When you plan a weekend in Albany, which sits in the heart of the Willamette Valley, you’re not just surrounded by pastoral farmland and historic neighborhoods. You’re a short drive from the Cascade Range foothills—where you’ll find dazzling waterfalls, impossibly clear pools, exhilarating whitewater rapids, and countless other outstanding natural wonders.
We’ve put together a guide to some of the top outdoor adventures around Albany—with tips for making the most of your epic summer getaways and year-round excursions.
High in the Cascade Range, in the shadow of snow-capped mountain peaks and surrounded by stands of old-growth Douglas fir, sits Clear Lake—a turquoise reservoir and one of the region’s coldest, clearest lakes.
Your options for enjoying the shimmering pool include a 5.3-mile loop hike that circles the lake while occasionally traversing rocky lava flows, picnicking on its shady shore, launching your own paddle craft, and renting a kayak or rowboat from an on-site marina
Clear Lake sits less than two hours from Albany. If a day trip won’t suffice, consider renting a tent or self-contained RV site between May and October at Cold Water Cove Campground on Clear Lake’s southeastern shore—or staying the night in a cabin or yurt at the rustic Clear Lake Resort. Overnight stays and boat rentals at Clear Lake Resort are available year-round, and an on-site restaurant is open mid-spring to late fall.
Foster Lake, also known as Foster Reservoir, sits on the South Santiam River about 30 miles upstream from Albany—less than a one-hour drive from town.
Its water levels are controlled by Foster Dam, which was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1964 and 1968, and is today one of the region's most popular outdoor destinations every summer.
Looking to get on the water? Gedney Creek Boat Ramp and Calkins Park County Boat Ramp provide easy access for motorboats and paddle craft. Another section of the lake, meanwhile, is roped off for swimmers.
You'll also find several day-use areas for picnicking and a few overnight stays. Foster Lake RV Resort sits near the southwestern shore and hosts a variety of lodgings—including full- and partial-hookup RV sites, rustic bunkhouses, and studio rooms. Nearby, Edgewater County Park and Marina hosts nearly 50 full-hookup RV sites with laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and a marina that offers 40 boat slips.
As the name implies, waterfalls steal the show at McDowell Creek Falls County Park—which is just 45 minutes from Albany and remains accessible all year long.
From along the park's 1.8-mile loop trail, you'll enjoy views of several cascades—including the 120-foot-tall Royal Terrace Falls and the 40-foot Majestic Falls. The falls are at their roaring peak between late fall and late spring—but still showcase impressive views in summer. Several viewing platforms, wooden boardwalks, bridges, and staircases can be found along the trail.
Three national wildlife refuges sit within a 40-minute drive of Albany, offering some of the region’s best opportunities to view elk, deer, and hundreds of species of bird.
Closest to town is Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, where a few short trails show off American pelicans, several species of hawk, western pond turtles, and more. Further west, Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 230 species of bird, coyotes, and the rare Fender's blue butterfly. And to the south sits William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge—which hosts a large herd of Roosevelt elk, cougars, bobcats, and black bears.
Turn your inner thrill seeker loose on the North Santiam River with some of the region’s best whitewater rapids. An adrenaline-pumping series of Class II+ rapids dot stretches of the river, challenging novice and intermediate rafters, and guided outings head through old-growth forests and stretches of the Santiam Canyon that continue to recover from a 2020 wildfire.
Paddle in spring for high water and fast-moving rapids; plan a summer outing for mellower, more family-friendly trips, and get on the water in fall to see the canyon come alive with colorful foliage displays.
Oregon River Experiences leads half-day and full-day trips on the North Santiam River, offering opportunities for wildlife-watching and customized trips that are suited to paddlers of all skill and experience levels. Trips take place between March and October, and the outfitter’s meeting spot is less than an hour from Albany.
