “How can we make our city more like Portland.” I love Portland. It’s like this mecca of all that is weird, funky, and environmentally friendly.
As someone who is part of the millennial generation, I don’t like it when people pick on us. It’s just not right to make sweeping generalizations, mischaracterizations, and blatant accusations. I feel like my generation is pretty awesome. During our road trip visiting the small towns of Oregon I realized there is one mistake that my generation is making. We support the organic movement, the farm-to-table craze, and we love food-trucks which all fine and dandy. What we really need to think about at this point is getting outside of Portland a little more.
During our trip we ate at a restaurant which has been locally sourcing their food for the last 27 years. We stayed at a farm stay where we learned about the life of a farmer, and visited wineries which got all of their power from solar panels. We ate some of the most delicious food we have ever tried, learned a lot more about the culture of our state, and were truly inspired to live a life of purpose and meaning. Our hope is that these places continue to thrive, grow, and inspire future generations
Dundee, Oregon
This is a great city to make your home base for exploring Yamhill area vineyards, farms, or the Willamette River. Check out Travel Dundee for more information.
We really loved eating at Tina’s an amazing restaurant located downtown. You can walk around the downtown area visiting wine tasting rooms, there’s a lot to choose from. In nearby Dayton is a super unique RV park called “The Vintages” which has some remodeled Airstreams you can stay the night in to take you back to your childhood days. Nearby is the Block House Café which is located in a beautifully renovated old church.
McMinville, Oregon
Not too far away from Dundee is McMinnville, if you would like to stay closer to the Coastal Range. We recommend eating breakfast at The Diner which has a great menu, with a focus on serving farm fresh ingredients. They support local farmers, make things from scratch, and cook to order.
Some other really cool spots to check out in McMinnville are Hotel Oregon a McMenamins location, as well as Community Plate which also serves amazing locally sourced, and delicious food.
Albany, Oregon
Check out Albany on your way to Corvallis. You can eat at Frankie’s which serves an amazing farm-to-table experience. Walk across the bridge to the riverfront park, explore the downtown area, and learn the history in the Albany Regional Museum. You can also do a self guided tour of Albany’s Historic Districts.
Molalla, Oregon
Molalla is an undiscovered gem on the other side of I-5. Grab some grub at the Hitchin’ Post Café before going skydiving as Skydive Oregon. Or drive through the scenic countryside and enjoy the views.
Independence, Oregon
Located just past Salem, you’ll love the small town vibes. The downtown runs right next to the river and you can enjoy the Riverside park. When we went there the river had actually flooded a lot of it, but it was still a great experience. You can read about the history of the town on the signs in the park. Enjoy deserts at Jubilee Champagne and Desserts Bar or grab some coffee to go at Brew Coffee & Tap House.
Creswell, Oregon
If you’re in the Eugene area, check out this delightful little city. Creswell Bakery will blow your socks off with delicious treats and the city is the perfect starting point for a wine tasting road trip.
Springfield, Oregon
Located right next to Eugene this cute little downtown area has so much to offer. Start your explorations at The Washburne Café and afterwards walk over to the PublicHouse for some great food. Springfield, OR is rumored to be the inspiration for the town where the Simpson’s live, if you’re a fan of the show you might get a vague sense like you’ve already been here before.
Salem, Oregon
We have recently moved to Oregon, and it was pretty special to visit the capitol of our new state. There were cherry blossoms in the park next to the capitol building, and we loved the downtown vibe. We had a chance to ride around the downtown area on some bikes we rented from The Bike Peddler. Salem is right next to Willamette River and has a great bike trail system connecting Riverfront Park to Minto-Brown Island Park, as well as Wallace Marine Park. Getting to these parks takes you across two different and unique bridges. Check out our in depth article about all you can see and do in Salem below!
Corvallis, Oregon
Located less than ten miles off of I-5 Corvallis is the home of Oregon State University. For an experience outside of town check out Bald Hill Natural Area because of its funny name, as well as to go hiking, bicycling, or horseback riding along the many trails. Explore the University district and walk down to Riverfront Park for beautiful views, and delicious eats.
