Visit Oregon’s Willamette Valley for Waterfalls Galore

It’s no secret Oregon boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. With gorgeous coastline to discover, rugged mountains to hike and more outdoor activities than you can list in one place, the state has become a haven for adventure-loving family travelers. As spring comes into full bloom and summer knocks at the door, the weather is perfect for families to head outdoors and go for an adventure together.

To make the most of Oregon’s diverse beauty, head to the Willamette Valley for your next vacation to experience some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls along this 150-mile-long valley. The area is known for its gently rolling hills, picturesque vineyards and greenery as far as the eye can see. But what many don’t know is the valley is also home to some beautiful waterfalls, making for a perfect trip of hiking and sightseeing with the family.

While there are plenty of spots to see cascading falls along the Willamette River, perhaps the most spectacular is Salt Creek Falls, just more than 20 miles south of the town of Oakridge. Not only is this the second-tallest waterfall in the state, it is also one of the most beautiful and is easily accessible for everyone. There is a short hike (just 50 yards) from the parking lot off of Highway 58 that takes you to an observation platform offering stunning views of the falls. The hike is suitable for hikers of all skill levels, is wheelchair accessible and offers public restrooms.

From the observation platform, usually closed in the winter months, more advanced hikers can make the trek to the bottom of the canyon to enjoy the view from the base of the waterfall. There are also a number of trails from Salt Creek Falls offering stunning vantage points to view the falls from different angles along the canyon rim.  You can take the short trail to Diamond Creek Falls with its cascading rivulets of water descending the canyon wall.

The trails throughout the valley are a great way to spend a day enjoying fresh air with an incredible backdrop of beautiful waterfalls. So, on your next trip to Oregon’s Pacific Northwest region, be sure to pack your hiking shoes and a picnic lunch for a memorable day with the family.