Though the region is spoiled with natural beauty all year, the warmer months are a great time to satiate yourself with the beauty of the Salem area. Whether you enjoy hiking around stunning waterfalls, cycling on quiet country roads, paddling through tranquil waters or just basking in the allure of Salem’s botanical gardens and wildlife refuges, the state capital provides plenty of opportunities to revel in Oregon’s world-renowned outdoors.
Hike
Visiting Silver Falls State Park should be mandatory for any hiking enthusiast. Considered the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls offers more than 35 miles of backcountry trails that are not just great for hiking but mountain biking and horseback riding as well. You can also find vast green spaces and off-leash areas for your dogs, guided horseback-riding sessions and ample camping options.
While there is plenty to see along the trails, the main event is the South Falls. The 177-foot waterfall is part of the nationally recognized Trail of Ten Falls, a 7.2-mile loop through dense forests and rocky canyons. The South Falls offers the unique experience of walking behind the waterfall. Where else can you do that? For safety purposes, pets are allowed only on Silver Falls’ Rim Trail, bike path and Perimeter Trail; they are prohibited on all other Trail of Ten Falls trails.
Visit early on a weekday to beat the rush, or consider other falls in the region as a backup. Head west on Highway 22 past Salem, Rickreall and Dallas to the community of Falls City, where Falls City Falls is located on the Little Luckiamute River via a short jaunt through old-growth forest trails. Or take the scenic drive southeast on Highway 22 past Detroit to reach Marion Falls. This less-crowded 5-mile out-and-back leads to a gorgeous two-tiered falls in the midst of the lush Santiam State Forest.
After your hike, make time to stop into Silverton, a small town known for its charming streets, distinct eateries and one-of-a-kind shops. At Oso Silverton, for example, the tapas menu lets you sample rotating empanadas, spanakopita and truffle honey roasted carrots. For an afternoon treat, pop into Solvivo Coffee Roasters, which is known for its house-made pastries including decadent mini donuts.
Bike
Cyclists will appreciate riding a chunk of the mostly flat Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, which starts at Champoeg State Heritage Area and stretches south for 135 miles through small towns and along agricultural roads with views of hop farms and vineyards. A great 30-mile round trip ride starts at Champoeg and goes to Willamette Mission State Park in Gervais and back. You can even try bikepacking — carrying your camping gear with you — to rest and refuel overnight at either state park. South of Gervais, tackle another 28-mile section of bikeway stretching south to the town of Jefferson.
After your two-wheeled excursion, stop into the Grain Station Brew Works in Monmouth for a mouth-watering burger and a dry-hopped Bet the Farm IPA. Don’t forget to save room for desert. Head to historic downtown Independence and try the cookies, cakes and cupcakes at Ovenbird Bakery — and don’t forget to take a loaf of artisan bread home.
Paddle
While getting a taste of fresh air is great for the spirit, getting on the water is sometimes even better. Salem offers plenty of rafting, paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities along Turner, Detroit and Foster lakes, as well as the Silverton Reservoir and Willamette River. Rent a paddleboard or sign up for a guided kayak tour from Salem-based Oregon Kayak Tours, a great way to take in the serene waterways with a knowledgeable, friendly guide who keeps your safety top of mind. For something truly unique, look into their sunset night tours with light-up vessels.
Perhaps you want to enjoy the water but don’t want to do all the paddling? Take a relaxing ride on the Wheatland and Buena Vista ferries. Whether you arrive on foot, by bike or by car, you can enjoy the river-level views on this short trip across the Willamette River.
Need a pick-me-up after your water adventure? Get transported to Japan at Bonzai! Coffee + Teabar, a fusion Pacific Northwest coffee shop and Japanese teahouse, where you can order matcha, boba and shokupan, pillowy Japanese milk bread. If you’re hungry for dinner, head to Taproot Lounge & Cafe, which serves up an eclectic, locally-sourced menu inside an 1800s historic building.
Nature Walks
Hiking, biking and paddling are all great ways to play outdoors in beautiful Salem, but sometimes a leisurely nature walk is just right. The state capital is filled with luscious gardens, including Gaiety Hollow and Bush’s Pasture Park Rose Garden, as well as the renowned Oregon Garden in Silverton.
There are also a variety of places to spot local wildlife and a variety of birds. This includes Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, with its scenic loop trails in nearby Dallas, and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge in Jefferson, which is home to the visitor-friendly Ankeny Hill Nature Center. Other natural areas to explore include the Salem Audubon Society’s Audubon Nature Reserve and Minto-Brown Island Park, with its scenic trails that border the Willamette River and bloom with bright wildflowers in spring. Don’t forget your binoculars so you can spot great blue herons, red-tailed hawks and dozens of other species.
Continue your enjoyment of the region’s natural beauty by taking in the rolling hills and sampling the terroir at the stellar vineyards south of Salem. Check out the Eola Hills Wine Cellars summer concert series, a serene setting to sample their estate pinot noirs; watch for egrets near the pond at Andante Vineyard, known for its traditional method and variety of wines; bring your appetite to Left Coast Cellars, which serves up wood-fired pizzas alongside its low-impact wines.
If You Go:
When you’re visiting Salem, why not stay awhile? Find an abundance of lodging options, including hotels and motels, bed-and-breakfast establishments, resorts, campgrounds and RV parks.
Do more exploring along the culinary stops of the Great Oaks Food Trail and the Marion County stops along the self-guided Oregon Farm Loop. Each guides you to dozens of spots for food, drink, farmers markets and hands-on farm experiences. Check before you go to see what’s in season and confirm visiting hours.
Start planning at TravelSalem.com.
