Summer temperatures are heating up, and we're looking for ways to cool off around Corvallis and Benton County. Fortunately, we have lots of options! From swimming holes to air conditioned boutiques, ice cream treats to cold craft beers in the shade, there's plenty of ways to beat the heat in and around Corvallis. Check our list below for a few great ideas on cooling off in Corvallis.
Whether you want to cool down during the hot summer days or just hankering for a delicious cold treat, downtown Corvallis has tasty fun flavor choices for you! Find ice cream shops, shaved ice, and more frozen favorites in Corvallis.
With summer temperatures in the 80s and 90s (and sometimes higher) in Corvallis, one thing you're probably looking to do is hit a swimming hole. You're in luck - Corvallis has lots of options! Both the Willamette River and the Marys River wind through town, offering lots of great little spots to jump in, plus we have a pretty awesome water park at the Osborn Aquatic Center.
Marys Peak, the tallest peak in the Coast Range at 4,097 feet, dominates the Corvallis skyline. A gorgeous 30-minute drive from Corvallis along HW-34 will lead you to the peak, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, scenic views, and cooler temperatures.
There's no shortage of fun and adventure to be found at Alsea Falls. Looking to get some hiking or biking done? Maybe you're after a swimming hole or want to do some fishing? Or maybe you just want a beautiful spot to bring the family for a bit of camping or a nice afternoon picnic. Whatever you're in the mood for, you can probably find it at Alsea Falls - along with temperatures that are usually cooler than town, thanks to running water and plenty of shade.
The Riverfront Commemorative Park is usually one of the cooler spots in town, thanks to plenty of shade trees and the breeze off the Willamette River. It's also home to a large splash fountain, which is the perfect place to take the kids to cool off. The Splash Fountain is located in the Helen M. Berg Plaza of the Riverfront Park, at First Street and Jackson Avenue. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through the summer.
Corvallis and Benton County are home to many locally-owned wineries, breweries, and distilleries, and nearly all of them offer cooler, shady spots outdoors or air conditioned tasting rooms where you can enjoy Oregon wine or a cold craft beverage.
Find local wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
When all else fails, head inside to the air conditioning. Downtown Corvallis - and plenty of other favorite spots around Benton County - offers many options to get indoors to cooler air while still having a great time.
Go shopping, visit art galleries, check out the Corvallis Museum or Philomath Museum, and grab lunch or dinner.
Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.