Planning Your Time

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Although it’s only about 100 miles from Portland to Eugene, it’s worth taking some time to explore the back roads and smaller towns off I-5. For starters, plan to spend at least one day and a night in the north Willamette Valley’s wine country. By spending the night you’ll get to really relax and enjoy a dinner at one of several excellent restaurants in the area.

For most travelers, McMinnville makes a good overnight stop; if you want a luxurious resort, Newberg’s Allison Inn is your spot.

It’s also worth spending a night or two in Eugene, both to experience the town and to explore the river valleys and west slopes of the Cascades that lie to the east of town.

Campers who are also oenophiles can pitch a tent at Champoeg State Park; it’s in an area rich with pioneer history as well as being reasonably close to wineries.

If hiking is more your focus, head to Silver Falls State Park, home to 10 large waterfalls and within striking distance of the Oregon Garden and lovely Mount Angel Abbey.

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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.