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is located pretty much smack dab in the middle of Oregon, and is also your last big stop in Willamette Valley. It’s also a perfect staging ground to explore the surrounding areas. Head on out to the coast and explore the Sand Dunes of Oregon, or drive over to Bend, stopping along the way at the waterfalls and hot springs of Willamette National Forest. It’s also perfect for staying nearby with a burgeoning food scene, and amazing wine country areas you can visit nearby. Check out our post about Eugene below for a more in depth look at all this great town has to offer.
Top Things To Do Outdoors In Willamette Valley
This is in no way an exhaustive list, and there is certainly a lot more we can add to it. These just a few of the things we love to do in the outdoors! Want to help us with this list? Put your favorite outdoor activity in the comments below, we’d love to add it!
Hiking Trails
To begin with running right through the middle of Oregon is the Pacific Crest trail. This trail begins in Washington on the border with Canada, and ends in California on the border with Mexico. Besides that though are another 7,500 trails you can hike! Some “off the beaten path” hikes you can do are hiking Mary’s Peak, which takes you to the highest point on the coastal range, Clear Lake Loop, or Spencer Butte. To be frank though, any state park, national forest, or riverfront park in the area will often have some really phenomenal trails to check out.
Silver Falls State Park is a must see place for anyone visiting or living in this area. It’s the crown jewel of the Oregon Parks. You can see up to ten falls on a 7.8 mile loop at this truly incredible place. It’s fairly easy to hike it and can be reduced by taking some of the cutoff trails.
The hike you want to do is called, “Trail of Ten Falls Loop Hike”
Our recommendation is just open up your map, and start zooming into green patches.
Waterfalls
We have to start this one off with Silver Falls State Park. This park has ten! waterfalls, four of which you can hike behind. Willamette Valley has a lot of waterfalls you absolutely must see though. Abiqua Falls, Sahalie and Koosah Falls, and Salt Creak Falls are a few great ones to check out.
Camping
There is a huge diversity of camping available in the Willamette Valley. Anywhere from car camping to multi-day backpacking trips. A great place to start is the Tillamook State Forest or the Willamette National Forest.
A Detour To The Oregon Coast From Willamette Valley
I know this is a post about Willamette Valley, but let’s be honest, how can you avoid visiting the coast? It’s only a few hours away! The whole Oregon coast is amazing, and we will have more posts about this beautiful area of Oregon. We wanted to start with one of our favorites, however, and one of the lesser known sections of the Oregon Coast.
Cape Perpetua
Cape Perpetua is a large headland that is located half an hour north of Florence . It’s an incredible place to enjoy the incredible views, the coastal fog, waves crashing again the jagged cliffs, and 26 miles of hiking trails.
Often missed due to not being right across from a large town, Cape Perpetua has some really amazing coastal rock formations. Make sure to check out Devils Churn Scenic Overlook, Thor’s Well, and Sprouting Horn!
Sea Lion Cave
Just a few miles away from the city you can find America’s largest sea cave. It is privately owned and is home to hundreds of Steller sea lions and birds. The main goal is to preserve and protect. It is open year round but you won’t always see the sea lions there so make sure to call them before you go.
During winter months you will find the lions in the cave but when spring arrives, its breeding and birthing time, so the sea lion move from the cave to the rock ledges in front of the cave and hang around there through the summer.
Visit The Sand Dunes in Florence, Oregon
We wrote a whole blog post about Florence, OR. Why should you go there? Because of the amazing sand dunes you can experience there! For science fiction fans, did you know the dunes of Oregon inspired Frank Herbert’s classic “Dune”? That fact alone makes it worth a visit. For more info, check out our post about it!
Unique One Of A Kind Experiences In Willamette Valley
Hot Air Balloons Over Tulips
During the Tulip Festival you can reserve a spot in one of their weekend hot-air balloon rides. This is a very weather dependent activity so make sure to check in advance if its available.
