Hood River County Fruit Loop
With harvest seasons extending from early June through late October, visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour along this 35-mile scenic loop in the Hood River Valley. Savor the u-pick opportunities, farm stands, and wine tastings at more than 30 stops along the route.
www.hoodriverfruitloop.com
Astoria
Climb the Astor Column, take a photo in front of the Goonies house, and explore the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail. This vibrant community offers a variety of activities from fishing and kayaking, to galleries and museums.
www.astoriaoregon.com
Tillamook
Everybody knows about the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory, but day-trippers can also visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse (the shortest in Oregon at only 38-feet tall!), and the Tillamook Air Museum, or take a historic train ride along the bay.
gotillamook.com
Cascades Raptor Center/Spencer Butte
With a mission of fostering a connection between people and birds of prey, the Cascades Raptor Center in south Eugene is a public education facility and rehabilitation center for sick and injured wildlife. After visiting the resident birds, including hawks, owls, and a bald eagle, go for a hike on one of the many Spencer Butte trails for one of the best views of the Southern Willamette Valley
eraptors.org
Summer Hours (April – October) are 10 AM to 6 PM Tuesday through Sunday, and handler talks are scheduled Tuesdays through Fridays at Noon.
Tour Wine Country
There are lots of options throughout the valley for touring our various wine regions, and we think the best way is to leave the driving to someone else. The Willamette Valley Wineries Association has a page of recommended touring companies: willamettewines.com/plan-your-visit/touring-companies/
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
(and Waterpark)
The mission of the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is “to inspire and educate, promote and preserve aviation and space history, and honor the patriotic service of our veterans.” The innovation on display here, and the historical significance, is indeed impressive and inspiring.
www.evergreenmuseum.org
Hop a Train
Again, leave the driving to someone else. In just two and a half hours, Amtrak will get you from Eugene to Portland, while you sit back with your coffee and free WiFi. With stations in Eugene, Albany, Salem, Oregon City, and Portland, you can go explore a different neighborhood and not bother with gas and parking.
www.amtrak.com
Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill
Five minutes into the tour of the old Thomas Kay Woolen Mill, and you’ll have gained a vast new appreciation for your own comfortable working conditions. The self-guided tour takes you through displays of the original 19th and 20th century machinery, and illustrates what it took to process wool; first into thread, and then into blankets.
www.willametteheritage.org
Open Monday-Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM
1313 Mill Street SE, Salem
(503) 585-7012
Waterfalls Loop Trail, McKenzie River
This approximately 3-mile long hiking and mountain biking trail is part of the much longer McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Moderately difficult, the trail follows the McKenzie River and provides views of Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls.
Open Spring through Fall
Take OR-126 E /McKenzie Hwy to OR-126 W/McKenzie Hwy and look for the Sahalie Falls parking area
The Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport
The newly remodeled Pinniped Exhibit is open! The project doubled the amount of linear viewing feet and now accommodates over 100 additional spectators. Make sure you attend a feeding presentation at 11:00am or 3:00pm or stop by any time to welcome the Aquarium’s pinnipeds to their new home.
aquarium.org
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