Can't-Miss Harvest Festivals

Farms throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley burst with excitement each October, as the season is celebrated with pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes. Festivities await at Greens Bridge Garden’s Harvest Festival, an annual event that transforms this u-pick farm in Jefferson, Oregon, into a month-long autumnal celebration with several free attractions, including duck races, farm animal viewing and a little hay maze.

E.Z. Orchards, a popular, year-round stop for produce in Salem, has everything from pumpkin patches and pie eating contests, to the farm’s famous apple cider donuts at its annual fall festival. French Prairie Gardens, in St. Paul, Oregon, is a family-owned and operated farm that offers sweeping views of the beautiful Willamette Valley. Visit the farm to enjoy family-friendly fun and cheer on the small, but mighty, competitors of the farm’s locally-famous pig races, the Pigtucky Derby.

Find Fall Adventures

While Oregon forests are known for lush green Douglas fir and red alder trees, autumn brings fiery hues into the mix. Breathe in clean, brisk air as your eyes feast on the beautiful array of orange, red and gold foliage throughout the area this time of year.

The Croisan Scenic Trail runs somewhat parallel to Croisan Creek Road and is disguised by surrounding homes in the South Salem suburbs. This arboreous, one-mile dirt path presents a peaceful setting for walking, biking and running amidst fall's brilliant colors. History and nature harmonize in the Court-Chemeketa Historic District, a 12-block residential district east of the Oregon State Capitol that provides encounters with both endearing historic houses and glowing leaves. For more ideas of where to spot fall foliage, click here.

Test your courage and challenge yourself at the Black Rock Mountain Biking Area, a four-trail park that offers adventure for riders of all skill levels. Explore some of the area's smaller communities to discover three of the 51 historic covered bridges that appear on the Covered Bridge Tour.

Head east into the Cascade Mountains to hike the Opal Creek Wilderness, which is home to Jawbone Flats, an off-the-grid former mining camp. If you plan to drive Highway 22, supplement your trip with the Together Anywhere Driving Guide, an audio guide that uses GPS location services to share stories and point out sights you may not have otherwise seen.

Bring your binoculars and embark on a self-guided tour of the valley’s birding sites along the Willamette Valley Birding Trail. Spot Western Meadowlark, Great Blue Heron and countless other unique birds at different spots across the valley.

Take in gorgeous architecture and breathtaking panoramic views on the Hilltop Walking Tour at Mount Angel Abbey. Along the way, stop at 16 points of interest, including the Benedictine Brewery and the Abbey Museum, which will give you a closer look into the history of the monastery and the everyday life of the monks who call it home.

Visit Frey’s Dahlias, in Turner, Oregon, through mid-October for a dose of vibrant color. Make sure to check out the cut dahlias and tubers to add to your garden. Head further north to Silverton, Oregon, to visit Silver Falls State Park, where you can hike above, around and behind 10 waterfalls while enjoying the beauty of the season.

Explore Campus

If you are coming to town to watch a college athletic event, stick around a little longer to discover the many great experiences that surround our local universities. Chemeketa Community College has its very own tasting room and vineyard, Chemeketa Cellars, through its Wine Studies Program at its campus in the Eola-Amity Hills.

Corban University's charming campus is built right into the hills of Salem and does not stray far from the Silver Falls Tour Route. Willamette University lies in Salem’s downtown district, across the street from our State Capitol. Founded in 1842, it is the oldest university in the western United States. Stroll the picturesque campus with red brick academic buildings and color-changing trees, then stay for a performance at the M. Lee Pelton Theatre. On your way to Western Oregon University, stop in its hometown, Monmouth, for a memorable small-town experience.