The Willamette Valley & Wine Country - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 497

mer. Picnic grounds, gift shops and food services are also available. Opening hours vary
widely so check the website for details.
Oregon Garden GARDENS
( 503-874-8100; www.oregongarden.org ; 879 W Main St; adult/student 12-17yr $11/8;
9am-6pm) Plant-lovers shouldn't miss this garden, located 15 miles east of Salem outside
Silverton. Over 20 specialty gardens are showcased on 80 acres, including a Northwest
plant collection, miniature conifer section, children's garden and even a pet-friendly
garden. There are 5 miles of walking trails, with a tram for those with mobility issues.
Plenty of events take place, including classes, lectures and outdoor summer concerts.
Opening hours and admission prices vary year-round. A large hotel resort is also on the
premises, with wedding and conference facilities.
Gordon House HISTORIC BUILDING
( 503-874-6066; www.thegordonhouse.org ; 869 W Main St; tours $10) Next to the Oregon
Garden is Gordon House, the only building in Oregon designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
It was built in 1964 and moved to its present location in 2002. Call ahead for tours as
opening hours/days vary.
Mount Angel TOWN
The little town of Mount Angel, with its Bavarian-style storefronts and lovely abbey, is
like an old-world holdover in the Oregon countryside. Visit in mid- to late September,
during Oktoberfest ( www.oktoberfest.org ) , for maximum effect; thousands show up for the
music, beer and dances. Gothic-like St Mary Parish Church (1910) is worth a visit for
its mural-covered walls.
Open to everyone, the Mount Angel Abbey ( 503-845-3030;
www.mountangelabbey.org ; 1 Abbey Dr) is a delightful Benedictine monastery on grassy
grounds set atop a hill that overlooks town. There's a modernist library designed by Fin-
nish architect Alvar Aalto, plus a quirky museum featuring a 2.5lb pig hairball and de-
formed calves (among other amazing taxidermy). Lodging is available to those seeking a
spiritual retreat.
Mount Angel is 18 miles northeast of Salem on Hwy 214.
Silver Falls State Park PARK
( 503-873-8681; day-use fee $5, tent sites/RV sites/cabins $19/24/39) Oregon's largest state
park, Silver Falls, 26 miles east of Salem on Hwy 214, is an easy day trip from Portland,
Salem and Eugene. It offers camping, swimming, picnicking, and bicycle and horseback