The Willamette Valley's 7 Wonders

Willamette Valley Wonder No. 1: Table Rock Wilderness

After you've visited Mt. Hood, one of Oregon's Seven Wonders, extend your journey and head south to the Table Rock Wilderness. It's an expanse of over 5,700 acres of pristine land comprised of one of the largest untouched forests along the Molalla River.

An easy yet rewarding hike is the Tablerock Trail to the summit of namesake Tablerock. The views from this point are diverse and stunning, with Mt. Rainier can rising to the north, Bull of the Woods Wilderness visible off to the east and the fertile Willamette Valley opening up to the south.

• Get picnic supplies before you go at Cindy's Cafe and Catering in Molalla.
• After a full day of exploring, return to Molalla and refill at Arrowhead Golf Course’s Farmstead Restaurant and Pub and recharge at Prairie House Inn, a quaint, beautifully-restored 1900 B&B.

Read more about discovering the Table Rock Wilderness.

Photo: Oregon Bureau of Land Management

Willamette Valley Wonder No. 2: Silver Falls

Continue south to one of the state’s most spectacular natural wonders: Silver Falls State Park.

The crown jewel of the Oregon State Park system, Silver Falls is Oregon’s largest state park (9,000 acres) and home to one of America's most impressive waterfall hikes. The Trail of Ten Falls is a designated National Recreation Trail and lures photographers, hikers and waterfall enthusiasts alike.

• En route to Silver Falls, visit a charming family-owned vineyard: Silver Falls Vineyard offers a wide assortment of wines, and Pudding River Wine Cellars offers boutique style wines at the farm’s cozy tasting room.
• After your hike, enjoy a cocktail and casual fare at the Creekside Grill & Grotto Martini Bar or a fine dining experience at the award-winning Silver Grille Cafe.

Keep reading for more Silver Falls trip ideas.

Photo: Ron Cooper

Willamette Valley Wonder No. 3: Clear Lake

Geologists call it “the lake born of fire,” but to the rest of the state’s hikers, divers, and anglers, it’s Clear Lake: one of Oregon’ most stunningly pristine mountain lakes.

It’s perfect for kayaking, canoeing and fishing—or, bring scuba diving gear and explore the submerged 3,000-year-old forest within its blue-green waters. Freshwater divers consider it one of Oregon’s best scuba diving spots. If you prefer to explore from the surface, rent a rowboat from the Clear Lake Resort on the lakeshore.

• Grab a hearty burger and fries from the restaurant at Clear Lake Lodge, but save room for dessert—the lodge specializes in homemade fruit pies.
• After boating and hiking, enjoy a peaceful night in one of Clear Lake’s historic cabins with rustic accommodations, or a modern cabin with electricity, kitchen, and showers.

Learn about more mountain adventures near Clear Lake.

Photo: Gene Blick

Willamette Valley Wonder No. 4: McKenzie River Trail

Not far from Clear Lake, head for the renowned McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. 

It won’t take you long to see why the MRT has been called the #1 Best Trail in America. The MRT brings 26.5 miles worth of adventure, natural beauty and a topaz-blue pool that will knock your hiking, running and mountain biking socks off.

• Swim at the riverside hot springs at Belknap Hot Springs Resort. Surrounded by the Willamette National Forest, Belknap Resort offers lodge rooms, cabins and tent camping. The secret garden is a must-see!
• Share your tales from the trail over a buffalo burger and a glass of Pinot at nearby Takoda’s Restaurant.

After you've biked the MRT, you have a choice: head east for more of Oregon's Seven Wonders, like the Painted Hills, Smith Rock, and the Wallowas? Or head west to continue exploring the Willamette Valley?

Click for more ways to explore the MRT.

Photo: Jody Trendler

Willamette Valley Wonder No. 5: The Willamette River

Running northward through the lush Willamette Valley, the Willamette River offers epic paddling experiences. The West Coast’s only National Water Trail, Canoeroots Magazine called the Willamette a “canoe trip of a lifetime.”

No canoe? No problem. Stop at Oregon Paddle Sports in Eugene to rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard and get out on the water. 

• You can start your paddle trip in Eugene with a stay at Valley River Inn, where newly-renovated rooms look out onto the river.
• Get a meal at Falling Sky Brewing House, where handcrafted beer and locally-sourced charcuterie will make your meal memorable.

After experiencing the Willamette River, you have another decision: head south to Crater Lake or west to the Oregon Coast, both on the list of Oregon's Seven Wonders? Or continue north through Oregon Wine Country?

For more on paddling the Willamette, keep reading.

Photo: Mike Shaw

Willamette Valley Wonder No. 6: Marys Peak

Follow the Willamette River northward to Benton County, where you'll find Marys Peak Scenic Botanical Area, the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range. Situated at 4,097 feet above sea level, you can hike, bike, camp or picnic there.

Don’t forget to visit the scenic botanical area, featuring a lush meadow surrounded by stately noble fir trees. Wildflowers peak in late June and early July, and on a clear day you can see the ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountain Range to the east.

• After a hike, head to Corvallis, where historic downtown buildings dating to the 1800s house locally-owned restaurants and shops.
• Enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the many nearby wineries that make up the Heart of Willamette Wineries.

For more Benton County wonders, click here.

Photo: Visit Corvallis

Willamette Valley Wonder No. 7: Erratic Rock

Stop to taste Oregon's world-renowned Pinot Noir as you travel north through the Yamhill Valley to Erratic Rock, where you'll find a serene glimpse into the miracles of time and nature.

This park's namesake, the "Erratic Rock," is a 90-ton rock that floated from Canada to Oregon in a glacier during a cataclysmic Ice Age flood, like those that shaped Oregon wine and terroir. 

• A paved roadside access path leads visitors up to a breathtaking view of the majestic Oregon Coast Range and surrounding valley.
• After visiting Erratic Rock, dine at Nick's Italian Cafe in McMinnville or enjoy a glass of wine at R. Stuart & Co. Wine Bar.

For more ideas on exploring the valley around Erratic Rock, read on.

From McMinnville, continue northward through the Yamhill Valley, where you can complete your Seven Wonders of Oregon tour by heading to the scenic Columbia River Gorge.

Photo: Oregon State Parks