Centrally located in the Willamette Valley and right between I5 and the Coast Range, Corvallis makes a great pit stop on a long drive, particularly if you're on your way to the Oregon coast. If you're hunting for a place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat on your long drive, Corvallis is the perfect stop.
South Corvallis is home to Willamette Park, a sweeping natural area filled with jogging and walking paths, along with a multi-modal paved path that runs the length of the park. There's also a picnic shelter, a playground, soccer fields, open meadows and more to enjoy, and the park is dog-friendly, too. Willamette Park is the perfect place for views of the beautiful Willamette River. You'll find plenty of pretty scenery to enjoy while you stroll.
Magenta Restaurant, a staple of downtown Corvallis, is a great place to get lunch after your walk. They're known for their impressive menu of South East Asian street foods, as well as their amazing entrees which can easily accommodate vegetarians. They're also home to some fantastic cocktails, and they have indoor and outdoor dining options. Their pupu platters and Laotian tacos are particularly excellent.
After eating and getting a little exercise, it's easy to get back on your way to the Pacific Ocean. From Magenta, just head south on Second Street and turn left on Madison Avenue. Follow Madison Avenue to Fourth Street and head south again to the overpass. Veer right to enter the Corvallis-Newport Highway, and you're on your way towards Philomath and a choice between HW-20 or HW-34. Both routes will take you to the coast, and both are lovely drives.
The Corvallis-Newport Highway (HW-20) is the faster route, but if you've got the extra time, we recommend taking HW-34, also known as the Marys Peak to Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. There's some excellent sightseeing opportunities and pit stops on this beautiful drive.
Magenta Restaurant introduced Asian fusion to Corvallis in 1998. Proprietor and Executive Chef Kimber Hoang has extensive knowledge of the delicious melodies of tastes and textures from around the world through hands on experiences during her travels. These flavors are introduced at her restaurants.
Magenta is located at 137 SW Second Street in downtown Corvallis. They're open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., for lunch; and Sunday through Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. for dinner.
Learn more at MagentaRestaurant.com.
Willamette Park is Corvallis' largest park at 287 acres and features natural areas, open meadows, soccer fields, a disc golf course, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a community garden, jogging and walking paths, and more. The park is best known for its Willamette River views and access, as well as for being dog friendly. Most of the park allows off leash dogs, although some areas, such as the sports fields and playground, require your dogs to be on leash.
Willamette Park and Natural Area is located at 1350 SE Goodnight Avenue in South Corvallis.
Featured Photo: Willamette Park, by Lainey Morse. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
