Matt Wastradowski | 10/29/2019 | Fall, Outdoors

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Hike Here, Drink There: Fall Foliage Hikes and Post-Adventure Stops in the Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley’s mild summer has officially given way to a chilly (and rainy) start to autumn—and that means the countdown to fall foliage is officially on.

Yet with so many forests throughout the valley, It can be daunting to know where to go and what to expect—so we’ve put together a list of five fun hikes to explore some of the region’s most dazzling fall colors. And, this being the Willamette Valley, it only makes sense to pair your hike with beer, cider, or wine afterward.

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge

HIKE HERE:

The William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1964 to provide a winter habitat for dusky Canadian geese, boasts 12 miles of hiking trails for exploring wetlands, marshes, an oak savannah, and old-growth forests. And while its claim to fame revolves around wintertime habitats for migrating birds, the wildlife refuge is no slouch when it comes to autumn attractions: It hosts forests of Oregon ash—with leaves that turn bright yellow every fall—and big-leaf maple, with leaves that turn orange, gold, and yellow.

DRINK THERE

It'd be a shame to hike around the heart of the Willamette Valley without enjoying the region's most famous export—its wine. So after your hike, stop at the nearby Tyee Wine Cellars, a family-owned winery that produces 2,000 cases each year. Merrilee Buchanan Benson, Tyee's winemaker, is a fifth-generation Willamette Valley farmer who produces a variety of regional favorites, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot gris.

Clackamas River and Pup Creek Falls

HIKE HERE

Stretch your legs on the 7.8-mile round-trip hike to Pup Creek Falls. The trail gains about 1,700 feet and largely follows the Clackamas River along the way, passing through a forest of Douglas fir and cedar. The two-tiered waterfall itself is surrounded by big-leaf maple trees, which turn a vibrant shades of yellow and orange as October unfolds.

DRINK THERE

Just a quick, 20-minute drive from the Fish Creek trailhead, Stone Circle Cider prides itself on crafting traditional English ciders with a blend of English bittersweet apples and American heirloom apples. Stone Circle’s cozy taproom pours a selection of house-made farmhouse ciders, with dry, semi-dry, and sweet styles on tap—as well as rotating seasonal selections, as well.

Silver Falls State Park

HIKE HERE

We can't write about fall foliage in the Willamette Valley without acknowledging Silver Falls State Park. Famous for the Trail of Ten Falls—a hiking path that passes by (and behind) 10 waterfalls—the park also lays claim to dazzling leafy displays every autumn. Maple and alder line the trail, especially near the south day-use area, in mid- to late October. The secret’s out on the park’s foliage displays, so arrive early to beat the biggest crowds.

DRINK THERE

You've hiked at Silver Falls State Park, so pair your hike with a visit to the brewery named for the so-called "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Parks system. Silver Falls Brewery offers a palate-pleasing mix of traditional ales and lagers—think strong ales, red ales, IPAs, and the like—with most of its 24 taps dedicated to house-brewed beers.

Pre’s Trail

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Named for University of Oregon track legend Steve Prefontaine, Pre’s Trail boasts several mostly flat loops through Alton Baker Park near Autzen Stadium. The wood chip doubletrack trail winds through scenic forests, passes several small ponds, and—every October and November—cuts through colorful forests of black cottonwood, Oregon ash, alder, and big-leaf maple.

DRINK HERE:

Refuel with a slice and a pint at the nearby Falling Sky Pizzeria on the University of Oregon campus. Falling Sky brews a variety of classic European and Northwest styles—Berliner Weisse, rauchbier, brown ale, and pale ale are among the many styles—to pair with its lineup of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and wraps.

Alsea Falls and Green Peak Falls

HIKE HERE

The Alsea Falls Recreation Site is a popular year-round destination, and for good reason: Hikers and mountain bikers love traversing the network of trails through old-growth forests, not to mention easy proximity to a pair of raging waterfalls. But the hikes are especially alluring every autumn, when forests of aspen, birch, and vine and big-leaf maple dazzle with leaves of orange and yellow. Alsea Falls is a quick jaunt from the parking lot, while reaching the 45-foot Green Peak Falls requires a 3-mile round-trip trek along Peak Creek.

DRINK HERE

Drink there: On your way out of the woods, stop in at one of the Willamette Valley's newest breweries. Monroe's Long Timber Brewing Company sits roughly halfway between Corvallis and Eugene, and brews a variety of classic American styles—like an amber ale, pale ale, IPA, and wheat ale—in a wood-adorned setting that pays tribute to the region’s logging history.

Still Not Sure Where To Go?

We’re here to make that process a bit easier. Travel Lane County has partnered with forest rangers, biologists, and "leaf peepers", as they're known, to share the most up-to-date information on where to find fall foliage—and when. Call 800-547-5445 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday), or visit http://oregonfallfoliage.com for the latest information.

Take Care Out There

We want you to have the safest possible experience while enjoying the Willamette Valley outdoors—so we urge you to Take Care Out There when hiking around the region.

In so many words, all we’re asking is that you do a little advance planning, understand what’s closed, avoid crowds, and keep close to home so rural communities stay safe.

These graphics offer a good overview of how to safely make the most of your outdoor experience: