Things to Do in Corvallis, Oregon
I thought Corvallis was delightful with its tree-lined historic neighborhoods, handsome brick storefronts downtown, and the gentle Willamette River flowing right through the city. The town radiates a balance of laid-back college-town energy and classic Pacific Northwest charm, and that's why it's one of my favorite day trips in Oregon and a great weekend getaway idea as well!
I drove in from Portland (about 90 minutes south) and stayed for three days at Hotel Corvallis. I walked down the city’s leafy streets, hiked in the nearby Marys Peak for sweeping valley views, wandered through OSU’s campus with its historic brick buildings, explored the lively downtown with farm-to-table restaurants and local breweries, and enjoyed the seasonal farmers’ market bursting with regional produce. I’m a huge fan and here are my favorite spots I’d love to share with you.
Where to Stay in Corvallis, OR
- 2-star Hotel Corvallis – Chris, our son and I stayed here for a weekend and loved the downtown location. It’s historic, stylish, and walkable to shops, restaurants, and the riverfront.
- 3-star Hilton Garden Inn Corvallis – If you’re visiting campus or attending an event, this one’s hard to beat. It’s comfortable, modern, and right on OSU grounds—I’ve stayed here for conferences and it’s super convenient.
- 2-star Best Western Corvallis – I recommend this if you want a little extra space and a hearty breakfast to start your day. It’s near shopping centers and restaurants and offers solid value.
1. Spot Wildlife and Stroll Wetlands at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge
I thought William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge was a hidden gem of the Willamette Valley, with wide open wetlands, lush oak savannas, and peaceful prairie landscapes that felt worlds away from the bustle of nearby Corvallis.
Just a 20-minute drive south of Corvallis along Highway 99W brought me to the refuge’s winding roads and tranquil hiking trails. I spent the morning wandering along the Woodpecker Loop Trail through oak woodlands, spotting deer grazing quietly under the trees.
Birdwatching at Cabell Marsh was my personal highlight that completely won me over...I saw great blue herons, red-winged blackbirds, and a bald eagle soaring overhead.
A downside? Trails could get muddy after rain, boots were a must.
2. Explore Academic Excellence at Oregon State University
Walking across the quads at the Oregon State University felt a bit like stepping into a postcard of the Pacific Northwest, where collegiate Gothic architecture meets the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley.
3. Hike and Unwind at Bald Hill Natural Area
I thought Bald Hill Natural Area was one of Corvallis’s most peaceful escapes and one of the best things to do here, where rolling meadows, shady oak groves, and a grassy summit trail all come together to create a classic Willamette Valley landscape. The area feels both wild and welcoming, perfect for an afternoon hike or a sunrise trail run, with sweeping views of farmland, forest, and the distant Coast Range from the top of the hill.
A downside? On sunny weekends, the trail was busy with joggers and bikers.
4. Sip Bold Brews at 2 Towns Ciderhouse
I thought 2 Towns Ciderhouse was one of Corvallis’s most fun and flavorful destinations—a place where the Northwest’s orchard bounty is transformed into crisp, creative ciders that celebrate both tradition and innovation. The taproom had a relaxed, welcoming vibe, filled with locals and visitors alike sampling seasonal flavors and chatting over pints.
I think that 2 Towns Ciderhouse is one of the best things to do in Corvallis. Why? With its mix of fruit-forward blends and bold experimental styles, 2 Towns Ciderhouse felt like an essential stop for anyone exploring the city’s craft beverage scene.
5. Wander Among Towering Trees at Peavy Arboretum
I thought Peavy Arboretum was a living classroom of Pacific Northwest forests...tranquil, green, and deeply connected to Oregon’s natural heritage. With its mix of towering Douglas firs, shady fern-lined trails, and demonstration plantings from around the world, it felt both educational and rejuvenating. The arboretum balances a quiet, almost wild character with thoughtful interpretive signs that make it easy for visitors to appreciate the diversity of trees and ecosystems.
Just a 15-minute drive north of Corvallis on Highway 99W brought me to the entrance of the McDonald Forest, where the arboretum serves as its gateway. I spent 2 hours in the morning wandering along the Section 36 Loop Trail, where I passed through lush groves of cedar, hemlock, and pine, before pausing by Cronemiller Lake to watch dragonflies skim across the water. The air was cool and earthy, and the soft crunch of needles underfoot made every step feel restorative.
I love that it’s the kind of place where you can linger for an hour—or lose yourself happily for the whole day.
A downside? Some trails were poorly marked, making maps helpful.
6. If You Crave Rugged Trails, Explore the OSU McDonald-Dunn Research Forest
I adored OSU McDonald-Dunn Research Forest...it was the quintessential Pacific Northwest hiking experience, quiet, green, and expansive, with miles of trails weaving through towering Douglas firs, shady ravines, and sunlit ridgelines.
It’s both a working forest and a living laboratory, managed by Oregon State University’s College of Forestry, yet it feels wonderfully open to the public. The sense of space and variety makes it a local treasure for hikers, runners, bikers, and equestrians alike.
Just 10 minutes north of Corvallis brought me to one of the main trailheads, where gravel paths quickly disappeared into the forested hills.
