Things to do in Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley: The Best Outdoor Activities

November 2, 2021 Darwin Bolte

Discover the best top things to do in Willamette Valley, United States including Pre's Trail, Wildwood Trail, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, Fitton Green Natural Area, Opal Creek Wilderness Area, McKenzie River Trail, Abiqua Falls Trail, Washington Park, Jackson-Frazier Wetlands, Fanno Creek Greenway Trail.
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1. Pre's Trail

Eugene, OR http://www.eugene-or.gov/1727/Pres-Trail
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 81 reviews

Pre's Trail

One of many running paths in Eugene, sometimes called "Tracktown USA," this one is a 3.8-mile riverside loop in Alton Baker Park through a woodsy and scenic area.

Reviewed By jdwhitemaui - Pukalani, United States

Pre's Trail is named after the famed runner, Steve Prefontaine. It is such a great running trail which meanders through lush trees and it relatively flat. The wood chip trail is great on the knees and hips. Perfectly located between the University and Autzen Stadium and the Willamette Trails. A must for runners and others who enjoy a beautiful experienes.

2. Wildwood Trail

4033 SW Canyon Rd (trailhead: World Forestry Center), Portland, OR 97221-2760 +1 503-228-1367
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

Wildwood Trail

A 10-mile running trail.

Reviewed By Curiouskelley - Oregon City, United States

What a great hike & it is right in our back yard. Pretty busy trail with lots of people running, walking & hiking. Anyone that is up for a challenge, I recommend getting up early & doing the whole thing.

3. McKenzie River National Recreation Trail

McKenzie Hwy, Blue River, OR 97413, Eugene, OR http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/null/recarea/?recid=4479&actid=24
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 76 reviews

McKenzie River National Recreation Trail

Reviewed By ShirleyG958 - Springfield, United States

Great hiking trail for all skill levels. Families would do well on this trail. I loved that the trail is close to the river, wide, and very little poison oak or mosquitos. Be sure allow lots of time and take a camera. My suggestion would be to go during a weekday if possible. The trail can get pretty busy during the weekends. A September hiking area after summer campers have left would be idea. If you don't mind crowds then combine your hike with a camping experience.

4. Fitton Green Natural Area

West of Bald Hill City Park, Corvallis, OR 97330
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Fitton Green Natural Area

5. Opal Creek Wilderness Area

Forest Road 2209, Detroit, OR +1 503-854-3366 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recreation/recarea/?recid=4211
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Opal Creek Wilderness Area

6. McKenzie River Trail

Highway 126, McKenzie Bridge, OR +1 541-844-5990 http://visitmckenzieriver.com/oregon/item/mckenzie-river-trail/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

McKenzie River Trail

Reviewed By brucemV5718CV - Central Point, United States

We hiked the 4-mile+ round trip from the trailhead to the blue pool in about one hour and 5 minutes each way. Not bad for age 70 or so with no recent hiking experience. The first third of the trail is nice and easy along the river, the next third starts to get a bit rough and climbs a bit and the last third is definitely rough and climbs over a large basalt formation with lots of twists and turns, rock outcroppings narrow passages and fewer river views. The pool itself is beautiful and well worth the hike but don't expect to cool your feet in the (very cold) water unless you're game for another 40 minutes to hike across and down to the pool. Lots of foot traffic on this popular and well known trail so I was surprised to see a number of trail bikers along the way. Mostly they were walking their bikes because of the rough and narrow trail but one large group of 6-8 was riding fast near the bottom and almost knocked my wife off the trail because she did not hear them coming. Question whether trail bikes should be allowed on this section of the trail because there are so many hikers and the users range from children to seniors.

7. Abiqua Falls Trail

Crooked Finger Rd, Scotts Mills, OR 97375
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Abiqua Falls Trail

Reviewed By chelseaf641

Abiqua was absolutely beautiful and the water was crystal clear. However it was difficult to get to and so I wanted to leave directions to make it easier for anyone who is going: From Scott's Mills, take Crooked Finger Rd. At around 9.3 miles, it will open to a clearing and turn into a gravel road. Go for another 1.4 miles and there will be a road to the right with a park map/rules sign. It is about 2.5 miles to the trailhead so if you are okay walking about 6 miles roundtrip you can park at the top, otherwise take a truck to get as close as possible. Anytime the path forks, keep on the main path that goes downhill. The trail will be on the lefthand side, marked by a graffitied sign. After just a minute or two of walking it will split in several directions: take the leftmost path where you will cross over several fallen logs. You'll reach several ropes attached to trees to help you climb down a very steep section. Gloves might be helpful. When you reach the bottom, follow the river upstream (left) to the falls. The trail is only about half a mile to the falls but is difficult terrain and very steep at times. You will need to have strong, sturdy legs for this hike.

8. Washington Park

4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221-2760 +1 503-319-0999 http://explorewashingtonpark.org/
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,532 reviews

Washington Park

This popular park offers miles of trails, an extensive rose garden, a large Japanese garden and a zoo. For information on free shuttles, attraction admission hours and pricing within the park, and maps, visit our website.

Reviewed By PaulPapich - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

My wife and I live immediately adjacent to Washington Park in Southwest Portland. In fact, being close to the Park was one of the major reasons we selected the property we bought. We visit it every week without fail. To start with, Washington Park is immense and gorgeous! It is home to the International Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden, Holocaust Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, the city's zoo, arboretum and forestry museum, archery range, tennis courts, walking trails, and much, much more. It would be a world-class destination if it only had the Rose and Japanese Gardens, which are extraordinarily beautiful. But perhaps the greatest draw for me personally are the trees - my ancient, stately friends, covering the hilly terrain, providing shade to walkers like me, and peace to anyone seeking a haven in today's chaotic world.

9. Jackson-Frazier Wetlands

3600 NE Lancaster St, Corvallis, OR 97330 http://greenbeltlandtrust.org/conserving-land/jackson-frazier-wetlands/
Excellent
50%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Jackson-Frazier Wetlands

10. Fanno Creek Greenway Trail

SW Denney Rd, Beaverton, OR http://www.thprd.org/parks-and-trails/detail/fanno-creek-greenway
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Fanno Creek Greenway Trail

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