| Things to Do ยป Outdoors and Recreation |
The Willamette Valley is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. Whether an ideal voyage includes hiking to waterfalls, biking through covered bridges, white water rafting or kayaking, the Willamette Valley is ripe with adventure.
From old-growth oak savannas to thundering waterfalls to forested Cascade foothills, the Willamette Valley is home to some of the best hikes in Oregon. (Lace up those hiking boots!) Our national wildlife refuges and bucolic state parks boast well-maintained footpaths for the whole family, while heartier adventure awaits on Marys Peak — the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range — and in the West Cascades, where massive waterfalls inspire awe and towering forests instill wonder. Where will you hike next?
Waterways and water trails form the backbone of the Willamette Valley. Anglers have fished the pristine waters of the McKenzie River for decades, and adrenaline junkies find whitewater thrills rafting the Santiam River. After all, where else can you paddle through historic communities, watch osprey soar overhead, and spy the farmland where our favorite fruits and veggies are grown? (No two trips are ever alike!) Create your next memory on our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs today—and learn more about the magical Willamette Water Trail.
Discover the untapped potential of your travels and dive deeper into your destination with regenerative tourism. Tour the valley with naturalist guides like Kieron Wilde of First Nature Tours and learn through adventure and service about wildlife recovery, wildfire prevention and on how we can create connections through regenerative travel for more enriching experiences.
Photo by Gabriel Amadeus
Make the most of winter with our guide to outdoor adventure during the chilly season.
Across the valley and in the Cascades, you'll find snowshoeing trails, thundering waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park, birdwatching at national wildlife refuges, and—after a memorable day of fun—cozy hot springs for rest and relaxation.
Ready to explore Oregon’s great outdoors? Before you head out, learn to recreate responsibly.
