The name “Corvallis” comes from Latin words that roughly translate to “heart of the valley” — and the description fits the laid-back college town like a glove.
Corvallis, home to the Oregon State University Beavers, sits at the nexus of what makes the Willamette Valley so special. It’s surrounded by hundreds of family farms that supply creative chefs, winemakers and craft breweries with fresh ingredients. A short drive away, outdoor enthusiasts choose from among verdant waterfall hikes and wide-open mountain views. Of course, there’s always something new and exciting happening on campus and downtown.
Here’s inspiration for planning an enjoyable weekend getaway to Corvallis.
History, Sporting Events and Classic Corvallis Attractions
Corvallis offers a compact, walkable downtown core; a free bus system; and a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail next to the Willamette River — making it easy to see the community’s top attractions.
Cheer on the Oregon State Beavers at one of the school’s many sporting events throughout the year. The football team routinely plays thrilling games against top opponents between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Don’t miss other sports, though: The women’s volleyball and basketball squads showcase the next generation of stars between fall and spring, and the men’s baseball team is always competitive, even winning the College World Series in 2018. After the game, stop by the on-campus Beaver Classic Creamery for ice cream, sorbet and other goodies prepared by students.
Away from campus, get to know the history of the area at the Corvallis Museum near the southern edge of downtown. There, exhibits with carefully curated artifacts and artworks cover Oregon State University history and the county’s fascinating past.
From the museum, walk just one block east — where you’ll arrive at 12-acre Riverfront Commemorative Park. The community gathering space hosts an off-leash dog park, a water feature to keep kids cool in summer, gardens alive with native plants and several pieces of public art. On weekends between April and November, the Corvallis Saturday Market brings together dozens of vendors who sell fresh produce, baked goods, artisan products and other local goods in and around the park. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the wide, paved path along the Willamette River that cuts through the park.
Outdoor Adventures Around Corvallis
The fun doesn’t end at Corvallis city limits. Roughly 25 miles west of town sits Marys Peak — which, at 4,097 feet, is the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range. The mountain is home to several miles of hiking trails, colorful wildflowers that bloom well into summer, and a day-use area that affords panoramic views west to the Pacific Ocean and east to the Cascade Range.
To the south, 30 miles southwest of Corvallis in the Coast Range foothills, the broad Alsea Falls tumbles 30 feet over a basalt shelf in the South Fork Alsea River. It’s a short, mostly flat walk to the base of the waterfall. Extend your stay in the area by riding the dozen or so miles of mountain bike trails, hiking the 4.2-mile Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls trail, or pitching your tent in the recreation site’s shady campground.
Trade the expansive views and thundering waterfalls for native critters at the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, just 15 miles south of Corvallis. The refuge is open dawn to dusk and hosts more than 12 miles of trails that pass through stands of oak, wetlands, upland prairies and other ecosystems. Each season brings different species of wildlife to the refuge, so no two visits are ever alike. Admire migrating waterfowl in winter, Roosevelt elk in spring, river otters in summer and tundra swans in fall.
Celebrate your day outdoors with award-winning wines, crisp craft beer and fresh, locally sourced fare along the Mid-Willamette Valley Food Trail. This self-guided trail comprises more than 50 eateries, craft-beverage producers, markets and overnight stays around Corvallis and neighboring Albany — giving you the chance to savor the bounty of the region while choosing the stops that cater to your schedule and appetite.
Cozy Overnight Stays Around Downtown Corvallis
Numerous hotels reside in downtown Corvallis, so you’re never far from the fun.
The vintage-inspired, dog-friendly Hotel Corvallis caters to groups of all sizes, with straightforward guest rooms, spacious studios and full-blown apartments that include kitchenettes, bunk beds and seating areas.
A few blocks away, Courtyard by Marriott Corvallis sits across the street from Riverfront Commemorative Park and welcomes guests with plush bedding, ergonomic workstations and an on-site bistro in the comfortable lobby.
Just outside of town, the Corbin Bed & Breakfast offers a mix of well-appointed suites and outdoorsy tiny homes on 6 verdant acres. Away from the rooms, the B&B hosts on-site hiking trails, cooking and bread-baking classes, family-style dinners every Sunday, and more.
