11 Can't-Miss Attractions in Willamette Valley for Your Next Trip

The Willamette Valley stretches 150 miles along the coast and the Cascade Mountains. This popular tourist destination has vineyards, amusement parks, museums, and gardens to explore. There’s so much to do here, you may have trouble picking your favorite activities. Here are our recommendations of the best Willamette Valley things to do.

Nature Attractions

Hiking, biking, and exploring gardens are possible at these attractions in Willamette Valley:

1. Silver Falls State Park

A tall waterfall drops into a bright green forest at Silver Falls State Park. Sunlight shines through the trees, giving the whole scene a soft, peaceful glow. It feels like a hidden viewpoint deep in nature.

Photo Credit @Silver Falls State Park

725 Summer Street NE, Drake Crossing, OR 97301

If you're on the hunt for waterfalls, you'll want to take some time in Silver Falls State Park. Here you can hike through miles of backcountry trails. This is the state’s largest state park. It’s perfectly set up for walking and hiking.

You can also tackle trails on horseback or on a bike. A highlight of this park is South Falls, where you can walk behind the waterfall. You can also use an accessible trail to visit North Falls, another of the park’s waterfalls.

2. The Oregon Garden

A long garden walkway leads to a wooden pavilion surrounded by colorful flower beds and neat hedges. Two small fountains add movement to the calm, sunny space. It’s a relaxing spot that shows the beauty of The Oregon Garden.

Photo Credit @The Oregon Garden

879 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381

Stretching across 80 acres, The Oregon Garden showcases the botanical wonders of the region. It has gardens for everyone, including a pet-friendly option and one designed specifically for kids. The garden's 20 specialty gardens are each designed around a specific theme.

Several water features add interest to the gardens. Take some time to check out the visitor's center. It's full of information about local plants and gardening.

3. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Bright rows of red, orange, and yellow tulips stretch toward a snow-covered mountain in the distance. The flowers look full and colorful under the soft morning light. It’s a classic spring scene from the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm.

Photo Credit @Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

33814 S Meridian Rd, Woodburn, OR 97071

If you’re visiting the Willamette Valley in the spring, you need to stop by the tulip farm. This destination feels like a trip to Holland. You can walk through row after row of colorful blooms. Throughout the summer, additional flowers make this an appealing stop. Sunflowers and zinnias are some of the most popular.

The u-pick flower option lets you take some of the flowers home with you after your visit. In the fall, purchase healthy bulbs for your own garden. The farm also has a wine tasting room.

Wineries and Vineyards

The Willamette Valley is perfectly positioned to grow grapes, and as such, there are several wineries and vineyards to explore. Here are some of our favorites:

4. Saffron Fields Vineyard

A rainbow curves over the green fields and wooden structures at Saffron Fields Vineyard. The grass and trees look fresh after a light rain, with soft clouds in the sky. The view feels calm and full of color.

Photo Credit @ Saffron Fields Vineyard

18740 NE Laughlin Rd, Yamhill, OR 97148

Highly rated for its tasting room, Saffron Fields Vineyard gives you the chance to see why the Willamette Valley is so famous for its wines. The wines served here are estate-grown, but a visit is about more than just wine. You can explore a Japanese garden, for instance, or take in art in an art gallery.

Sitting by the koi pond while sipping wine is a must when visiting here. You’ll find this a relaxing and engaging place to enjoy Wine Country.

5. Willamette Valley Vineyards

Rows of grapevines cover rolling hills in Willamette Valley wine country. The sky is clear and blue, opening up to a wide landscape of farms and forests. It’s a peaceful and classic Oregon vineyard view.

Photo Credit @Willamette Valley Vineyards

8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392

Sit back with a glass of wine and take in the hills and valleys surrounding this vineyard. You may forget you’re in Oregon for a minute because of the elegant, Tuscan-inspired architecture. All of the wines are local wines. An outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy them.

You can come for just the wine tasting, or you can opt for a meal off of the food pairings menu. It changes daily, so each visit is different.

6. International Rose Test Garden

Colorful roses fill the pathways at the International Rose Test Garden as visitors stroll between the bright flower beds. The garden stretches across gentle hills lined with trees and small gazebos. It’s a lively and beautiful place full of color.

