Salem, Oregon

Salem is the capital of Oregon.  It was founded in 1842, became the capital of the Oregon Territory in 1851, was incorporated in 1857and has a population of 154,637.  It is the third largest city in the state after Portland and Eugene. 

Trip Advisor came through for us again with their recommendation of “Word of Mouth, Neighborhood Bistro.”  It was rated #1 of 421 restaurants in Salem.  We were told we would have to wait, and we did, but it was worth the 55-minute wait.  The restaurant’s home was a small home and has been open about 5 years.  We decided to split two breakfasts so we could taste more than just one item.  We weren’t sorry!

:Hops Growing

After breakfast we spent seven hours taking a scenic loop through the Willamette Valley.  Driving through the country side we saw hops, grapes and orchards.

Our first stop was Premium Outlet stores in Woodburn.  Judy thought she would find more winter items than at home but guess who made a purchase?  Mike bought a pair of Eddie Bauer jeans for $15 and Judy left empty-handed!  Next was the Mt. Angel Sausage Company where they didn’t have samples but we bought two packages of their homemade German sausage anyways.  We’ll be trying it tomorrow night for dinner.

Gallon House Road covered bridge

We went to the Gallon House Road covered bridge in Silverton, and even drove through it!  It was named for its use as a drop-off at the north entrance for gallons of prohibited whiskey to the neighboring dry-town of Silverton.  It was constructed in 1917 going over an 84’ span of the Abiqua Creek.  

  

Ride Across The Bridge With Us

We also drove through Silverton to look at the many murals.  There are 22 murals, one being the Four Freedoms, copies of Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms.  This one was done by David McDonald, muralist.  Another one we took a picture of is The Old Oak by Lori Lee Webb, muralist. 

Stayton-Jordon covered bridge

Then on to Sublimity to check out the Stayton-Jordon covered bridge.  It is a 90’ partially-open truss bridge built in 1937.  It was in a very nice city park with many huge trees and a walking bridge going over the stream also.  We are impressed with the parks we have seen in this area.

Stayton-Jordon covered bridge

The next morning we quickly showered so we could go to the Willamette Pie Company since they have a ‘happy hour’ where you can buy a slice of pie for $1.50 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  If you want it alamode it only costs $2.

 Willamette Pie Company 

South Falls

Silver Falls State Park was our next destination.  It is a beautiful park.  It is Oregon’s largest state park, having 9,000 acres which includes a lodge and a conference center.  The park is known for its ten waterfalls and features more than 30 miles of trails.    We were planning on hiking to the South Falls where you can walk behind the 177’ high falls, but when Judy saw how far down the falls were she backed out and Mike walked there and back.  

South Falls

We drove around a little bit and then headed to hike the North Falls which drops 136’.  When we arrived where you walk behind those falls, we realized we had been there on one of our prior trips.  Mike said that hike was more difficult than the one Judy passed up.  Oh well, you can’t win ‘em all!  

 North Falls

 North Falls

 North Falls

Several Steps To Climb Returning From North Falls

There is an 8.7-mile trail passing by and under some of the stunning waterfalls of the north and south forks of the Silver Creek.  It takes you by all 10 waterfalls in the park, but we decided to leave it for younger hikers.  Another enjoyable seven hour day.