Top Things to do in Willamette Valley
Top Hotels in Willamette Valley
- 1. Hotel Lucia
- 2. The Hotel Zags Portland
- 3. The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 4. Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown
- 5. Radisson Hotel Portland Airport
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Portland-Pearl District
- 7. The Porter Portland, Curio Collection By Hilton
- 8. Paramount Hotel
- 9. Staypineapple Hotel Rose Downtown
- 10. Hampton Inn & Suites Salem
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Willamette Valley, Willamette Valley
Discover the best top things to do in Willamette Valley, United States including Natalies Estate Winery, Maysara Winery, Portland Farmers Market, Oregon Country Fair, Pittock Mansion, Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Council Crest Park, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, Mount Pisgah.
Restaurants in Willamette Valley
1. Natalies Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Just north of Newberg, a short drive from the center of town, enjoy a setting that is picturesque and intimate with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Please make an appointment to taste a great selection of handcrafted varietals such as CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CABERNET FRANC, SANGIOVESE, ROSE, PINOT NOIR & GRIS and other Bordeaux blends. In addition, a complimentary cheese board will be paired with the wine tasting. The tasting room is Montana style - relaxed, beautiful and down to earth surrounding by forest beauty. You can even reserve the porch or sunroom areas for a private small group gathering. You will feel right at home and walk away understanding more about wines and most probably have met the owners and winemakers. We hope you will come away from this experience having made new friends and with bottles of enjoyable, robust wines. Come enjoy with us!
Reviewed By L4104BGchrisg
One of the best wine tasting experiences we have experienced. Definitely off the beaten path but worth minute or mile spent. Boyd provided a great tasting with an assortment of cheese, crackers and meat. Natalie's offers a wide selection of varietals which initially drew us to the visit. So many great Pinot Noirs in the area we were looking for something a little heavier. Natalie's was the perfect stop. Small producer with a phenomenal selection. We joined their cellar club and are looking forward to our first shipment.
2. Maysara Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By U1874WQdonnas - Boise, United States
Anotjee wineey suggested we visit jerw - and we're glad we did! All five wines we tasted were VERY GOOD! Was particularly impressed ny rheir pinot rose' - the best I've ever had! All three couples bought wine, and one of us joined their wine club. We enjoyed talking with the owner and kearninv anout her family.
3. Portland Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 70 reviews
Portland Farmers Market on Portland State University's campus is open year-round! Operating hours are 8:30 am (Mar-Oct) or 9:00 am (Nov-Feb) to 2:00 pm. There is ample street parking, and several parking lots on PSU's campus for easy parking. Multiple bus lines, the Portland Street Car and MAX all run near the market, so we recommend taking public transportation when possible. Bike parking, provided by PSU, is also available.
Reviewed By wanderlusters2 - Portland, United States
i love this farmers market because they have everything here. i always get the organic produce here because they are so fresh i can taste the difference. sometimes I get the mint leaves here too when they have them. i wish i could find more herbs here, like thyme and chives and tarragon, etc. we also like getting the fresh bread here too, very tasty.
4. Oregon Country Fair
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Every state in the USA seems to have a country fair with tractor pulls, farm animals and deep fried desserts in the summer, however Oregon's Country Fair brings a unique style to the table. Taking place at the beginning of July just two hours south of Portland in the wooded Willamette Valley, the event includes food vendors, musical entertainment, educational areas and craft booths. What really makes the event unique is the "hippy vibe" over "farmer vibe" as seen in the many costumed and body-painted participants.
Reviewed By eyee2017
This annual event is nearing its 50th Anniversary in just a couple of years, providing ongoing philanthropic culture to its local communities. The magic is strong, powerful, and ever evolving. Hosting a plethora of performance stages offering everything from top notch musical acts to the most interpersonal performances, a multitude of fun and educational activities, acres upon acres of juried-in vending, and sweet fields for frolicking and relaxing both, the Oregon Country Fair truly has something to offer everyone! Personally I have really come to enjoy XAVANADU, a 6-acre field of open space mixed with mature oak trees, and programming that includes a large wood-floor dance pavilion with class acts in a plethora of genres, sponsored art installations, flow and movement activities, areas for relaxing and resting, as well as the StewardShip which offers educational workshops and presentations. StewardShip's "mobile passport station" is the hub for the fair-wide Passport Scavenger Hunt featuring generously sponsored grand prizes raffled among three categories of participants. There are amazing vendor booths representing a multitude of art/crafts and wholesome foods, including artisan cupcakes and herbal elixirs to name a few. Second runner up is probably the Ritz Sauna where it's easy to let the hours pass while enjoying the wood burning saunas & showers, paired with musical performances and acts to keep you entertained as you enjoy. Overall I'm also very impressed with the Oregon Country Fair's commitment to sustainability which is confirmed through its many programs for reducing, reusing and recycling as witnessed through the durable silverware at all food booths, and a rideshare program offering fair goers free shuttles to and from the site, to name just a couple. There's just really too much fun stuff going on to accurately cover it all in a brief review, so I highly recommend you experience the magic yourself. Next year....
