Willamette Valley: pinot noir hills and Silver Falls

Route description

Leave Portland south on I-5 and take the exit for Champoeg State Heritage Area on the Willamette River, about 40 minutes away. In 1843 settlers voted here to form a provisional government for Oregon; the visitor center and pioneer buildings tell the story, and paved paths run along the river. The park campground has spaces for motorhomes.

From Champoeg, drive west through Newberg to the Dundee Hills, the red-soil hills above OR-99W that are the heart of Oregon’s pinot noir country. Tasting rooms dot the lanes, many requiring reservations; the roads are narrow and steep in places. If you are tasting, choose a driver. From Dayton, cross to Salem, Oregon’s capital, about 40 minutes.

East of Salem, OR-213 and OR-214 lead to Mount Angel, a Bavarian-style town whose Benedictine abbey stands on a hill above the valley. The Aalto library and the church are open to visitors, and the views stretch to Mount Hood. Continue through Silverton on OR-214 to Silver Falls State Park, about 45 minutes from Salem.

The Trail of Ten Falls is a loop of about 7 miles that passes behind South Falls and several others; shorter sections start from the South Falls and North Falls lots. There is a day-use fee and a large campground. From the park, return west to I-5 and drive south to Eugene, about an hour and a half, or spend a second night in the valley.