Corvallis, Oregon is tucked neatly between I-5 and the Oregon Coast, making it the perfect stop for a break on your drive out to the Oregon Coast. Spend a couple of hours to grab a bite to eat and get a bit of exercise - there's plenty to do and see as you explore town.
Peavy Arboretum is a gorgeous part of the OSU Research Forests that includes McDonald-Dunn Forest. The Arboretum offers shorter, easier hikes on mostly flat, mostly graveled paths through beautiful forested land. You'll find identification sings for trees and plants as you stroll, as well as a grove of giant sequoias, and Randal Pond, where you can watch for aquatic life. Peavy Arboretum also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching. There are more than 11 miles of trails altogether in Peavy Arboretum, but they're broken up into looping sections, so you can make your walk as long or as short as you'd like.
After a walk through the woods you'll be pretty hungry, and one great place for lunch is the Biere Library. One of our newer restaurants, the Biere Library's menu is inspired by the beer and cuisine of Belgium, and the decor brings to mind a cozy and welcoming library. We suggest the Croque Monsieur, a toasted ham and Gruyere sandwich with mustard and bechamel, with the house-made paprika chips. Delicious!
Once you've eaten and stretched your legs, it's easy to hop back on the road and continue out to the coast. From the Biere Library, just head south on 1st Street to Madison Avenue, turn right and head west to 4th Street (99W), and head south a few blocks to enter onto the Corvallis-Newport Highway. From there you can enjoy a quick drive through Philomath and choose to head to the Pacific Coast on either HW20 or HW34. HW20 is a beautiful drive, but if you have a little extra time, we recommend taking HW34, also known as the Marys Peak to Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. It's a lovely, twisting drive full of excellent sightseeing opportunities.
The Biere Library is a craft beer bar and restaurant serving Corvallis, Oregon. Inspired by the beer and cuisine of Belgium, The Biere Library explores the relationship between beer and food in an environment reminiscent of a comfortable library.
Find the Biere Library at 151 NW Monroe Avenue in Corvallis (map). It's open 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and closed Tuesday. Visit www.TheBiereLibrary.com to learn more.
Peavy Arboretum is perfect for shorter, easier hikes, and also provides access into the greater trail system in McDonald-Dunn Forest for those interested in more challenging hikes. The Arboretum hosts trailheads and walking paths open to the public, and the George Brown Logging Sports Arena. Enjoy strolls through giant sequoias and western red cedars.
Peavy Arboretum is located on NW Peavy Arboretum Road, north of Corvallis off 99W (map). Learn more about it at cf.forestry.oregonstate.edu.
Featured photo by Reed Lane Photography. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