5. Pittock Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,529 reviews
Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families and get to know the pioneer spirit behind its transformation from “stumptown” to modern, industrial city.
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States
This is a must-see when in Portland. It’s location close to downtown Portland (but feels a world away) makes it a perfect excursion. I took the self-guided tour of the mansion’s interior which was well worth the $12 cost of admission. The (at that time) state-of-the-art household features such as recessed lighting, massaging/spa shower, individually controlled lighting, thermostat, refrigeration room and local/long distance telephone system are incredible. Although most of the household furnishings are not original to the house (or the Pittock family), I found it quite fascinating to learn how they acquired these from other local families in similar sociology-economic circles who lived at the time as the Pittocks. The history of the home’s construction, it’s decline and subsequent abandonment and its massive restoration is amazing. The grounds are lovely and the front lawn has some of the best views overlooking Portland and beyond (on a clear day you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and more).
6. Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
A beautiful, thickly wooded park lined with over 14 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Reviewed By suzannep247 - Seattle, United States
What a treat! We explored this urban state park for the first time on a sunny October Sunday and had a blast. Dense forest with well-maintained trails signed at every junction. Paved, accessible Trillium trail begins at visitor center, as does packed-earth MainTrail and others that form 2-mile and 4-mile loops. Fantastic array of mushrooms and several wooden bridges crossing the namesake creek. Stumps and other fun kid scramble zones. One suspension bridge is closed for repairs; it is so marked. Enough parking. No fee. Visitor center closed due to Covid, and no paper trail maps were available; I recommend downloading one online for your phone. Horses allowed on some of the trails; leashed dogs on all. Most users wore masks. We were rarely alone - it’s a popular park - but still found serenity.
7. Council Crest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Beautful park overlooking the city and offering spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Reviewed By heuster3 - Barstow, United States
Cako loved running through the open field and running through the pine trees. She managed to make a new friend each time since she wants other dogs to chase her! Depending on the time of day you go, it seems quite pleasant. Except for the agressive dog owner that tailgated us one day. Luckily we were staying in the neighborhood so we brought her here everyday to run around. Park hours are great! Rules are pretty straight forward. There are other areas to walk around, but we mainly stayed in this one area. We'll definitely be back if our travels bring us this way again! Cako Approves!
8. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 439 reviews
In the summer months, this peaceful park comes alive with brightly colored rhododendrons.
Reviewed By U57KMmaryl - Portland, United States
In any season, you'll find a reason to linger here. You can see bald eagles, great blue herons, wood ducks, and a huge variety of overly friendly geese, ducks and squirrels. There are also nutria, beavers and river otters. Each season brings new delights.
9. The Grotto - National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,302 reviews
An internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens, offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautiful statues,reflection ponds, and views offer inspiration to all who visit.
Reviewed By bennyDDDD - Honolulu, United States
Beautiful trilliums are absolutely everywhere, along with every other beautiful flower you can think of. There is a abundance of peaceful places to sit and think, including many catholic sculptures and little cutesy ponds. When I went it was almost empty, I ran into very few people in the upper garden. The admission price is low and I think the price is well worth seeing these upper gardens, as the whole grounds are well maintained and manicured to perfection. The lower trail and grotto are also beautiful and serene, and the little chapel always has it's doors open if you wish to venture in.
10. Mount Pisgah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
A popular mountain for runners with paths taking you up 1,500 feet.
Reviewed By AgriasBeolve - Creswell, United States
I love Mount Pisgah; it is my favourite place to hike and I am never disappointed with the scenery and varied assorted and beautiful flora and fauna found on the trails. You can see my hometown of Creswell from the peak!