Helicopter Tour Over The Willamette Valley
Driving through Willamette Valley is absolutely stunning. What could be better except perhaps to fly over them! Check out the tours offered by Tour DeVine for an amazing and memorable experience.
Horseback Ride Through Vineyards
Going high might not be your thing though, perhaps you’d like to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna. In that case you should check out Equestrian Wine Tours where you can saddle up and take a trot through the countryside.
Skydive in Willamette Valley
If getting an adrenaline rush is more of your thing, check out Skydive Oregon for a once in a lifetime experience, or maybe to get your skydiving license, your choice.
Best Restaurants To Eat At In Willamette Valley
Here are some of our favorite and best places to eat at in Willamette Valley! These are just a few different spots. Make sure to check out our posts about Eugene, OR and Salem, OR for more places to eat at!
Tina’s
Located in downtown Dundee, Tina’s is a small little restaurant that packs a big punch. With a menu that’s been dialed in over the past 27 years, this places strives to source locally, fresh ingredients. After a day exploring Oregon’s Wine Country, this place is the perfect capstone to a fun day.
760 Highway 99W. Dundee, OR 97115
The Diner
We came here for breakfast, however this amazing place serves breakfast lunch or dinner. With an aim to support their local farmers and make the best food, this small little spot just off the highway will surprise you.
2580 SE Stratus AVE. McMinnville, Oregon
Frankie’s
Located in Albany this farm-to-table family run restaurant serves delicious food from local farms. They don’t have freezers, and don’t use microwaves.
641 NW Hickory St #160, Albany, OR 97321
Obsidian Grill
It’s easy to drive right past this place, after all if your plan is to explore the McKenzie River you don’t really need to buy anything at the local General Store. But wait there’s more! Housed with the General Store is one of the best restaurants in the area. Serving food sourced from area organic farms, this place might have perhaps the best burgers you’ve ever tried.
91837 Taylor Rd, McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
DaVinci Ristorante
Serving delectable Italian fare this restaurant is located downtown Salem. It makes for an amazing end to a day exploring the Salem are. Check out our blog post about Salem for more things to do here!
180 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Hilltop Cafe-Bistro
Does food taste better near the ocean, or is it just that everything is better at the beach? The Hilltop Cafe-Bistro is a perfect stop along the coast for amazing burgers, sandwiches and more.
828 SW Pacific Coast Hwy, Waldport, OR 97394
Marché
Located downtown Eugene this place serves some amazing food. We came here for dinner and were blown away by the quality and taste of their delicious meals. If you like what you eat here, stop into Marche Provisions right next door, where you can pick up the same ingredients the chef used to make your own meals.
296 E 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401
Creswell Bakery
As you head out of Eugene, perhaps to explore the local wineries or even, heaven forbid, drive down to California (it’s ok we’ll forgive you) this place is an absolute must stop. With delicious pastries, a French educated chef, and ingredients sourced from the owner’s very own farm, this isn’t a place to eat at, but a place to have an otherworldly experience.
182 S 2nd St, Creswell, OR 97426
Best Itineraries For Exploring Willamette Valley
There are so many different ways to explore and depending on your interests you could easily create a trip focused around one specific activity or area. That’s perfectly fine, we hope this blog has been helpful in finding great places to see and visit along the way. Below we put together a few sample itineraries which would give you a general flavor of what the Willamette Valley has to offer.
Weekend Itinerary For Willamette Valley
This trip is designed to work perfectly for a weekend getaway. From winetasting to exploring the coast, it’s meant to be action packed, and relaxing at the same go.
Day 1: Wine Country
We’ll start our visit off with a trip to Wine Country. The area we’re looking at is Yamhill, Carlton, Dundee and McMinville. There are a host of wineries to choose from, such as Elk Cove, WillaKenzie, Ponzi, or Red Ridge Vineyards. All of them are amazing and offer a great tasting experience, as well as tours of the vineyards.
Places to stay
Red Ridge Vineyards – Stay at their Garden Suite, or Stoneycrest Cottage for an amazing on site stay.
The Vintages – This RV park also has remodeled Airstreams available for a classic experience in Wine Country.
