6+ Reasons to Plan a Trip to Silverton, Oregon

When most people think of Oregon, they think of its beautiful coastline, the tasty seafood, and the countless microbreweries and wineries which dot the Beaver State’s stunning landscape. However, there’s so much more to discover in Oregon; glimmering cityscapes, cascading waterfalls, remote forests, and hidden adventures.

Located just 15 miles from the state capital of Salem, Silverton is a city that has a history extending all the way back to the mid 19th century and features numerous attractions (making it the perfect destination for a quick day trip). 

Wondering what some of the best things to do in Silverton, Oregon are? We have you covered. In the following section, we provide more than six awesome activities to do, places to see, and things to learn about Silverton. 

You Need to Try the Beer 

Oregon is known for its hundreds (if not thousands) of microbreweries, and Silverton is no exception. One of the best breweries in the surrounding area is the Silver Falls Brewery. 

Open every single day of the week (save for Tuesday), this brewery excels at serving up top-notch beers, food, and fun. If you’re looking for a great place to grab lunch (or dinner), Silver Falls Brewery should be at the top of your list. 

Silver Falls State Park is Breathtaking 

Many people wrongly think that they can’t get some quality outdoors time without traveling deep into the wilderness. However, Silverton is home to the state’s largest state park – Silver Falls State Park (which has over 9,000 acres of beautiful woodlands for you to explore). Oregon is known for its stunning waterfalls, and there are 10 of them within Silver Falls State Park. 

Experience Silverton’s Historic Downtown 

Silverton dates back to the early 1800s, which means that its downtown area has a very storied past (with many local legends, myths, and facts you can learn about during your visit). Several antique shops with numerous interesting artifacts to shop, beautiful murals, and many cute shops, cafes, and restaurants to experience. 

You Can’t-Miss The Oregon Garden 

Silverton is home to an absolutely gorgeous botanical garden called the “Oregon Garden.” The various gardens found within this sprawling botanical gem highlight the natural beauty of Oregon. Both self-guided and tour guide-led tours are available. If you’re stopping by Silverton for a day (or weekend), the Botanical Garden is a “can’t-miss” attraction for you to check out. 

Try the Fabulous Restaurants

There are many restaurants in Silverton, most of which are excellent and feature a wide range of culinary styles. Whether you’re looking for some traditional PNW seafood, or want to go for some new-age cuisine – Silverton has you covered. Pizzas are also in abundance, with several craft pizzerias that serve some of the most unique pies in the PNW. 

Take a Visit to the Gordon House 

The Gordon House is considered an architectural wonder, and one of the finest examples of Usonian architecture in the PNW (and probably the entire US). The building’s designer, Frank Lloyd Wright, rose to prominence in the 20th century and quickly became one of the world’s most sought-after architects. 

Usonian style architecture, as described by Wright himself, aims to get rid of any unnecessary structures/design elements, in order to display minimal beauty. The Gordon House is an excellent example of his design aesthetic and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Travel Across One of Oregon’s Only Covered Bridges

When most people think of covered bridges, their minds most likely go towards New England (e.g. Vermont). It’s true that Oregon isn’t really known for its abundance of covered bridges (unlike New England), but if you’re looking for a fun little trip definitely check out the Gallon House bridge. 

This is an especially good detour to take for kids, especially those in the PNW who might have never seen an actual covered bridge before. Everyone remembers seeing their first covered bridge (okay, well maybe not, but it’s still worth checking out if you’re in the area).

Why You Should Visit Silverton 

Apart from the fact that it’s only 15 miles away from the state capitol, Silverton boasts numerous tourist attractions, so much so that there’s literally something for everyone. Whether you want to sample some of the area’s finest beer, browse the cute shops downtown, or get lost in the woods, Silverton has what you need. Perfect for quick day trips, three-day weekend vacations, or just driving through.