Photo Credit @International Rose Test Garden

400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205

Grab your camera and your favorite outfit and head to the International Rose Test Garden to take pictures among the colorful blooms. This is an active test garden, which means new species of roses are always on display.

Today, you can stroll through over 4 acres of tiered gardens of roses. Each year, there are over 600 varieties of roses being grown here. The amphitheater often hosts live concerts and events.

7. Portland Japanese Garden

A tall stone pagoda covered in moss stands quietly among green hedges and tall trees in the Portland Japanese Garden. Soft light filters through the forest, giving the scene a calm and peaceful feeling. It shows the garden’s simple and timeless beauty.

Photo Credit @Portland Japanese Garden

611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205

If you love gardens, the serene nature of Portland Japanese Garden makes it a must-do on your trip to the Willamette Valley. Each path, garden, and structure in this Willamette Valley attraction is carefully designed to evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility. Like all Japanese gardens, it has a koi pond. You’ll have the chance to learn about the culture of Japan in the cultural center as well.

Museums, Zoos, and Amusement Parks

Whether you just want some thrills or are looking for more educational entertainment, check out these attractions:

8. Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

Historic airplanes fill a bright hangar at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, including the famous Spruce Goose. Large glass windows shine natural light across the aircraft and visitors exploring the exhibits. The space feels open, modern, and full of aviation history.

Photo Credit @Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128

Did you know airplanes used to be built from wood? That’s one of the interesting aviation facts you can learn at this museum. You’ll also be able to see the Spruce Goose aircraft. This massive transport ship was the largest wooden aircraft ever built. Other artifacts from aviation and space history are also on display here. Several interactive and virtual exhibits are also part of this attraction.

9. Oaks Amusement Park

Riders enjoy a colorful spinning attraction at Oaks Amusement Park with twisting roller-coaster tracks behind them. The bold blue and yellow ride stands out against the cloudy sky. It captures the fun and excitement of a family day at the park.

Photo Credit @Oaks Amusement Park

7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202

Oaks Amusement Park may be one of the oldest in the country, but it’s packed with fun. It has two roller coasters, the Adrenaline Peak thrill coaster and the Zoom children’s coaster. An additional 21 rides, go-kart track, a miniature golf course, and a skating rink mean there’s always plenty to do.

The skating rink is a historic part of the park, with a pipe organ offering music to skate by. It’s also the oldest roller rink in the country and with the largest floor in the west.

10. Oregon Zoo

An elephant stands in a sandy outdoor habitat at the Oregon Zoo, raising its trunk as if greeting visitors. Fallen logs and tall trees create a natural, open space around the animal. It’s a warm and friendly moment that shows the zoo’s care for wildlife.

Photo Credit @Oregon Zoo

4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221

Home to 165 species, the Oregon Zoo is a must for your trip. This park is one of the most visited attractions in Willamette Valley as well as the entire Pacific Northwest. This attraction is particularly famous for its elephant habitat, and it has frequent calves born to its pachyderms.

In addition to seeing the zoo’s animals, you can ride the Narro-gauge Washington Park & Zoo Railway while visiting. The zoo is located in Washington Park, so after your visit, you can explore the park’s other offerings.

11. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

A family stands under a huge dinosaur skeleton at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, looking closely at its bones. The warm lighting and detailed display make the exhibit feel exciting and full of discovery. It’s a fun moment that shows how hands-on and engaging the museum is for all ages.

Photo Credit @Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

While many Willamette Valley things to do focus on nature, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry focuses on another side of science. Here you can explore STEM topics with hands-on exhibits and programming. Rotating exhibits means each visit is different.

Don’t forget to tour the USS Blueback Submarine, which sits docked outside the museum. There’s also a theater and planetarium that host science shows all year long. This attraction is a great rainy-day activity when vineyards and gardens may not be an ideal spot.

Whether you choose one of these Willamette Valley things to do or simply choose your own adventure, you'll want the right rental home to base your trip from. Check out our partners at Lifestyle Properties. They're the local experts for all Willamette Valley attractions.