The Alison Hotel – For a luxury experience stay at the Alison, and experience their spa facilities, on site restaurant and winery.
Where to Eat
Tina’s – Located in the heart of Dundee Tina’s is the perfect dinner spot, may need to reserve in advance.
The Diner – Locally sourced, made from scratch deliciousness.
Block House Café – Located in a recently renovated church, this cute location in the small town of Dalton serves some amazing breakfast fare, to go along with their delicious coffee.
Day 2: Explore The Coast
Although not Willamette Valley proper, a visit to the coast is a must. Taking the state highway head on over to Pacific City to check out the amazing rock formations. From there turn the 2 1/2 hour trip to Florence, Or into a marathon of amazing viewpoints and awesome stops along the way.
The following lists are ordered from north to south.
Things To See And Do
Cape Kiwanda: Stunning rock formations along the coast, as well as pretty hikes.
Boiler Bay: Rocky oceanfront with panoramic views.
Whale Cove: Marine protected area with a chance to see whales.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse: Jutting out into the Ocean experience stunning views, trails, tidal pools, and a staircase to the beach below.
Oregon Coast Aquarium: A perfect stop for a family with children.
Cape Perpetua: This area has a host of unique natural events, with names such as Devil’s Churn, Sprouting Horn, and Thor’s Well to give you an idea of what you might see.
Heceta Head Lighthouse: The most photographed lighthouse along the Oregon coast, this is a great stop, you can even do a hike along the trail behind it.
Sea Lion Caves: The biggest Sea Lion Caves in North America, you’ll be impressed with the sheer amount of sea lions basking among the rocks. This is also a great spot to see the Heceta Lighthouse from a different angle.
Oregon Sand Dunes: This is a stretch of the coast which begins in Florence and goes all the way to Coos Bay. There are many trails through the dunes which are well worth a visit, as well as recreational areas where you can go on an off road vehicle.
Where to eat
Grateful Bread Bakery – A perfect breakfast spot with a Grateful Dead theme, serving delicious breakfast food, coffee, and housemade pastries.
Blackfish Café – Try the freshest local seafood at this easygoing New American restaurant.
Hilltop Café-Bistro – A perfect stop for sandwiches or burgers, and great coffee.
La Pomodori – Have a delicious dinner at this Italian restaurant serving mouthwatering dishes, start your meal with their amazing ravioli, and end it off with a delightful crème brûlée.
Where To Stay
Driftwood Shores Resort – The only spot in town which is located right on the beach, wake up to stunning views right out your window.
Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast – Experience life on the edge, as you stay right next to a lighthouse on a cliff.
Luaren’s Place – Right inside Florence on the edge of Suislaw River, experience river, forest and the beach all in one location.
Day 3: Willamette Forest
The last day you can choose to head back up north along I-5, or take the scenic route through the woods. From the coast head east onwards through Eugene, to explore the Willamette Forest. Along the way stop in to beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs.
Places To Stop
Sweet Creek Falls – A short loop that takes you to 4 different waterfalls.
Eugene, Oregon- If you have time, stop into Eugene for a quick lunch, wine or beer!
Tamolitch Falls – A beautiful waterfall, and a stunning blue pool underneath it.
Koosah and Sahalie Falls – Park at either one of these stunning waterfalls, and use the trail running between them to get to the other one, for a beautiful hike through the forest.
Clear Lake – A beautiful Lake, with a trail that goes around it, there’s also a dock you can use for recreation purposes.
Where to eat
Falling Sky Brewing – They have an amazing selection of brews, as well as really tasty food.
Obsidian Grill – It looks like nothing special, but it could end up being your go to burger spot. It’s the perfect spot to grab some amazing burgers, before heading out to Willamette forest.
Taproot Lounge – This great spot in downtown Salem is the perfect place to grab a healthy and delicious dinner.
6-Day Itinerary For Willamette Valley
This itinerary is designed to be perfect for taking a week off from work to explore around Oregon. With flexibility to stay longer in various spots, it will give you a very relaxing and all encompassing overview of what Willamette Valley has to offer.
