North + Central Willamette Valley: Albany, Corvallis, Philomath, Salem
Talking Water Gardens - Albany
Daily, sunrise-sunset
Location: 577 Waverly Drive Northeast
Why Go There? Two miles of restored wetland mostly level walking trails contain waterfalls, a water feature, 100+ species of birds, other wildlife, wetland plants; open to public (no fee).
More Information: Talking Water Gardens
Bald Hill Natural Area - Corvallis (not curator reviewed)
Location: From Highway 34 west towards Corvallis, before crossing the river, turn left onto OR-34 Bypass / Corvallis-Newport Highway. Go approximately 3 miles, turn right onto Southwest 53rd Street 1.5 miles to Harrison Street, turn left, becomes Oak Creek Road. Find parking lot for Bald Hill on the left after approximately .5 mile.
Distance: 2.8-mile, round-trip hike (depends on route)
Why Go There? 284 acre park offers a moderately easy hike to the top of Bald Hill. Benches are placed at the summit to admire view to the coast, Cascade range on clear days. Other trail options (some shared use) connecting to Mulkey Creek trail and Fitton Green Natural Area.
More Information: Bald Hill Natural Area
Chip Ross Park - Corvallis (not curator reviewed)
Location: Parking access at end of Lester Avenue (north end of Corvallis). Additional access by trail from Timberhill Open Space.
Distance: Easy-to-moderate 1.5 mile; additional miles adjacent: McDonald Forest
Why Go There? 126.5 acre park trail wanders through lush forest, hilltop habitats of upland prairie, oak; views of Corvallis, Willamette Valley, Coast Range, Cascade Mountains. Some trails shared use. Hikers, runners can access many miles of trails in adjacent McDonald Forest.
More Information: Chip Ross Park
Beazell Memorial Forest - Philomath (not curator reviewed)
Location: From Corvallis past Philomath west on US Hwy 20 five miles to Wren. Turn right onto 223 (Kings Valley Hwy) 4.7 miles, look for signs to Beazell Memorial Forest, turn right into paved parking area.
Distance: Varies,1.5-5 miles round-trip
Why Go There? 586-acre Kings Valley sanctuary offers network of trails. Plunkett Creek Loop follows a stream through forest; multiple footbridge crossings. Halfway through hike, loop back or take South Ridge trail, which merges with South Meadow Loop, featuring views of the valley and on clear days of Marys Peak.
More Information: Beazell Memorial Forest
Marys Peak - Benton County, Southwest of Philomath
Year-round (winters can be snowy, or muddy higher elevations)
Location to shortest hike: From I-5 travel west on Highway 34 through Corvallis and Philomath. Just west of Philomath, turn left at the 34/20 junction towards Waldport. Travel 9 miles to Alsea summit, turn right on Marys Peak Road (FS 3010). Travel nine winding miles, ending at summit parking area.
Distance: Varies, 1.5-10 miles round trip depending on route. Elevation at the top: 4,097 feet.
Why Go There? Highest point in area; seasonal wildflowers, meadows, old-growth Douglas-fir, high-elevation noble fir forests; wonderful sweeping panoramic views (on clear days); options for strenuous cardio workout ascents, descents from other trailheads (North Ridge, Connors Camp).
More Information: Marys Peak Summit Hike Map + Marys Peak Summit Trailhead + Marys Peak Summit Hike
Peter Courtney Minto Island Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge, Trails - Salem
Daily, sunrise-sunset
Location: 2100 Minto Island Road Southeast (three parking lots. Can also park at Riverfront Park or Wallace Marine Park lots and connect to Minto-Brown Island on foot after crossing the bridge).
Why Go There? Access 29 miles of mostly paved level trails along the Willamette River on modern designed bridge; great wetlands wildlife viewing, including herons, osprey. Can connect north to Salem Riverfront Park, and/or walk into downtown for a bite to eat.
More Information: Minto Island Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge + Minto Brown Island Park + Minto Brown Island Park Trail Map
Salem Riverfront Park - Salem
Location: 200 Water Street Northeast Carousel parking lot and at the north end of Riverfront Park (enter from Union Street Northeast)
Distance: 4.1 miles
Why Go There? Easy low elevation walk on paved trails along the river with two trailhead options, restrooms, picnic areas, carousel
More Information: Salem Riverfront Hike
Additional Resources
Oregon State Arboretum - Corvallis
Offers many trails, walks
Historic Walking Map - McMinnville
Historic district self-guided walking tour
Salem Trails - Salem
Croisan Creek Scenic Trail
Just Walk Salem - Salem
Daily led walks, no cost or registration
Silver Falls State Park - Silver Falls State Park
An hour east of Salem, or half hour south of Silverton, state park is justifiably popular, with 10 incredible waterfalls if doing entire loop hike, other trails. Open year-round.