Skip to main content
Top Willamette Valley activities
Beyond Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley trip ideas
Green vineyards in the Dundee Hills against the blue sky, Willamette Valley, Oregon.

Things to do in  Willamette Valley

The whole wine yards

Just south of Portland is the Willamette Valley, a lush part of Oregon known in wine-loving circles around the world for its pinot noir. It’s a great place for wine-tasting excursions, and while many people visit on day trips from Portland, there are plenty of fine restaurants and boutique hotels for those who prefer to stay a while. While the region is synonymous with wine, there are plenty of other things to do in the Willamette Valley, from hiking through old-growth forests to visiting museums.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

Top 1 attractions in Willamette Valley

All about Willamette Valley

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
When to visit

The Willamette Valley is most pleasant between May and September, when there’s typically less chance of rain. July and August can get swelteringly hot, but most wineries have indoor tasting areas with air-conditioning. Summer is also the season of festivals, from the International Pinot Noir Celebration to the Alt Wine Fest that focuses on non-pinot varietals. The Oregon Country Fair, an alcohol-free, family-friendly showcase of music, crafts, and flowery fun, is held every July near Eugene.

Getting around

Major cities in Willamette Valley are connected by train and bus, but you really need a car if you want to visit wineries and outdoor areas. If you want to do any wine tasting, your best bet is to sign up for a wine tour that includes transportation so that you can sample freely without having to drive afterwards. Day tours from Portland are particularly popular.

Traveler tips

Although wine-tasting is among the most popular things to do in the Willamette Valley, the area is also well-known for hiking. Don’t miss the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park near Silverton, which loops past 10 beautiful waterfalls over the course of 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers). Other great places to hike in the region include the relatively flat Champoeg State Heritage Area near Donald and the towering Spencer Butte in Eugene.

en
a43ca07f-fccd-46e1-89db-b5a91a67ae9c
attraction_list
People Also Ask
Q:What are the top wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley?
A:

There are loads of great wineries in the Willamette Valley, from Remy Wines owned by LGBTQ+ activist Remy Drabkin to Maysara Winery, a much-loved biodynamic winery in the heart of the valley. Larger producers such as Argyle, Brooks, and Domaine Drouhin are also popular, as is the family-owned Bells Up Winery.

Q:What outdoor activities are popular in the Willamette Valley?
A:

Hiking is easily the most popular outdoor activity in the Willamette Valley, followed by cycling, trail running, and river activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. The region abounds with state parks and natural areas, including Silver Falls State Park, famous for its many waterfalls.

Q:How many days should I spend in the Willamette Valley?
A:

It depends. You can easily get a feel for the Willamette Valley’s wine scene on a day trip from Portland, but many people prefer to spend a bit more time in the area for wine tasting or outdoor pursuits. Three days gives you enough time to visit wineries and spend time outdoors.

Q:Are there family-friendly attractions in the Willamette Valley?
A:

Yes, there are loads of family-friendly attractions in the Willamette Valley. The Enchanted Forest, a seasonal amusement park with a medieval and nursery rhyme theme, is a popular option. As is the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum, which features a restored vintage merry-go-round with steeds ranging from unicorns to kitty cats.

Q:What is the best town to stay in when visiting Willamette Valley?
A:

It depends. If you’re in the Willamette Valley for wine tasting, McMinnville, Amity, and Newberg are convenient options. Eugene is a better choice for a more urban feel, but while there are a lot of things to do in the city, it’s farther away from popular wineries.

Q:Are there any guided tours available in the Willamette Valley?
A:

Yes, there are lots of guided tours available in the Willamette Valley. Wine tours are particularly popular, and many depart from Portland, making it easy to get to the area in just one day. Tours that depart from Willamette Valley wine country are also available, as are hiking tours to Silver Falls State Park.

Things to do near Willamette Valley

Popular on Viator