Flights to Salem / Portland, OR

Plan a trip to Salem / Portland

Salem / Portland, OR

A visit to Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley region puts you in a state of wonder in more ways than one. From towering waterfalls and botanical gardens to valley views that stretch for miles, the landscape here is nothing short of jaw-dropping. And when you’re ready to kick off your hiking boots, you’re never far from an incredible array of award-winning wineries, breweries, and restaurants, as well as mind-bending art displays, buzzy museums, and historic attractions filled with fascinating artifacts and stories that make the region’s history and culture come alive.

Oregon’s Capital City of Salem is perfectly situated in the middle of the state and the heart of the fertile Willamette Valley – blending the great outdoors with modern comforts. Accessible, unhurried, and easy to navigate, Salem is full of friendly people, parks, and welcoming events that make any time a great time for a visit.

So if you’re coming to Oregon, why not come and stay in the most Oregon part of it?

Wine and Culinary

The Salem region’s rich, fertile soil and moderate climate are prime for growing everything from grapes and hops to corn, hazelnuts, wheat, and flower crops. The region is home to 17 stunning display gardens, including Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, the country’s largest iris farm, as well as hundreds of farm stands, restaurants, and food trucks where local, farm fresh ingredients are crafted into mouth-watering dishes and artisan food products.

A visit to Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley is synonymous with a visit to wine country, and ours is the kind oenophiles dream about: carefully crafted, award-winning wines; cozy tasting rooms where you’re encouraged to stay awhile; stunning vineyard views and unique experiences that pair wine tasting with activities like hillside hikes (we call it “wiking”), ATV tours of the vineyard, live concerts and more. The Willamette Valley is so extraordinary that it received Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s coveted Wine Region of the Year Award in 2016. In 2023, Time Magazine added it to its annual list of World’s Greatest Places, calling it “the next Napa” for its impressive and welcoming wine scene.

Heritage and Culture

Oregon’s history is alive and well in Salem through eclectic museums, walking tours, murals, and architecture. The region features more than 15 significant cultural heritage sites open to the public, including the Willamette Heritage Center – a 5-acre campus that’s home to 14 historic structures – and the Chachalu Museum & Cultural Center, which tells the story of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon.

The cultural scene in the Salem area is bursting with diverse events and festivals, as well as visual and performing art. From theaters with intimate settings to festivals that celebrate Salem’s diverse cultures, the region is colorful and energizing.

Outdoor Recreation

The Salem region’s outdoor experiences are like a spa treatment for your soul. You can soak in natural hot springs in old growth forests, cycle to farm stands, kayak to a winery, or fish along rivers that wind through tall timber. Wildlife viewing is guaranteed at the region’s two wildlife refuges – Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge and Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge – and along the region’s numerous hiking trails.

Silver Falls State Park, Oregon’s largest state park, and the renowned “Trail of Ten Falls” – a 7.4-mile loop trail that showcases 10 different waterfalls – sits in the heart of the Salem region. Mountain bike enthusiasts flock to Black Rock Mountain Bike Area just west of Salem, while kayakers and paddleboarders enjoy exploring the Willamette Water Trail. No traffic jams here – only serene beauty and unforgettable outdoor adventures.