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Willamette Valley map at GoNorthwest.com.

Click on town and road map above to help you locate cities, towns and other attractions.

Willamette Valley Cities and Towns
Albany
Amity
Brownsville
Corvallis
Cottage Grove
Dallas
Dundee
Eugene
McMinnville
Newberg
Salem
Silverton
Springfield
Woodburn

Oregon Regions
Cascade Mountains
Central Oregon
Columbia River Gorge
Northeast Oregon
Oregon Coast
Portland & Vicinity
Southern Oregon

Oregon Travel Regions
Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley, located at the foot of the Oregon Coast Range, comprises some of the most fertile and lush farmland in the Northwest. Stretching from just below the Oregon-Washington border to the city of Eugene, the Willamette Valley has long been considered the heartbeat of Oregon. Nineteenth century pioneers following the Oregon Trail were drawn by its Eden-like reputation for abundant land, idyllic beauty and ample resources. These first emigrants did not turn to farming to make a living, but rather to profitable gains of the lumber and fur trades. It was not until later that Oregon's farming industries truly took shape.

Now containing Oregon's largest metropolitan area, the Willamette Valley is considered the state's economic center and is home to more than 2 million people. At its northern tip lies Portland, Oregon's largest city and cultural center. The evidence of Oregon's 19th century homesteaders can still be seen today in the Portland vicinity, where historic landmarks such as Oregon City still flourish.

The Willamette Valley is best known for its agricultural accomplishments, which include a flourishing wine industry. The valley is actually divided into two distinct appellations, although both are known for their rich and robust Pinot Noir and exceptional Pinot Gris. Hazelnuts, raspberries, blackberries and surprisingly, Christmas trees, are major exports of the Willamette Valley area.

Massive flood waters helped shape this valley more than 10,000 years ago, when the glacial waters of Lake Missoula washed over areas of Oregon and Washington's western regions in a series of periodic floods. The result was a transplantation of rich volcanic soil from eastern Washington to western Oregon, where the moist, cool winds of the Pacific Ocean continue to nurture Oregon's most abundant agricultural region.

Albany Click here for Albany

Amity

Amity Vineyards
A small family-owned winery in Yamhill County 45 miles southwest of Portland above the village of Amity.  Established in 1976, the winery produces Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Eco-wine (a sulfite-free Pinot Noir made from Organic Grapes), and late harvest Riesling. The tasting room is open daily, February 1st through December 23rd. Closed in January.

Corvallis Click here for Corvallis

Cottage Grove

Apple Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Apple Inn is located just 5 minutes from Cottage Grove, the covered bridge capital of the world. The Apple Inn is in a forest setting with a mountain view on the edge of 190 acres of fir trees. There are trails and roads to hike or bike. Tours of the tree farm are available on Sunday afternoons by appointment. Harry, the owner, is a professional forester and enjoys sharing his knowledge.

Dallas Click here for Dallas

Dundee

Black Walnut Inn and Vineyard. 9600 NE Worden Hill Road, Dundee, OR 97115.  Phone: 503-429-4114; Toll-free: 1-866-429-4114. E-mail

Argyle Winery
The modern winery operations are housed in a former hazelnut processing plant in the small Willamette Valley community of Dundee. Argyle produces three types of vintage sparkling wines: Brut, Blanc de Blaney and Rose, hand riddled and disgorged to order. Still wines include: Dry Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris crafted by traditional methods in limited quantities.

Sokol Blosser Winery
Located just 40 minutes SW of Portland, Sokol offers visitors a self-guided tour through the showcase vineyard as well as wine tasting.  This site also features local events.

Eugene Click here for Eugene

McMinnville Click here for McMinnville

Newberg Click here for Newburg

ACCOMMODATIONS

Springbrook Hazelnut Farm
Springbrook Hazelnut Farm is just a 20 mile drive from greater downtown Portland, and this peaceful Yamhill County is a listed on the National Historic Register.  The property includes four matching Craftsman-style buildings nestled among ten acres of lawns and gardens, complete with huge old trees and a one-acre pond.  The property is surrounded by a 60-acre hazelnut orchard.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Rex Hill Vineyards & Winery
Secure on-line ordering and winery information from one of Oregon's leading producers of premium and super premium varietal wines. Best known for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, Rex Hill is receiving growing recognition for consistent, sophisticated wines.

Whistling Ridge Vineyard
Whistling Ridge Vineyard - Owned and operated by Richard Alvord, Patricia Gustafson, and family since 1989, occupies eight acres in the northern Willamette Valley, near Newberg. The vineyard includes a variety of grapes some of which are Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvigno.

ACTIVITIES

Vista Balloon Adventures
Hot Air Ballooning in Oregon's wine country. Features balloon rides for one to 36 passengers. From April 1st through October 31st, five balloons fly seven days a week, weather permitting. Gift certificates, group rates and wedding packages are available.

Salem Click here for Salem

Springfield

Springfield Chamber of Commerce

Whitewater Rafting

A Helfrich Outfitter. 2605 Harvest Lane, Springfield, OR 97477. Phone: 541-726-5039; Toll-free: 1-800-328-7688; Fax: 208-567-0289. E-mail

Woodburn Click here for Woodburn