Polk County

Offers charm, pastoral beauty, family fun, and spectacular gardens.

West of downtown Salem, over the Willamette River, is the rural and natural beauty of Polk County. Along this route there are blue winery/vineyard signs with mileage noted and sites and museums that detail the history of the region such as the Polk County Historical Society Museum, Heritage Museum and Polk County Courthouse. From native tribes who honored the fertile land, to the trappers, farmers and loggers who made the arduous trek across the Oregon Trail, Polk County has a rich history. Outside of Dallas, on Hwy 22 west, the 2,492-acre Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge allows you to take time to stretch your legs and view the wildlife from one of the observations areas. Head further west on Hwy 22, which joins Hwy 18, and try your luck at Spirit Mountain Casino – Oregon’s number-one visitor attraction. From Spirit Mountain take Hwy 22 east and you can choose to return to Salem or follow Hwy 18 into the Yamhill County region.

• Distance:  60 miles
• Starting Point:  Salem

• Minimum Driving Time:  1 day
• Best Time to Drive:  Year round