7. Breathe in Coastal Beauty at Siuslaw National Forest
I thought Siuslaw National Forest was the ultimate showcase of Oregon’s coastal wild beauty—where misty mountains, lush temperate rainforests, and sweeping Pacific beaches all meet in one breathtaking landscape. It feels both untamed and inviting, with endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish, and explore. Every turn of the road or trail seemed to reveal something new: moss-draped trees, a sparkling creek, or a sudden vista of the ocean pounding against rugged cliffs.
A scenic 45-minute drive west from Corvallis over the Coast Range delivered me into the heart of the forest, where winding roads followed river valleys and climbed through thick evergreen stands. I spent the day exploring Cape Perpetua, where ancient Sitka spruces rise above tidepools and dramatic basalt formations like Devil’s Churn and Thor’s Well steal the show. Later, I wandered the sandy expanse near the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, watching the wind sculpt rolling dunes that stretched toward the horizon.
I think that Siuslaw National Forest is one of the best things to do in Corvallis. Why? The mix of forested trails and ocean views felt almost otherworldly.
A downside? The weather turned quickly, rain gear was essential.
8. Enjoy Scenic Trails at Chip Ross Natural Area
Chip Ross Natural Area was a perfect “close-to-town” escape, with rolling meadows, open oak woodlands, and trails that climb steadily to panoramic views of the entire mid-Willamette Valley. It feels simple and unfussy compared to some of Corvallis’s larger preserves, but the sweeping vistas from the hilltops make it an especially rewarding place for a short afternoon hike or an early morning run.
Just a 10-minute drive north of downtown Corvallis brought me to the modest trailhead, where wide dirt paths lead directly uphill through grassy slopes and clusters of madrone and oak.
It feels simple and unfussy compared to some of Corvallis’s larger preserves, but the sweeping vistas from the hilltops make it an especially rewarding place for a short afternoon hike or an early morning run.
9. Discover Native Wetlands at Jackson-Frazier Wetlands
Jackson-Frazier Wetlands was a serene, almost secret corner of Corvallis, where boardwalk trails wind quietly through cattails, sedges, and seasonally flooded meadows. It felt like stepping into a different rhythm—slower, softer, and alive with the subtle sounds of wetland life. The open skies and reflective pools gave the landscape a wide, calming presence, perfect for a contemplative walk close to town.
Just a 10-minute drive northeast of downtown Corvallis brought me to the trailhead, where a fully accessible wooden boardwalk makes it easy for everyone to explore the wetlands year-round. I spent the late afternoon strolling the loop, stopping often to watch red-winged blackbirds flash across the reeds, or to catch glimpses of frogs and turtles in the shallow waters.
My personal highlight? The light was especially magical as the sun dipped lower, turning the grasses golden and the water surface to silver.
10. If You Love Game Day Energy, Catch the Action at Reser Stadium
Reser Stadium was the beating heart of Corvallis on game day—electric, loud, and full of orange-and-black spirit. The stadium rises prominently on the Oregon State University campus, its sleek modern design blending with the surrounding academic buildings, yet once the stands fill with more than 40,000 Beaver fans, it feels like the center of the universe. The atmosphere was equal parts community celebration and college football tradition, making it one of the most exciting spots in town.
A downside? Post-game traffic was slow leaving campus.
11. Irish Bend Covered Bridge
The Irish Bend Covered Bridge was a charming reminder of Oregon’s rural heritage—whitewashed timbers arching gracefully over a quiet stretch of the Willamette Valley landscape. Though it no longer carries traffic, the bridge feels like a portal into another era, when these wooden spans connected farming communities and symbolized the craftsmanship of the early 20th century. Its setting along Oak Creek, surrounded by farmland and open skies, makes it especially photogenic.
A scenic 15-minute drive southwest from downtown Corvallis brought me to the bridge, tucked into the fields near Oregon State University’s agricultural research lands. I wandered across the 60-foot span on foot, admiring the trusswork inside and the way sunlight filtered through the wooden siding.
The stillness of the creek below and the quiet rustle of wind through the surrounding fields gave the place a timeless, almost nostalgic atmosphere.
12. Majestic Theatre
I thought the Majestic Theatre was one of downtown Corvallis’s cultural treasures—a beautifully restored early 20th-century playhouse that still glows with old-world charm. Its brick façade and marquee lights immediately caught my eye, and stepping inside felt like slipping back into a golden era of community theater, where intimate performances and local pride come together under a single roof.
Just a short stroll from the cafés and shops of 2nd Street brought me to the theater’s welcoming entrance. I spent the evening enjoying a community play, where the small stage and cozy seating made every moment feel close and personal. The atmosphere was warm and buzzing, filled with laughter, applause, and a sense of shared experience that only small-town theaters can create.
Beyond the performance itself, I loved how the Majestic serves as a hub for concerts, film screenings, and workshops, keeping Corvallis’s arts scene vibrant.
Conclusion
Corvallis balanced university energy with the stillness of Oregon landscapes. Trails, wetlands, and forests carried me outside; cafés, theaters, and stadiums brought me back into the hum of town. From ciderhouses to covered bridges, it felt like a place woven from both nature and community, best enjoyed one step, one meal, and one moment at a time.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
