1.
Enchanted Beginings
This is a truly amazing tour route with so much to see and do you will have a hard time deciding which route to take. At I-5 exit 243 head west to the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge to observe 200 species of wildlife. At I-5 exit 248, Enchanted Forest and Thrill-Ville USA Amusement Park will be a great stop for the entire family. Traveling east on Delaney Road through the towns of Turner and Aumsville you’ll find small town America is alive, well and hospitible in Oregon. Traveling east on Mill Creek Road be sure to follow the signs toward Stayton. Once in Stayton turn left on Ida Street and follow to downtown and the Stayton Chamber of Commerce. There they will give you specific directions to the Stayton-Jordan Covered Bridge, the Star Cinama and all of the “must see” sites of the area. An off-shoot tour to the impressive Detroit Lake Recreation Area, east on Hwy 22 is an option. Detroit offers summer and winter activities such as snow shoeing, snow mobiling, water skiing, fishing and camping.
2.
North to Silver Falls and Silverton
Continuing north on Cascade Hwy, there is another off-shoot option, Silver Falls State Park. As Oregon’s largest state park, Silver Falls is best known for its ten breath-taking waterfalls and miles of hiking trails. Continuing north on Cascade Hwy two amazing gardens await your visit. The 80-acre Oregon Garden is the Northwest’s premier botanical display garden with 20 specialty gardens. By turning left on Paradise Alley Road, before reaching The Oregon Garden, then turning left on Silverton Road you will discover a hidden gem at Cooley’s Iris Garden. World famous for iris since 1928.
Heading east on Silverton Road you’ll find the picturesque community of Silverton, which has small town, country charm…davenport races and all. Be sure to stop at the Silverton Chamber of Commerce to learn all about the area. North of Silverton, on Hwy 214, is signage for the Gallon House covered bridge. It was named for the days when liquor was sold by the gallon. Continuing north into the German village of Mt. Angel is the Mt. Angel Abbey (1882), Queen of Angels Monestery (1887) and St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1910). Visitors are welcome to each of the sites. Mt. Angel is also the home to the most exciting Oktoberfest celebration.
Taking Mt. Angel Hwy south then turning right (west) onto Hazel Green Road. At the Corner of Hazel Green Road and Cordon Road is E.Z. Orchards, which offers fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade donuts, short cakes and milk shakes and one-of-a-kind gifts. Follow the map back into Salem and overnight at one of the city’s warm, comfortable and affordable hotels.