6 | Willamette Valley Inspiration Guide It’s hardly a surprise, then, that outdoor recreation takes visitors into the heart of all that scenic beauty. So take your pick: How will you take in the beauty of the Willamette Valley on your next unforgettable trip? Adventure Awa s OUTDOOR EXPLORATIONS AROUND THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY PADDLE THE WILLAMETTE WATER TRAIL You never know what a day on the Willamette River might bring: Perhaps you’ll paddle past an osprey fishing from its banks, watch as a gentle breeze cracks the river’s surface like broken glass or see an otter frolicking in the chilly water. Thanks to the Willamette Water Trail, such an experience isn’t just possible—it’s a one-of-a-kind outing that can’t happen anywhere else in the region. Fed by tributaries from the Cascade mountains, the Willamette Water Trail flows northward for nearly 200 miles (322 kilometers) before emptying into the Columbia River near Portland. Along the way, the river passes through cities large and small, boasts dramatic wildlifeviewing opportunities, o ers all manner of outdoor recreation and showcases the natural beauty of the iconic Willamette Valley. The trail’s 50 or so campsites—many accessible only by boat—make it possible to string together an overnight outing along the trail, but landings in and around the region’s communities o er the chance to get o the water and enrich your experience as well. GO BIRDING IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY’S NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES The Willamette Valley sits along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory bird route that stretches from Alaska to Argentina. So every fall and spring, birders around the region are treated to sightings of more than 230 feathered species as they rest, feed and forage throughout the Willamette Valley. In particular, a trio of national wildlife refuges (Baskett Slough, William L. Finley and Ankeny national wildlife refuges) are ground zero for spotting both native and migrating birds that appreciate the region's wide-open meadows, wetlands, riparian forests, prairies and other ecosystems. Keep an eye out from designated blinds, viewpoints and hiking trails. Species to watch for include the dusky Canada goose, which winters almost exclusively in the Willamette Valley, as well as herons, mallards, bald eagles, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks and western sandpipers. Marys Peak Towering forests, panoramic peaks and a river running through it all: The Willamette Valley has no shortage of natural wonders.
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