Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, Corvallis’ Hazelnut Trail promises a memorable, hands-on adventure in the heart of hazelnut country. Wander through charming orchards, sample locally crafted hazelnut treats, and taste inventive dishes featuring this beloved ingredient. Oregon State University’s world-class hazelnut breeding program and research propels the Willamette Valley to the forefront of global hazelnut production, so this trail offers more than just flavors—it’s an experience.
Start your hazelnut journey with a relaxing evening after checking in to your accommodation of choice. For dinner, head to Del Alma for a sophisticated introduction to local flavors. Located downtown along the riverfront, this restaurant infuses the flavors of Latin America with ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Don’t miss the Spiced Hazelnuts on their bar menu or treat yourself to a main course accented by the nut in delightful ways.
If you prefer a cozier, more intimate setting, go to Corazón in the heart of downtown, where you can delight in a curated wine experience alongside small plates of tapas, charcuterie, and their signature Chef’s Dinner Service which seasonally includes hazelnuts.
Begin your morning with a stop at Coffee Culture Downtown, where you can enjoy a chocolate and hazelnut scone with a warm hazelnut latte. Like the milk in your coffee a little nutty? Greenhouse Coffee + Plants offers macadamia or almond milks. Up the nuttiness with a shot of organic hazelnut syrup! It's the perfect way to fuel up for your day.
On Saturdays at the Corvallis Farmers Market you’ll be able to meet the owners of Filberts R Us, a local hazelnut farm that offers homemade roasted, spicy, and chocolate-covered hazelnuts. Grab a bag for snacking while exploring the market.
Before lunch, stop by Oregon Coffee & Tea. Of their over 300 teas, the most popular are the hazelnut-blend teas Mocha Hazelnut and Hazelnut Black, which you can try as a hot tea made at the store or as a souvenir for a cozy drink at home. This family-owned shop carries a wide variety of Oregon-made products, including hazelnut snacks.
Head across the street for lunch to Squirrel's Tavern, a friendly pub adored by locals for its burgers and wide selection of beers. Sip on Rogue’s Hazelnut Brown Nectar, a nutty twist on a European brown ale beer with an aroma of hazelnuts followed by hints of brown sugar and milk chocolate.
After lunch, head to east Corvallis for a scenic drive to Peoria Road Farm Market, open mid-April to early November, to pick up some Hazelnut Hill candied snacks varieties, or in-shell hazelnuts - available during the Fall harvest season. As a bonus, while driving to the Market, the field on the left, labeled “Oregon State University Lewis-Brown Farm,” take a look at the variety of hazelnut trees growing there as part of the research the college and the USDA have been conducting for years. Note, please be careful as there are no pull-over areas and it is a somewhat busy road!
With a 5:00 p.m. closing time, you may want to pick up dessert before dinner with a stop at Burst's Chocolates. Pick up some Hazelnut Beavers, their caramel covered clusters available in milk or dark chocolate, or a package of Hazelnut Brittle. This is also a sweet stop for a custom gourmet gift.
For dinner, go a block west to Castor Kitchen + Bar, a farm-to-table restaurant with a southern flair. The Chef, who uses locally sourced ingredients, suggests their year-round staples which include hazelnuts - The Castor Board (meat and cheese plate) and Shrimp & Grits. She also recommends you check the menu or ask your server for seasonal entrees flavored with hazelnuts.
On your final day, start your morning with a hazelnut latte and potentially a pastry made with hazelnuts at Bodhi Bistro on 1st Street or Bodhi Cafe & Bakery on 2nd Street. From there, drive south to First Alternative Natural Foods Co-Op South to stock up on organic bulk hazelnuts or grab a trail mix blend, “Hummingbird Hazel Munch,” which are perfect as part of a picnic lunch from their deli or as a self-created tapas for your next stop.
If your adventure finds you traveling during a weekend in May to November, then continue south to Tyee Wine Cellars where you’ll find yourself among 30 acres of hazelnut groves. After a tasting, pick a bottle or glass of Tyee wine and enjoy your picnic. Take a peaceful hike along the Beaver Pond Loop Trail, where you’ll walk among mature hazelnut trees, surrounded by 200 acres of certified wildlife habitat.
For your final dinner, savor a relaxing meal at Block 15 Brewery & Tap Room where you can enjoy views of Marys Peak while munching on appetizers and seasonal special dishes which incorporate hazelnuts, paired with locally brewed craft beers.
Corvallis’ Hazelnut Trail combines delicious flavors, scenic stops, and local charm into an unforgettable getaway. We hope that you pick up some treasures to bring back home to rekindle memories of your adventures or to share with your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your experience by tagging Visit Corvallis on social—we’d love to feature your photos!
Article by Stacey Newman Weldon. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
