Peak Experience Loop Tour
A special sampling of wineries and galleries around Corvallis. For generations, local artisans and winemakers have shaped the Corvallis and Benton County lifestyle. A special sampling of these countryside wineries and galleried can be found on the self-guided tour designated as the Peak Experience Local Loop.
As you drive or bicycle the loop, splendid scenery is the backdrop for a variety of activities, from gathering fresh-cut flowers, herbs, organic seeds, fruits, and vegetables to discovering honey, preserves, and baked goods and experiencing fine wine and art—all infused with local flavor. Picnic sites abound, and special annual events are not to be missed.
1.
In to Corvallis
Begin from Corvallis by driving west on U.S. Highway 20 to Philomath. Head south on 13th St., which becomes Fern Road. Turn right onto Grange Hall Road for a visit to the Gathering Together Farm, which offers the finest in locally grown organic produce, including a farm kitchen serving lunch and Sunday brunch.
Also on Grange Hall Road, stroll the elegant and serene Greengable Gardens, established in 1930. This 10-acre collector’s garden is graced by the peaceful sounds of a babbling brook.
2.
Frolicking Philomath
Continue west on Grange Hall Road and turn left onto Highway 34. About 10 miles south of Philomath, turn right onto the Marys Peak Road and wind your way almost 10 miles to a viewpoint overlooking the Willamette Valley and Cascade peaks beyond. As the highest point in the Coast Range at 4,097 feet, Marys Peak welcomes over 75,000 visitors a year to her trails. Here you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, bird watching, and panoramic views.
Continue southwest on Highway 34 to the Thyme Garden Herb Company, an enchanting nursery and herbal display hidden away in the Coast Range. Bring a picnic and enjoy their unique gardens.
From Thyme Gardens turn back (north) on Highway 34 to Decker Rd. Travel five miles and turn right onto Bellfountain Rd. to Finley National Wildlife Refuge. This 5,325-acre sanctuary harbors native wet prairie, rare oak savannah, and an old-growth big-leaf maple forest. An interpretive overlook and trail offer glimpses into these habitats and a chance to see songbirds, waterfowl, birds of prey, and deer.
Return to Bellfountain Road and travel north to Greenberry Road. Turn right to Tyee Wine Cellars, located on the historic and scenic Buchanan Family Century Farm. Here you can purchase awar5d-winning wines, stroll a 1.5-mile Beaver Pond Loop nature trail, and enjoy a full calendar of wine tastings, dinners, concerts, and other events. Turn left onto Highway 99W to return to Corvallis. Stop in the Pegasus Gallery (just past the Post Office on 2nd St.) for exhibits by local, regional, and national artists. Local restaurants offer a wide choice of menus for a well-deserved dinner.
Wineries abound in the Corvallis area. All offer complimentary wine tasting. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, you can enjoy tastings at Harris Bridge Vineyard, Springhill Cellars, or Tyee Wine Cellars. Year-round complimentary tastings of locally made fine wines are offered at Sahalie Cellars Wine Bar and Tasting Room or at Pheasant Court Winery’s tasting room, the Wine Vault. Wine is available for sale at all wineries. A complete list of wineries is available at Corvallis Tourism.