Planning a Road Trip to the Willamette Valley
Planning a Road Trip to the Willamette Valley
The classic road trip is not only the most affordable way to enjoy a family vacation, it may also be the healthiest for those who want to maintain some degree of social distancing as they travel.
As people stay closer to home, some prefer to visit places they can drive to within a day. If you live in the Pacific Northwest then the Willamette Valley, Oregon may be your ideal destination.
When looking at Willamette Valley locations, Corvallis is a great place to visit due to the beautiful natural surroundings, an abundance of outdoor activities, and relatively uncrowded areas. It is simply a fabulous place to visit or spend quality time especially if there are any Oregon State University students or alumni in the family!
Whether your family needs to travel or you just have summer wanderlust, try these tips for a healthier road trip. Photo by Todd Cleland.
Five Tips for a Healthy and Memorable Road Trip or Vacation
1. Choose a Destination or Multiple Destinations
Corvallis Oregon is a delightful community that is also a short drive to the Oregon coast, outdoor recreation spaces, Mary’s Peak, and larger cities like Portland.
First, consider your destination or destinations. If you are traveling for a special purpose like to see family or friends, the choice is much easier. If you are just looking for a change of scene or the opportunity to spend quality time with family, your partner, or close friends.
Many of our vacation rental guests enjoy the central location of Corvallis since they can easily drive to Portland, Eugene, forest lands, wineries, and the beach. The city has a network of parks, hiking trailers, and mountain biking trails. There are a few golf courses ranging from very affordable to a country club facility. Spending time outside offers the opportunity for healthy recreation.
2. Plan to Enjoy the Drive
One of the first decisions when planning a trip is whether to fly, take the train, or drive. A road trip can be one of the most enjoyable ways to travel—especially with family or close friends. The drive itself becomes part of the adventure and a chance to reconnect.
To make the time on the road more fun, try:
Learning a few easy car games like I-Spy or road trip bingo
Making a great music playlist
Downloading an audiobook or podcast
Enjoying unhurried conversation
Plan your route to include scenic stops, parks, or small-town attractions to break up the drive. With tools like Google Maps and Google Earth, it’s easier than ever to map out a route that’s both efficient and interesting. Or, if you prefer a traditional approach, AAA still offers excellent road trip planning resources.
Traffic around Corvallis is usually light, but if you’re traveling through larger cities, consider avoiding peak commuting hours.
3. Plan Outdoor Activities
Outdoor experiences are a highlight of any visit to Corvallis. The area offers plenty of ways to enjoy nature, get fresh air, and stay active. Popular options include:
Hiking or trail walking
Visiting the beach
Touring nearby wineries
Mountain biking or casual cycling on the city’s bike paths
Boating, kayaking, or canoeing on the Willamette or Marys River
Golfing or playing tennis
Enjoying a picnic at one of the many local parks
Some of the stand-alone vacation accommodations Fernwood Guest Houses offers include private outdoor spaces like backyards and gardens.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Corvallis offers a perfect mix of both.
Visit Corvallis shares a few resources for planning to enjoy outdoor recreation in Corvallis. The Right Trail offers resources for hikers and bicyclers in the mid-Willamette Valley.
4. Eat in or Take Out
Corvallis is home to a surprising array of restaurants and food trucks for a community of its size, all with take out, delivery, and curbside pickup options. Whether you eat in or out, Fernwood Circle Guesthouse vacation rentals often include full kitchens as well as comfortable dining areas.
For those who enjoy cooking, there are many quality grocery shopping options as well as an amazing Farmer’s Market that runs every Wednesday and Saturday.
With so many dining options, a vacation rental is a great place to stay in while away from home. Some of our accommodations have private yards, game rooms, or comfortable living room style spaces where you can relax streaming a film, playing a board game, or just talking into the wee hours of the night.
5. Choose Stand Alone Accommodation
Relax and spend quality time with your loved ones in a clean, premium vacation rental!
Rather than staying in a hotel, a stand-alone vacation rental offers the ultimate in comfort, privacy, and relaxation. Each home has its own private entrance and HVAC system, and our housekeeping team takes great care to ensure every property is spotless between guests. Many of our visitors mention the cleanliness and attention to detail in their reviews.
Ready to start planning your stay? Browse our available vacation rental accommodations!
