The area around Salem offers opportunities for pleasurable and fun jaunts and day trips. Whether its shopping, gaming, enjoying the beautiful Oregon scenery or other activities, these destinations are from 20 minutes to an hour away. 

 

Opal Creek Ancient Forest--easy to moderate hiking through a spectacular old growth forest. - >  www.opalcreek.org/trails.html

 

Covered Bridges--Oregon has the most covered bridges of any state west of the Mississippi.  The Gallon House Bridge (Silverton), Stayton-Jordon Bridge (Stayton) and Ritner Creek Bridge (Pedee) are each a short drive from Salem. >www.oregon.com/covered_bridges/index.cfm

 

Jensen Artic Museum > www.wou.edu/jensenmuseum

 

Wheatland Ferry and Willamette Mission State Park--see the world's largest cottonwood tree and take an easy 6.25 mi. loop hike.  Then take the Ferry across the Willamette to Polk county and visit a winery or see the Ritner Creek Bridge.  > www.oregonstateparks.org/park_139.php

 

The Oregon Garden >   www.oregongarden.org

 

Woodburn Company Stores--Oregon's largest brand-name outlet mall  >www.woodburncompanystores.com 

Tour Oregon's famous Wine Country 
> www.winesnw.com/mid-will_vly_eola_amity_district_mcminn_map.html

 

Erratic Rock State Park >  www.oregonstateparks.org/park_135.php

 

Spirit Mt. Casino--gaming, dining and entertainment >  www.spirit-mountain.com

 

Silver Falls State Park--This is what you think of when you think of Oregon.  Walk and hike along the north and south forks of Silver Creek and view the stunning waterfalls amidst a verdant forest. > www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php

 

Evergreen Aviation Museum--who doesn't want to see the famous "Spruce Goose" and so much more. > www.sprucegoose.org

Aurora--An antique shopping village and on the National Register of Historic Places.  www.auroracolony.com  Also see the Old Aurora Colony Museum.  > www.AuroraColonyMuseum.com

Mt. Angel Abbey & Seminary > www.mtangel.edu/

 

The Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel >   www.benedictine-srs.org  

 

Champoeg State Heritage Area--a combination of history, nature, and beauty.  > www.oregonstateparks.org/park_113.php

At various times during the year flower farmers open their fields to the public so they may enjoy the beauty (and perhaps be tempted to take home a living souvenir.)  A few examples are Swan Island Dahlias, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Amity Daffodil Festival.