Agricultural roots run deep in the mid-Willamette Valley—and over the years, the region has produced generations of family farms, some of the area's top craft breweries, and countless entrepreneurs who share the bounty of the Willamette Valley with visitors from all over the world.
If you'd like to explore the region's rich agricultural history, check out the self-guided Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail, featuring top producers, restaurants, farm stands, and more.
Gathering Together Farm hosts an on-site market and a cozy restaurant (open April-November) that uses farm-grown ingredients in its dishes.
The Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail is one of four officially designated food trails in the region. Local farms are part of the fabric of our culinary scene—and the food trail helps you enjoy where much of our food is grown, as well as where it winds up.
The self-guided trail spans wineries, craft breweries, farms, ranches, markets, experiences, and more in the heart of the Willamette Valley.
Some of the most popular crops grown along the trail include:
Nearly 60 businesses comprise the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail, so how you experience the region is for you to decide. Your choices include:
If you'd like to spend one day traveling the trail, we'd suggest 3-5 stops; that said, a few overnight accommodations make it possible to spend a full weekend savoring the flavors of the region.
The Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail extends from the Oregon Coast Range in the west to the Cascade Range foothills in the east. Its businesses are mostly centered around the communities of Corvallis, Albany, Philomath, Lebanon, Sweet Home, and Alsea.
Driving between Alsea (the westernmost community along the food trail) and Sweet Home (the easternmost community) takes about one hour, 10 minutes; driving from the trail's northern edge in Airlie to its southern border in Monroe, meanwhile, takes about 45 minutes via Route 99W.
Block 15 Brewing pours a variety of ales and lagers alongside an elevated pub fare menu at two taprooms in Corvallis.
Midway Farms is a popular stop between Corvallis and Albany.
You can enjoy a variety of farm and farm-inspired experiences along the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail:
If you want to bring home some produce, fresh from the farm, several growers host seasonal stands and markets that usually open in spring and remain stocked with local delicacies through the fall. Highlights include the following:
The food trail also features farmers markets in Corvallis and Albany, as well as markets in Lebanon and Sweet Home. Chances are good you'll buy your food from the person who grew it.
You'll also find nearly a dozen eateries, bakeries, and cafés along the food trail that use locally sourced ingredients in their dishes—including the award-winning Sybaris Bistro in Albany, The Dizzy Hen (serving fresh dishes in Philomath), and Mugs Coffee House in Lebanon.
Nearly 20 producers showcase a wide range of craft beverages along the trail, as well—including:
Wide-open rooftop views await in spring, summer, and fall at Sky High Brewing in downtown Corvallis.
Leaping Lamb Farm & Farm Stay raises lambs and offers overnight stays near Alsea.
The Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail offers a pair of overnight lodging options that invite you to experience a stay on genuine working farms:
