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.
Choose your adventure
hiking
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?
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Biking
Willamette Valley is a dream come true for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Adventurous mountain bikers can bomb down epic outdoor trails, zig-zagging their way through fern-covered forests enveloped by towering Douglas fir trees. Road cyclists can cruise along scenic bikeways, passing through covered bridges and charming small towns while making stops at vineyards and farms. Bike trails for kids are plentiful at state parks and through downtown loops. If you can’t travel with your bike, no worries — bike rental shops are plentiful (oh, and chammies are optional).
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waterways & water trails
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.
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The Heart of the Valley Outdoor Recreation Map
Plan your next epic adventure around the Benton County region with this map that is positively covered in ideas, tips, suggestions, and good-to-know information you’ll need.
Prepare, Care, Connect
Ready to explore Oregon’s great outdoors? Before you head out, learn to recreate responsibly.