Day 1: Wine Country
We’ll start this trip off much the same as the weekend itinerary, visiting Oregon’s Wine Country region. The area we’re looking at is Yamhill, Carlton, Dundee and McMinville. There are a host of wineries to choose from, such as Elk Cove, WillaKenzie, Ponzi, or Red Ridge Vineyards. All of them are amazing and offer a great tasting experience, as well as tours of the vineyards.
Places to stay
Red Ridge Vineyards – Stay at their Garden Suite, or Stoneycrest Cottage for an amazing on site stay.
The Vintages – This RV park also has remodeled Airstreams available for a classic experience in Wine Country.
The Allison Hotel – For a luxury experience stay at the Alison, and experience their spa facilities, on site restaurant and winery.
Where to Eat
Tina’s – Located in the heart of Dundee Tina’s is the perfect dinner spot, may need to make reservations in advance.
The Diner – Locally sourced, made from scratch deliciousness.
Block House Café – Located in a recently renovated church, this cute location in the small town of Dalton serves some amazing breakfast fare, to go along with their delicious coffee.
Day 2: Experience The Great Outdoors in Willamette Valley
This area has a lot to see and explore, as well as some really unique experiences to participate in. For a relaxing time you can visit some of the many farms in the area, such as TMK Creamery, Red Ridge Farms, or Bob’s Red Mill. If your trip is around April check out the website of The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival to see if they are open, for some amazing pictures. Also if you haven’t been to the state capitol before this would be a great time to do so, and explore the area for yourself.
If you are looking for a little bit more adventure you can do a horse-riding tour through the vineyards, go hiking at Silver Falls State Park, do a helicopter tour, or a hot air balloon ride over the tulip fields. Of course if you’re really looking for adrenaline then perhaps you would prefer to do some Skydiving! There’s definitely something for everyone.
Places to stay
Red Ridge Vineyards – Stay at their Garden Suite, or Stoneycrest Cottage for an amazing on site stay.
The Vintages – This RV park also has remodeled Airstreams available for a classic experience in Wine Country.
The Allison Hotel – For a luxury experience stay at the Alison, and experience their spa facilities, on site restaurant and winery.
Leaping Lamb Farm – A farm stay in Alsea where you can see what the farm life is like.
Where to Eat
Tina’s – Located in the heart of Dundee Tina’s is the perfect dinner spot, may need to make reservations in advance.
The Diner – Locally sourced, made from scratch deliciousness.
Block House Café – Located in a recently renovated church, this cute location in the small town of Dalton serves some amazing breakfast fare, to go along with their delicious coffee.
Taproot Lounge – This great spot in downtown Salem is the perfect place to grab a healthy and delicious lunch or dinner.
DaVinci Ristorante – Delicious classic Italian fare in downtown Salem
Day 3: Farm Stay Experience in Willamette Valley
Tucked away in a forest, up a little valley is a small little farm called Leaping Lamb Farm. We stayed one night here, but to be honest we wish we had done at least two. We arrived in the evening and were met by the owner Scottie. During our time we had a chance to experience what farm life is like, spend time with the farm animals, and explore the farm itself. You will absolutely love your experience here, from picking your own mushrooms, to eating fresh eggs, to playing with the baby goat.
Where to Eat
Source your eggs, and seasonal vegetables from the farm itself for a delicious breakfast.
Thyme Garden – Nearby is the Thyme Garden which serves amazing luncheons featuring their tasty herbs, accompanied by locally sourced produce.
Gathering Together Farms – This place serves all organic food they grew themselves and it’s a great spot for either lunch or dinner.
Deb’s Café – A small town café great for breakfast lunch or dinner, serving delicious American Grub.
Day 4: Exploring The Oregon Coast
Although not Willamette Valley proper, a visit to the coast is a must. Take state highway 34 through the beautiful Siuslaw National Forest which brings you out to Waldport a cute little coastal town. From there head south at a leisurely pace turning the 1 hour trip to Florence, OR into a series of awesome stops and amazing viewpoints along the way.
