Many roads in Polk County run through fertile valleys between the Willamette River and the wooded foothills of the Coast Range. Side roads lead to covered bridges, parks, vineyards, and wineries. The landscape, wildlife watching, gardens, and history offer different ways to explore the county—from a hiking route to a wine tasting to a stroll through history.
Trails through forest, meadow, and garden
When choosing a route, you can compare different types of trails and lengths: Phase 1 of the Ash Creek Trail is a 0.5-mile concrete path between 16th Street and Gun Club Road. The 3-mile North Unit Loop in Luckiamute State Natural Area passes through a meadow and a hardwood riparian forest with Oregon ash and bigleaf maple. Black Rock Mountain offers a different focus: it is the Oregon Department of Forestry’s first area designated exclusively for mountain biking.
The Inspiration Garden at Mt. Fir Park in Independence also offers something distinctive. It covers seven acres and includes nearly two dozen different garden areas. Alongside the nature trails, this named garden and its variety of areas are another county highlight to discover.
Paddlers on the Willamette Water Trail can camp at a site in Luckiamute State Natural Area that is accessible only by boat. Check access rules and campsite availability before setting out. The similarly named Willamette River Trail is separate: its location along the banks of the Willamette River offers opportunities for bird and wildlife watching, but the trail is closed to the public until further notice. The city posted the closure notice on August 25, 2026.
Wine and culinary discoveries
The Great Oaks Food Trail is a year-round, self-guided culinary route that you can explore at your own pace. Individual businesses may have seasonal offerings and their own hours, so check these separately.
Eola Hills Wine Cellars in Rickreall has two tasting rooms at the winery. The tasting room welcomes walk-ins daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; check the hours before your visit. The business also includes the 160-acre Legacy Estate vineyard near Salem. Left Coast Estate offers wine tastings, wood-fired pizza, and seasonal offerings daily from 12 to 5 p.m. Check the latest hours and menu before your visit.
History in Independence and beyond
The historic walking tour of Independence is flexible: walks can start or end anywhere and be as long as you like. An interactive map and a downloadable brochure help you explore. Those interested in architectural history can find another specific example in Ritner Creek Bridge: it is one of the surviving covered bridges west of the Cascades and was built in 1926 by Hammer and Curry Contractors.
The history of the Independence Heritage Museum is also connected to the region. The museum preserves and shares stories about the Kalapuya, Oregon Trail settlers, and hop farming. Since August 26, 2026, it has been closed to the public until further notice due to insufficient funding. Its offerings include pop-up exhibits around town, an interactive online tour, and digital collections. Nesmith Park is also home to the family cemetery where Senator Nesmith was buried.
Practical information
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge can be reached via State Highways 99W and 22, as well as via Coville Road and Smithfield Road from Highway 99W. As road conditions can change, it’s worth checking them before you drive. For your stay, you can choose among the county’s different highlights—nature, wine, and history—according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Rickreall, Yamhill County, Lane, Multnomah, Douglas, Tillamook County, Harney County and Linn.
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