When given the option driving up I-5 through the Willamette Valley area, you just might want to consider hopping off the freeway and take Hwy 213 or Hwy 214 east of I-5 and meander through the rolling hills past fields and oak trees. Open up the sunroof or open the windows and turn up the music and enjoy a lovely drive in the country. You just might find views that make your jaw drop at the beauty of the Willamette Valley. Heading northwards, hop off at Salem/Bend and head east on Hwy 22 a bit, exiting after a few minutes following signs to Silver Creek Falls Park. Wind through the hills and follow signs to Silverton, continuing on to Oregon City. You’ll have the chance to dive off back to Woodburn or Aurora, but I like connecting at I-205 where you’ll come out near Gladstone. Since I-5 traffic was looking iffy, this little side trip didn’t add much time to my goal of reaching PDX, yet significantly better for my mental health.
Photo taken June 15, 2024
Near Shaw, Oregon
On a blustery day with storm clouds clearing out.
Photo credit: Dawn Woolcott
