It’s never too early to start planning your summer vacation, and the communities of Albany and Corvallis—both in the heart of the Willamette Valley—offer plenty to love for travelers from all walks of life. The cities, connected by a 20-minute drive on Highway 20, offer opportunities to get outside, learn about the region’s fascinating past, and savor fresh flavors along the way.
Book your next getaway this National Plan for Vacation Day with these itineraries and ideas for all kinds of travelers.
Oregon hosts the most covered bridges of any state west of the Mississippi River—and a handful of historic covered bridges surround Albany, offering a fascinating day trip through the Willamette Valley’s past.
Many of the covered bridges around Albany date to the 1930s, when farmers would bring their hauls to sell in town or ship to nearby cities. Today, you can still walk or drive through these marvels of old-school architecture—so we’ve put together an itinerary, starting in Albany, to help plan your trip. The fun even includes a few ideas for food and drink in the small towns you’ll pass through on the way.
Albany and Corvallis both boast walkable downtowns, each imbued with historic charm, near the banks of the Willamette River. Shop, ride, or stroll through each community’s core this summer—and connect with the past, present, and future of each city in a variety of memorable ways on an urban getaway.
Historic buildings, family attractions, and elegant eateries are just a few of the fun things to do in downtown Albany. There you’ll find historic districts dotted with restored buildings, museums, and other activities for travelers of all ages.
If Albany’s four historic districts pique your curiosity, take a deeper dive into the community’s past with five historic adventures around Albany, Oregon. Walk through a home that dates back to 1849, catch the latest movies in a century-old theater, take a spin on a 1909 carousel, and find other ways to engage with the history that Albany works so hard to preserve, showcase, and celebrate.
A number of creative artists call our region home, and many contribute to colorful mural trails around the Willamette Valley—including one in downtown Corvallis. The Corvallis Mural Project features more than 30 paintings on the sides of buildings throughout downtown and across the community—many of which pay tribute to local Native American tribes and regional wildlife. You can also dive into the community’s arts and culture scene by attending a performance at the PRAx performing arts venue on the Oregon State University campus—and dive into the community’s past at the Corvallis Museum, which details local history by sharing items from a collection of 140,000 regional artifacts and works of art.
Whether you’re up for a day on the lake, an afternoon waterfall hike, or a weekend camping adventure, you’ll find it all at the doorstep to Corvallis and Albany. To the east, the Cascade Range hosts alpine lakes, waterfalls, and rivers in the midst of old-growth groves of pine, fir, and mountain hemlock—some of which grow to more than 200 feet tall and can live 500 years or more. To the west, the Oregon Coast Range’s waterfalls and mountain bike trails snake through lush forests of massive Douglas fir trees that cover hillsides as far as the eye can see.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or are new to the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of summer fun in our guide to five outdoor adventures around Albany. The round-up covers a pair of lakes in the Cascade Range, an easy hike that passes a handful of waterfalls, national wildlife refuges, and whitewater rafting on the Santiam River.
Further west, the 30-foot Alsea Falls tumbles over a rocky shelf in the South Fork Alsea River in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range. There, just 45 minutes from Corvallis, you’ll find hikes, overnight stays, mountain bike trails, angling opportunities, and other fun outings in the pristine forest that surrounds the picturesque waterfall.
Up for a multi-day adventure? Bust out the mountain bike and tackle the 62-mile Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail. Starting in downtown Corvallis, you’ll head through picturesque rolling hills, past the shadow of Marys Peak, and around the Siuslaw National Forest before reaching Ona Beach just eight miles south of Newport.
A great vacation isn’t complete without good food, beer, and wine—so we’ve mapped out your next favorite culinary destinations along the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail. The self-guided trail comprises more than 50 stops around Albany and Corvallis that invite visitors to connect with the region’s growers through farm tours, filling meals at renowned restaurants, flavorful sips in cozy tasting rooms, and other foodie-focused experiences.
You have a lot of experiences to choose from, so get started with our guide to wineries, restaurants, and overnight stays in the Corvallis countryside. The fun ranges from locally sourced lunches on working farms to wine flights on sun-kissed patios overlooking the Oregon Coast Range.
Want a peek behind the curtain to see how farms work their magic? Plenty of growers and producers offer overnight farm stays, on-site hiking trails, fresh herb gardens, and other one-of-a-kind opportunities. Learn more about visiting a working farm near Corvallis to plan a behind-the-scenes trip.
Albany, meanwhile, sits surrounded by countless vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms that take full advantage of the Willamette Valley’s optimal growing conditions. In addition to great varietals, these wineries also provide on-site fire pits, cozy tasting rooms, sunny patios, and other offerings for an idyllic outing. Plan your wine-tasting trip with our look at wineries and fun things to do around Albany and Salem.
