Best of the Willamette Valley

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Yamhill County Wine Country: Although wine grapes are now grown all over the state, the area around Yamhill County is a great place to tour some of the nation’s top pinot noir and pinot gris wineries. Look at a map and choose your route to avoid busy Highway 99W.

State Capitol: If a visit to the capitol seems like something that you should’ve gotten out of the way in grade school, think again. The art alone in the Oregon capitol building is worth the trip.

Mount Angel Abbey: The hilltop abbey is a good place for both quiet reflection and architectural tourism; the splendid abbey library was designed by famed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.

Silver Falls State Park: Aren’t waterfalls what Oregon is all about? Here a seven-mile trail passes 10 waterfalls.

Breitenbush Hot Springs: The rest of the world will slip away as you ease yourself into one of the lovely natural hot pools. Come for an organized yoga or spiritual retreat, a weekend of personal reflection, or simply an afternoon soak. Clothing, however, is a seldom-used option in the hot springs.

Alton Baker Park: This sprawling park, just across the Willamette River from downtown and the university, is home to Pre’s Trail, a four-mile trail commemorating the late great runner Steve Prefontaine. The park’s trail network hooks up with other running, walking, and biking trails — these trails along the Willamette and up into the nearby hills are a large part of what makes Eugene such a pleasant livable place.

McKenzie River National Recreation Trail: Ride the city bus (or drive your car) up the McKenzie River to the start of this 26-mile trail. The McKenzie is a magical river, with waterfalls cascading over lava rocks and lush green streamside vegetation.

Oakridge Mountain Biking: In the hills just outside this working-class mill town, you’ll find some of the state’s best mountain biking.

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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.