The following lists are ordered from north to south.
Things To See And Do
Drift Creek Wilderness: As you head out to the coast make a stop in the Siuslaw National Forest and experience it up close for yourself by doing some hiking here.
Cape Perpetua: This area has a host of unique natural events, with names such as Devil’s Churn, Sprouting Horn, and Thor’s Well to give you an idea of what you might see.
Heceta Head Lighthouse: The most photographed lighthouse along the Oregon coast, this is a great stop, you can even do a hike along the trail behind it.
Sea Lion Caves: The biggest Sea Lion Caves in North America, you’ll be impressed with the sheer amount of sea lions basking among the rocks. This is also a great spot to see the Heceta Lighthouse from a different angle.
The Sand Dunes in Florence, OR: This is a stretch of the coast which begins in Florence and goes all the way to Coos Bay. There are many trails through the dunes which are well worth a visit, as well as recreational areas where you can go on an off road vehicle.
Where To Eat
Deb’s Café – A small town café great for breakfast lunch or dinner, serving delicious American Grub.
Hilltop Café-Bistro – A perfect stop for sandwiches or burgers, and delicious coffee
La Pomodori – Have a delicious dinner at this Italian restaurant serving mouthwatering dishes, start your meal with their amazing ravioli, and end it off with a delightful crème brûlée.
Where To Stay
Driftwood Shores Resort – The only spot in town which is located right on the beach, wake up to stunning views of the ocean out your window.
Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast – Experience life on the edge, as you stay right next to a lighthouse on a cliff.
Luaren’s Place – Right in Florence on the edge of Suislaw River, experience river, forest and the beach all in one location.
Day 5: Visit Eugene, Oregon
Imagine you took everything cool and funky about Portland distilled to it’s essence, and got rid of all the drama and problems. Welcome to Eugene. For more in depth information about Eugene check out our blog post.
Day 6: Willamette Forest
The last day you can choose to head back up north along I-5, or take the scenic route through the woods. From Eugene, head through Springfield along HWY 126 to enter Willamette Forest. Along the way stop in to beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs.
Places To Stop
Bigelow Hot Springs – Just off the road a short distance, this small pool is tucked into a the side of the river next to a rock cliff face. When we came here the river was flooded so we couldn’t use it, but the trail to it was in great condition.
Tamolitch Falls – A beautiful waterfall, and a stunning blue pool underneath it.
Koosah and Sahalie Falls – Park at either one of these stunning waterfalls, and use the trail running between them to get to the other one, for a beautiful hike through the forest.
Clear Lake – A beautiful Lake, with a trail that goes around it, there’s also a dock you can use for recreation purposes.
Bagby Hot Springs – This is perhaps the most well known hot springs in Oregon, but if you haven’t been they are worth visiting. Soak in your own private tub, or experience a Japanese style soaking pool, there are a number of options here.
Where to eat
Sweet Life Patisserie – Delicious coffee, and amazing pastries, what more do you need in life?
Falling Sky Brewing – They have an amazing selection of brews, as well as really tasty food.
Obsidian Grill – It looks like nothing special, but it could end up being your go to burger spot. It’s the perfect spot to grab some amazing burgers, before heading out to Willamette forest.
Taproot Lounge – This great spot in downtown Salem is the perfect place to grab a healthy and delicious dinner.
Places To Stay at in Willamette Valley
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Exploring Oregon
We hope this has been helpful in your trip planning! We really enjoyed our adventures in the Willamette Valley and are already planning to come back and explore more. Oregon is full of amazing places and that’s why we are taking the time to explore our beautiful state! If you need more inspiration or ideas, follow us on our Instagram @thatoneadventurecouple!
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Have you been to the Willamette Valley and want to share, let us know in the comments below!
If you visit, let us know by tagging us in your pictures on Instagram #thatoneadventurecouple #idratherplayoutside!
A big thank you goes out to Oregon Wine Country for setting up this amazing roadtrip through the Willamette Valley! All thoughts and opinions are our own. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, we may receive compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you and allows us to keep serving you with great content.
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