9 Exciting Things to do in Salem Oregon for Outdoor Adventurers
Ready for a nature lover’s guide on the best things to do in Salem Oregon? Read on to plan your trip to this lovely pocket of the Pacific Northwest!
Let’s Explore: Things to do in Salem Oregon
You’ve likely heard of Salem since it’s Oregon’s capitol. But what many people don’t know is that the greater Salem region (including Polk & Marion Counties) is just as worth a visit as the city.
If you’re planning a trip to the Mid-Willamette Valley and need to know what to do in Salem, Oregon, then this guide is for you!
Fun Things to do in Salem Oregon Today
1. Hike the Scenic Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Don’t take this the wrong way: this hike felt unlike any other I’ve done in the Pacific Northwest. Rather than dense forests of Evergreen trees, the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge allows hikers to traverse wide open prairies and forgiving oak woodlands. You can see for miles in any direction.
One of the most popular hikes is the 1 mile Rich Guadagno Memorial Loop. Open year-round, this trail provides a great opportunity to observe the changing of the seasons. For example, watch wildlife like migratory songbirds and wintering dusky Canada geese.
After the initial climb from the parking lot up Baskett Butte, the trail is gentle. Don’t miss the observation platform for views of multiple marshes, surrounding farmlands, and distant mountains.
2. Tour the Historic Deepwood Museum & Gardens
Of all the things to in Salem Oregon today, Deepwood Museum & Gardens may be the most beautiful. Completed in 1894, this Victorian Queen Anne home was so treasured by the community that it became a preserve and public park.
Interestingly, the gardens were designed by the first female landscape architects in the Pacific Northwest: Elizabeth Lord and Edith Schryer. Also, you can find literal pieces of history like columns from the original capitol building!
Presently, the formal gardens and nature trails are open to the public from sunrise to sunset (free of charge).
Bestie Tip: Visit on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday morning to tour the museum / home. Tours, $6 per adult, are the only way to see inside.
We lucked out with Yvonne Putze, Executive Director of the Friends of Deepwood, as our tour guide. She mentioned that the museum gets fully decorated for the holidays — which means we are planning a return trip!
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3. Bike Minto-Brown Island Park
Did you know that downtown Salem is home to a park larger than New York City’s Central Park? With more than 1,200 acres, Minto-Brown Island Park is the gem of the park system.
Depending on your mood, opt to bike, walk, or jog the 29-mile trail system. Be sure not to miss the riverside section along the Willamette River!
Given the park’s massive size, multiple access points make sense. For me, since I was staying downtown I opted to take the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge from Riverfront Park.
During our ride, we saw wildlife including osprey, turkey vultures, and blue heron.
No passes / fees required.
4. Enjoy’s Oregon’s Iconic Tulip Festival
Every spring, nature lovers from around the world flock to Woodburn for a celebration of flowers. If you follow me on Instagram, then you may have seen my annual adventures at Washington’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival!
So, I was thrilled when I finally had the opportunity to finally visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. How special that it fell on the 40th anniversary (2024)!
For me, what sets this festival apart is the additional experiences. Yes, I LOVED the visually stimulating tulip varieties. But what really sealed the deal for me was the hot air balloons!
Portland Rose Balloons offers sunrise rides (free-flying) as well as tethered rides. This was my first time seeing the latter, and I think it’s a great, affordable way to dip your toes into hot air ballooning. Plus, they add extra excitement when photographing the fields!
April is the best time to visit.
6. Discover Native Oregon Plants
Unless you’re a local, you’ve probably never heard of this hidden gem. Located only 15 miles west of Salem, the Delbert Hunter Arboretum & Botanical Gardens provides the perfect place to learn about plants native to Oregon.
In total, 7 trails wind through wetlands, meadows, and along a creek. Along the way, interpretive signs teach about plants. Overall, trails are easy to navigate and walk. Plus, they are dog friendly.
On the day we went, it was a rainy spring day. Still, we found refuge under trees. And, the refreshing smell of rain enhanced our experience.
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7. Chase the Waterfalls of Your Dreams
Of all the amazing things to so in Salem Oregon, one of the best is hiking at Silver Falls State Park. Dubbed the “crown jewel” of state parks in Oregon, chances are that you’ve seen at least one of the 10 waterfalls on social media.
Bestie Tip: Expect crowds around the most accessible falls like South Falls . My recommendation is to carve out a half-to-full day to hike the Trail of Ten Falls. Not only will you get off-the-beaten-path, but you’ll see a total of TEN waterfalls! And, four of these you can walk behind *mind blown emoji* Overall, expect to log 800′ elevation gain in 7.2 miles.
To access this park, a day use ($5) or annual pass ($30) is required.
Camping available. Make reservations online.
8. Stroll 20+ Stunning Specialty Gardens
Located in historic Silverton, The Oregon Garden’s 80 acres create year-round beauty. Whether you love native plants or tropical plants, there’s something to new to discover — Even how to compost at home!
As soon as we arrived, we boarded a narrated tram tour. Although the park itself is walkable, it was interesting to learn about each garden and fun facts about plants as we passed by. In total, the tour lasts 25 minutes and runs regularly throughout the day — with a pause during lunch. Please note that there is an additional $4 fee for the tram.
Hands down, one of our favorite gardens is the Bosque. Here, you’ll see 40 Pacific Sunset Maple trees growing over ponds. Can you imagine how beautiful would be during fall?!
Garden hours are 10am-3pm. Admission is $12 (Save $1 if you’re a AAA member).
9. Mountain Bike at Black Rock
Looking for a rush of adrenaline? Look no further than Black Rock Mountain Bike Area. You’ll find it West of Salem in Falls City.
With free riding opportunities, a skills area, and fun features this park is not to be missed if you are a mountain biker!
Throughout the lush forest, winds 9 miles of trails (intermediate to expert). Be sure to check out trail descriptions before heading out.
No passes or fees required.
This post was all about things to do in Salem Oregon.