Learn a New Skill in the Willamette Valley Outdoors
The outdoors is a big part of what makes the Willamette Valley so special. Across our beautiful region, you’ll find crystal-clear rivers and streams for prolific fly-fishing, winding rivers perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and some of the world’s top trails for mountain biking through old-growth forests.
If you’d like to enjoy some of those iconic activities—but aren’t sure where to start—plenty of outfitters offer lessons, clinics, and classes for a variety of adventures. So in addition to paddling or mountain biking, you can even learn to climb a tree or make maple syrup while you’re here.
Feeling inspired and ready to try something new? Here are a few ideas for learning a new skill on your next trip. Hopefully, they deepen your connection with, and appreciation of, the outdoor beauty of the Willamette Valley.
Cast a Line Fly-Fishing on the McKenzie River
The spring-fed McKenzie River begins high in the Cascade Range before winding roughly 90 miles through lava flows and towering stands of Douglas fir—eventually emptying into the Willamette River near Eugene and Springfield.
With such beautiful surroundings, emerald waters, and rich diversity of fish species, one of the area’s top activities is fly-fishing on the McKenzie River. Best of all: A number of friendly outfitters help you get started with the right gear, insight, tips, and resources for a relaxing, yet productive day on the water. In many cases, you’ll test your new skills on a McKenzie River drift boat—a specially designed vessel crafted to navigate the waterway’s rapids and winding course.
The Helfrich family has been fishing the McKenzie since 1925 and, today, A Helfrich Outfitter takes anglers out to fish for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout—the latter often nicknamed “McKenzie River redsides.” McKenzie River Fishing Guides & Rafting Tours, meanwhile, leads half- and full-day outings on drift boats, as well as occasional workshops to show budding fishers the ropes. Learn more about outdoor activities on the McKenzie River.
Scamper Up a Tree in Silver Falls State Park
Do you ever wonder what the views are like from atop the forest canopy in natural spaces like Silver Falls State Park? Wonder no more: Tree Climbing at Silver Falls invites you to climb up the park’s Douglas fir trees for some of the best views near Salem.
The outfitter starts with brief training and a vital safety overview before the real fun begins. Each ascent includes 200 to 300 feet of climbing—you're harnessed the whole time—and impressive views from the turnaround point. Options with Tree Climbing at Silver Falls include half-day climbs, sunset outings, and even an overnight Tree Camping excursion that invites climbers to spend the night in a hammock up to 280 feet above the forest floor—the only experience of its kind in the nation. For more inspiration, check out our round-up of things to do at Silver Falls State Park.
Try Your Hand at Bigleaf Maple Sugaring
Every autumn, bigleaf maple trees around the Willamette Valley turn resplendent shades of orange, red, and yellow—bringing vibrant pops of color to the region’s forests. The rest of the year, those trees are busy producing sap that can be turned into a sweet, hearty syrup.
To see how it’s done—and pitch in yourself—sign up for a seasonal bigleaf maple sugaring workshop through Oregon Maple Project. For a small fee, the educational nonprofit takes visitors into the forest at Camp Colton, in the foothills of Mount Hood, for an overview of how maple syrup is made. Along the way, visitors can learn about the history and science of making maple syrup, help collect sap, and assist with other activities. To extend your stay, see what makes Camp Colton one of the Willamette Valley’s top mountain getaways.
Get on the Water for a Relaxing Paddle
The 187-mile-long Willamette Water Trail winds through the heart of the Willamette Valley, and smaller channels, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs can be found throughout the region. If you’d like to get on the water, no matter the craft you’re comfortable in, connect with a local outfitter for paddling basics on the Willamette River.
Near Eugene, Oregon Paddle Sports leads full-day, beginner-friendly clinics, an introductory course to navigating moving waterways, and private lessons for individuals and small groups; once you’re comfortable on the water, the outfitter also offers rentals. If you’re comfortable on a kayak but would love for an expert to show you around, book a guided trip with Oregon Kayak Tours. While you’re here, extend your stay with locally sourced food and outdoor activities around Eugene.
Hop in the Saddle for a Mountain Biking Adventure
Whoever coined the phrase “as easy as riding a bike” had clearly never been mountain biking. All over the Willamette Valley, mountain bike trails wind through lush forests, navigate obstacles, and lead to sweeping viewpoints. Anyone with the right ride and a little know-how can tackle those trails, but having an outfitter lend a helping hand can improve the experience and create a more fun time.
East of Eugene, Oakridge and Westfir are mountain bike hubs in the Cascade Range. Local outfitter Cog Wild offers private and group lessons to help build skills and improve confidence—all led by certified coaches with years of insight and expertise. Around Corvallis, expert coaches with Peak Bike & Outdoor provide custom lessons tailored to your skillset—and can offer tips on the fundamentals, cornering, and navigating technical terrain. Learn more about mountain bike rentals, rides, shuttles, and more around the Willamette Valley.
