Pack a basket and head outdoors - Corvallis is full of beautiful parks and natural areas that make great spots for a picnic. You can find one around just about every corner in town.
Finding supplies for your picnic is pretty easy - First Alternative Co-op is a good spot to stop for supplies, with locations in South Corvallis and near the middle of town. Market of Choice, located near 9th Street and Circle, is a good stop for fancier items like upscale cheeses, and New Morning Bakery, in downtown Corvallis, is the perfect spot to pick up tasty baked goods for your picnics.
One of the best spots to get supplied for an amazing picnic is the Corvallis Farmers Market. There you'll find all the local, seasonal fruits and vegetables you could possibly want, along with cheeses, meats, baked goods, and other fantastic treats.
Below you'll find four suggestions that make excellent picnic spots here in Corvallis, but if you're looking to get farther afield, be sure to add Marys Peak and the Alsea Falls Recreational Site to the list. Both places offer excellent scenery and plenty of picnic-perfect amenities to enjoy.
Along with five picnic shelters, Avery Park also has lots of wide open green spaces where you can lay down a blanket or table cloth and spread out a picnic.
There are lots of kid-friendly spaces at Avery Park, including a couple of playgrounds as well as the famous "dinosaur bones" climbing sculpture and the Georgia-Pacific train engine. Explore the Rose Garden, enjoy a long walk around the park, dive in at the swimming hole behind the Parks & Rec office, and more.
Avery Park is a great spot for families to enjoy a picnic.
Bald Hill is an excellent spot to visit if you want the option to walk off your picnic lunch after eating. With several hiking trails to choose from, and some great views as a reward for your hikes, you'll find lots to enjoy at Bald Hill.
Bald Hill Natural Area is dog-friendly, and in parts of the park you can even let your dog off leash, so if you have a furry friend with you, this is a great choice.
A good spot to have your picnic is the Bald Hill barn, a rustic old structure a short walk and just a bit uphill from the Oak Creek Drive entrance. There's no picnic tables at the barn, though, so be sure to bring a picnic cloth with you.
Chip Ross Park is a good choice for serious hikers and bikers since it connects to the Lower Dan's Trail, which will take you into McDonald Forest. This park is also horse- and dog-friendly (on and off leash), making it a good option for those with four-footed friends who need some exercise.
There's a variety of trails to choose from if you're in a wandering mood, ranging from easy to moderate difficulties, and you'll find picnic tables to use for your picnic at the Lester Avenue trailhead.
Corvallis' Riverfront Commemorative Park is another good spot for families. Here you'll find play structures, a splash park (during the summer), access to a skate park at the southern end of the park, access to the Willamette River at the north end of the park, and you're right downtown where you can find museums, shopping, art galleries, and more.
The Riverfront Park offers several picnic spots with tables, as well as some open, grassy areas where you can spread a blanket. The park is dog-friendly (on leash only) and right near the downtown fenced dog park, so it's a perfect spot to bring the whole family for a fun afternoon picnic.
Featured photo by Reed Lane Photography. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
