The "Promised Land"
Tucked between the Cascade Mountains and the Coast Range, the Willamette Valley enjoys a temperate climate. This fertile area was the destination of pioneers making the arduous trek across the Oregon Trail in the 1800s.
The natural beauty of this area is yours to explore. Although Interstate 5 brings thousands of travelers each year to the communities in the Willamette Valley, why not slow down and explore the back roads?
Before the interstate, Highway 99 was the major thoroughfare for travelers. Now this route offers a leisurely pace and easy access to roadside stands, magnificent gardens, nurseries, wineries and picture postcard settings. It is little wonder that the Willamette Valley is fortunate to have so many fine gardens.
Very favorable climatic conditions and the expertise of the plants people involved in these gardens has led to a rich diversity in design and plant content. As a result, each garden is unique and adds immeasurably to the sense of place on historic properties as well as rural communities. You are invited to explore Oregon’s Willamette Valley!
1.
Wilsonville to Salem
On the north end of the Valley not far from Portland you can start your adventure just off of I-5 in Wilsonville. Grab a latte and head south on Hwy 99. In the upper Willamette Valley area there is something to tempt the taste buds, delight the eyes, and invite discovery along the back roads of the countryside. You can begin your trip with the flower gardens and farmers markets of Canby and travel on to the wineries and gardens of the Molalla area, it really is a feast for the senses.
From Canby head south toward Salem and you will discover a variety of gardens ranging from rose and iris to tulip and peony. Be sure and include a quick stop in Woodburn at the Woodburn Company Stores, Oregon’s largest brand-name outlet mall, to discover some treasures of your own from the “promised land.”
Salem is Oregon’s state capital and is surrounded by farmland, vineyards and gardens. The Salem area, which includes Marion and Polk counties, has wonderful historic museums that relate Oregon’s history and a bustling downtown with one-of-a-kind boutiques and art galleries.
East of Salem is The Oregon Garden, a world-class botanical display garden located on a spectacular 240-acre site in the Cascade foothills. The 65-acre garden showcases many specialty gardens and water features, plus a concert amphitheater and event pavilion. Visit the Gordon House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright designed home open to the public in the Pacific Northwest.
2.
Albany to Corvallis
Just south of Salem you will find the historic town of Albany located in Linn County, which is known as the “grass seed capitol of the world.” Around 300 million pounds or 95 percent of the world’s grass seed are produced in Linn County each year. The next time you see a new lawn sprouting somewhere you can almost bet it is a little bit of Linn County, Oregon growing. Albany has over 700 historic homes and buildings and four nationally recognized historic districts. Many of the old homes in this area are beautifully restored and provide a theme and backdrop for some very beautiful gardens. Albany also features many unique specimen trees that have become landmarks in the community.
Corvallis is the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful college town. Corvallis and Benton County abound with beautiful gardens both private and public. Gary Warner, travel writer for the Orange County Register wrote: “If I hit the jackpot tomorrow, I’d quit the rat race and move to Corvallis.”
3.
Eugene
At the southern end of the Willamette Valley, in the Eugene/Springfield area, you’ll discover a wide variety of gardens to view, to photograph and to inspire. Wander through filbert forests, towering rhododendrons or fragrant roses. Learn from the masters and even take home a special seedling for your own garden to remember your visit to Lane County. Eugene, Oregon's second largest city, offers a cultural and urban scene alive with fine cuisine, shopping and recreation.
And don’t forget to sample some premier Oregon wines (and take home a bottle or two!) as you discover the “Promised Land” of today.