Discover: Independence, Oregon

History – Charm – Wine – Bicycling

Independence may be your perfect getaway spot if you enjoy a charming, historic small town in the heart of the Willamette Valley.

We love exploring the small towns throughout the Willamette Valley – each with its own vibe and history. These small towns are easy to pass by, but have more to offer than you might expect. Take the time to get off the freeways and head the back roads west of I-5 to visit the small towns that dot the Willamette Valley wine region.

History

Independence can be found 12 miles southwest of the capitol city of Salem, Oregon. It sits along the west bank of the Willamette River which meanders gently through the heart of the Willamette Valley. Settlers arrived in Independence around 1845, naming the town after many emigrant’s originating spot of Independence, Missouri. The excellent climate and soil of the Willamette Valley made it a prized agricultural location, with hops a leading crop grown in the area for local breweries. Most of the buildings in the downtown date to the 1880s when the town was flourishing. A 30 block area is on the National Register of Historic Places and is well worth a visit.

No matter how you like to get around…

Ferry across the Willamette River:

Meander your way towards Independence and make a day of it. North of Salem, cross the Willamette River via the Wheatland Ferry for a short ride across the calm waters as you travel the backroads through wine country. Coming from the south? Try the Buena Vista Ferry south of Salem. The same calm waters of the Willamette River will gently guide you towards Independence.

Bicycling:

The roads around Independence are popular for cyclists. The Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway is a 135 mile route designated by the Oregon State Parks & Recreation department that can take you all the way from Eugene to Champoeg through the Willamette Valley wine region with shorter side loops. It was the first designated scenic bikeway in the United States. The Buena Vista Cycling Route begins at the Buena Vista Park, through the towns of Independence, Monmouth, and Rickreall, and ends at Riverfront Park in Salem.

Hiking/Running:

You don’t have to go far outside of Independence to get out in nature to go for a hike. The Willamette River Trail is a 2 mile wood chip trail that follows the river leading to North Riverview Park. Try a short climb up a hill for a great view in the Basket Slough Wildlife Refuge northwest of Independence. Minto-Brown Island Park (it’s even larger than Central Park in NYC!) follows the Willamette River with paved paths as well as off-road paths, or try Witham Hill Natural Area southwest of town or the Peavy Arboretum for a deep-in-the-forest experience.

Water sports:

The gently flowing Willamette River is perfect for a day on the water – kayaking, stand up paddle boards, The Woodward Surf Co. offers paddle board rentals and will even drop you off at the Buena Vista Park so you can float back down to your car. The Willamette Water Trail has maps to help you explore the waterways.

wine glass sunset

There is plenty to fill your day…

Wine tasting the fabulous wines of Oregon’s famous wine region: There are many wineries within a short distance including Cristom Vineyards, Eola Hills Winery, Redgate Winery, Airlie Winery, and Cherry Hill Winery. A good resource for information is OregonWine.org which has a great interactive map with winery details.

Inspiration Gardens at Mt. Fir Park is a 7 acre park in Independence

Celebrate the heritage of Independence as the Hop Capital of the World by tasting some of the amazing craft beers of the region

Taste your way through Independence’s up and coming food scene including Brew Coffee & Tap House, the Pink House Cafe, Jubilee Champagne & Dessert Bar, the rooftop bar at the Independence Hotel

Salem’s Historic Carousel in Riverfront Park

Learn about the region’s history at the Independence Heritage Museum

Adelman Peony Gardens in Salem is a beautiful garden to wander in mid-spring

Schriener’s Iris Garden displays are spectacular in spring just north of Salem.

Gilbert House Children’s Museum is located just across the river in Salem’s Riverfront Park and is a must-see hands-on children’s play museum