The Willamette Valley is situated between the east’s Cascade Mountain Range and the west’s Oregon Coast Mountain Range and has some of Oregon’s most diverse agricultural areas. It’s also home to the majority of Organ’s population.
The valley stretches 150 miles from Eugene in the south, through Corvallis and Salem, and into Portland. It’s full of farms, forests, rivers, and lakes, as well as an incredible food culture with an abundance of restaurants that focus on locally sourced ingredients.
There are also plenty of outdoor activities available for all ages, including boating, hiking, biking, or skiing. Here’s what you need to know about the Willamette Valley
What is the Willamette Valley in Oregon?
The Willamette Valley is a large fertile valley in Oregon. It’s perfect for growing food of all kinds, especially wine and hops for beer! In fact, it has been producing crops since the 1800s and even before that! The Willamette Valley is home to more than 500 wineries, so if you enjoy wine, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste some while exploring the area.
The Willamette Valley is broken into four areas: North Valley, Mid-Valley, South Valley, and the West Cascades.
The North Valley is known for its rolling hills, hushed forests, enchanting vineyards, and award-winning wineries, often enjoyed by hot air balloon rides or helicopter tours.
The Mid-Valley is known for its beautiful waterfalls, cycling trails, farm-fresh foods, and u-pick farms.
The South Valley shares space with two massive rivers and a collection of smaller ones, ideal for outdoor water recreation like kayaking and canoeing. This area features historic, renaissance cities, fern forests, and craft beer.
The West Cascades is a mountain biker’s dream, with some of the world’s best biking trails. The area is also rich with steaming hot springs and ample opportunities for angling
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The Climate in the Willamette Valley
The climate in the Willamette Valley is similar to a Mediterranean climate, although colder and wetter by comparison. The area experiences winters that are cool and wet, with summers that are dry and warm.
In the summers, you can expect temperatures around the low 80s, with winter averages hovering in the 40s.
There is an average of 270 sunny days per year, so you’re sure to get your fill of sunshine.
As for the Willamette Valley’s rainfall, it averages 51 inches spread throughout six non-consecutive months. October is the wettest month with 14 inches, while just seven inches fall in May.
Things to Do in the Willamette Valley
The Enchanted Forest Amusement Park
One of the most popular places for fun in the Willamette Valley is the Enchanted Forest Amusement Park for hours (or days!) of fun. Check out the Big Timber Log Ride, Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster, Challenge of Mondor, Speedway Bumper Cars, a Haunted House, Carousel, Kiddy Frog Hopper, a Ferris wheel, Tiny Tune Train, and Kiddy Bumper Boats.
Volcanoes Baseball
Part of the Maverick Independent Baseball League, Keizer hosts the local minor league team and their mascot Crater to a great summer schedule. T-Shirt Man blasts free T-shirts from the roof of the announcer’s booth, and plenty of great food vendor choices, along with beer, wine, water and soft drinks.
Events are held during the off season, and the 4,254 seat stadium can be rented out for private events as well. Rent a sky box for your private group or friends, complete with food & drink service. Call for more info (503) 390-2225. Located behind the Keizer Station shopping complex at 6700 Field of Dreams Way, Keizer, Oregon, 97305.
You can reach the pro shop during the off season Monday through Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – Noon.
Silver Creek Falls
For stunning views and a great hike, take the 7.2-mile hike to Silver Creek Falls for breathtaking views of rolling hills and Fauna that include: blacktail deer, cougar, elk, raccoons, and more! Here, you can hike, bike, walk the dog, or ride your horse to enjoy the famous South Falls, a 177-ft curtain of water. It’s included as part of the Trail of Ten Falls, another noteworthy thing to do.
Historic Vineyards
The Willamette Valley has a lengthy history of creating some of the world’s best wines. The region is home to more than 500 wineries! Schedule yourself for a wine tour or two, take a romantic date, or meander on your own time through the delightful vineyards.
Conclusion
The Willamette Valley is a beautiful region of the Pacific Northwest. It includes North Valley, Mid-Valley, South Valley, and West Cascades regions that offer many opportunities for entertainment and exploration.
Whether you are looking to hike or bike through forests, fish in lakes stocked with trout, explore caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites, enjoy music festivals, find fresh produce at local farms markets, or visit one of Oregon’s most famous attractions like Multnomah Falls – the valley has something for everyone!
For more information about living in the glorious and fertile Willamette Valley in Oregon, talk to your local professional real estate agent today.
