Relaxing Winter Adventures in the Willamette Valley

By Matt Wastradowski

As winter’s chill settles on the Willamette Valley, most of us hunker down, stay indoors, and start dreaming up plans for next spring and summer.

But doing so ignores the relaxing outdoor experiences that make winter such a special time in the region: ample bird-watching opportunities, steaming hot springs, roaring waterfalls, and more. Here’s a look at five ways to have laid-back, yet memorable winter adventures in the Willamette Valley this season.

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree

The tree farm at Donovan’s Place is a popular family destination every winter. (Photo by Brittany Rossman and AO Films)

Throw on your coziest jacket, gather the family, and find the perfect Christmas tree—with plenty of options suited to your appetite for adventure.

Head into a winter wonderland by harvesting your own Christmas tree in the Willamette National Forest—with tips on where to go, what to know, and how to have the best possible time.

For an easier experience, check out some of the Willamette Valley’s many Christmas tree farms. Just outside Corvallis, Donovan’s Place offers the chance to cut down several varieties of spruce, fir, and pine trees on its 13-acre farm. Further north, dozens of Christmas tree farms dot the Mt. Hood Territory at the eastern edge of the Willamette Valley.

Go Snowshoeing in the Cascade Range

The Willamette Valley sits at the base of the majestic Cascade Range—which in winter offers epic snowshoeing opportunities.

Learn about some of the Cascade Range's best snowshoe trails—complete with ideas for where to go, where to stay the night, and how to warm up after a day in the winter wonderland.

We've also put together an ideas for snowshoeing, downhill skiing, soaking in hot springs, and other winter adventures around Eugene.

Relax With a Soak in Our Hot Springs

Breitenbush Hot Springs, just outside of Detroit, is one of the area's most popular hot springs. (Photo by Tom Robinson)

Relax, rejuvenate, and refresh with a soak in the many hot springs around the Willamette Valley. From primitive pools in the forested Cascade Range to beloved resorts with scenic soaks, find the Willamette Valley hot spring that fits your trip and plan your winter getaway today.

Enjoy a Guided Getaway to Silver Falls State Park

Hike Behind a Waterfall

Silver Falls State Park is a popular getaway in spring, summer, and fall—but a winter trek rewards visitors with waterfalls at their thundering peak. Try hiking the Trail of Ten Falls, a sunset tree climb, an overnight stay at the park's Smith Creek Village, and other winter outings in Silver Falls State Park.

Go Birdwatching at Our National Wildlife Refuges

Every winter, hundreds of thousands of birds pass through the Willamette Valley on their annual southbound migrations—and our national wildlife refuges make great places to spy these birds while enjoying our beautiful surroundings and diverse landscapes.

Learn more about the three refuges in the Willamette National Valley—with information on what makes each so special, what kind of wildlife you might spot (including birds, black bears, and elk), and where to enjoy a relaxing hike at each.

Go Wine Hiking in the Willamette Valley's Vineyards

If there’s anything Oregonians love more than hiking through stately forests and across rolling hillsides, it’s sipping locally crafted pinot noir and chardonnay at our world-renowned wineries.

In recent years, several Willamette Valley wineries have taken steps to marry those passions by offering what they call “wine hiking"—inviting visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll through manicured vineyards, hazelnut orchards, old-growth forests and other scenic ecosystems that showcase the region’s natural diversity. Get inspired for a novel outdoor adventure with four wine hiking trips in the Willamette Valley.

Visit Our Thundering Waterfalls

Alsea Falls is a year-round wonder in the Coast Range Foothills. (Photo by Alison Smith)

Even in winter, the waterfalls of the Willamette Valley amaze with thundering plumes fed by rainfall and snowmelt. And the quiet, chilly nature of the season means you can probably enjoy the scenic views in almost total solitude.

Our guide to the region’s nearly 30 waterfalls includes snow-free suggestions for winter outings, popular hiking trails, tips for visiting these awe-inspiring cascades all year long.

Plan a Cozy Mountain Getaway

Embrace the coziness of the winter season with a mountain getaway in the Cascade Range.

We've put together a round-up of seven favorite overnight stays—like wood-paneled lodges, riverside rooms, a steaming hot-spring resort, and other lodgings that were built for lazy afternoons with a blanket in your lap and hot cocoa in your mug.