Forests and lakes and natural beauty, oh my! It’s as if you can feel the call of the wild in Marion County, as its captivating blend of diverse landscapes and abundant natural wonders provides ample opportunity for exhilarating outdoor adventures. Adventurers can’t help but be beckoned by the call, and we’ve got all the details on these exciting outdoor activities you won’t want to miss out on!
Have Fun on the Water at Detroit Lake Marina
115 Breitenbush Road, Detroit
503.854.3423
If you’re looking to cool off during your outdoor adventures, there’s no better place to play on the water than Detroit Lake Marina! The full-service marina offers every amenity you could need to spend a day on the lake. Their small store on the dock provides cold drinks, snacks, and basic supplies for both boating and fishing, but that’s not all! It’s also where all the magic on the water happens. Here, you can also check out their many available options for boat rentals, including pleasure pontoons, ski boats, fishing pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for some stand-up paddle boarding. That’s a lot of watercraft fun, so head on over — the water’s fine!
Reach for the Sky with Balloon Flying Service of Oregon
2315 Pringle Road SE, Salem
503.363.9799
Take flight during your Marion County outdoor adventure with the help of Balloon Flying Service of Oregon. Since 1989 they’ve been providing daily scenic hot air balloon rides over the cities of Salem and Keizer, weather permitting. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience and quite the adventure in the oldest form of air transportation known to man, with the first hot air balloon taking flight all the way back on November 21, 1783!
Visit the Magical World of the Enchanted Forest
8462 Enchanted Way SE, Turner
503.363.3060
If you ever wanted to step into a real-life fairytale for fun and adventure like your favorite heroes, you’ll definitely want to visit the Enchanted Forest! Created by Roger Tofte after realizing there was very little for a family to enjoy together in Salem in the 1960s, he put his creative skillset as a craftsman and artist to use to make this fantastic theme park.
The project wasn’t without its challenges, as Roger had little money at the time, and he was relentlessly teased and doubted by friends and neighbors alike during the initial years of his journey. Still, Roger was determined to make this dream a reality, and on August 8, 1971, the park opened for its first day charging only one dollar for adult admission and fifty cents for kids. Though the first day they only had 75 visitors, the next day, they were greeted by 1,000 happy faces ready to explore Storybook Trail and the rest of the park.
Today guests are still invited to come out and live their wildest fairytale at the Enchanted Forest, with many excellent additions that have been added over the years. Guests can enjoy awesome rides, unique attractions, tasty food options, and even face painting for the kiddos! Open every weekend, and it’s a fantastic adventure for the whole family!
Relax and Unwind at Breitenbush Hot Springs
53000 Breitenbush Road SE, Detroit
Nestled within the Willamette National Forest are some steamy outdoor adventure activities that you’ll find oh-so relaxing. Breitenbush Hot Springs is a unique and magical place where you can truly unwind and disconnect as they are intentionally disconnected from Wi-Fi and cell service. Join them for a day of relaxation and renewal, or plan a personal retreat so that you may deepen the experience at your own pace with their overnight stay options. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Cascade Mountains at this tranquil retreat, where visitors can soak in all-natural hot springs, explore the surrounding forested landscapes, and indulge in various wellness activities such as personal massages.
Take on New Heights with Tree Climbing at Silver Falls
20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity
206.914.8613
Branch out from your typical day-to-day adventures and take on new heights with the help of Tree Climbing at Silver Falls. Here, you’ll get up close and personal with some of the largest and rarest trees in the world at the only place you can, as Silver Falls is the only tour operator in the United States with government-permitted access to guide participants through this tree-climbing experience. And these aren’t anything like the trees in your own backyard — we’re talking trees as high as 200 to 300 feet! It’s a high-rising adventure and one that is truly a unique climbing activity that lets you explore beautiful ancient forests in a fun and educational ecotour-type experience. And after all, when you’re looking for adventure, you should never settle for ordinary but instead set your heights on the adventure of a lifetime, which less than .001% of the population has done!
Take a Stroll Through Oregon Garden
879 W Main Street, Silverton
503.874.4294
If you’re looking to spend your outdoor adventure surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the region, then head on over to the stunning botanical garden, The Oregon Garden. Here, adventure seekers will discover 20 specialty gardens within its 80 acres that showcase the diverse botanical beauty of the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest. These gardens have been designed to delight every interest, from their Pet-Friendly Garden to Rose Garden and even a Children’s Garden specially made for the kiddos. Stop by their scrumptious café before heading out to explore, and don’t forget to stop by their gift shop or retail nursery before you go so you can take a little something home from your journey!
