10 Easy Road Trips From Albany, Oregon: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Linn County
If you live in Albany, Oregon (in
Linn County) and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in a great spot. In pretty much every direction, there’s something worth exploring in the nearby counties of Benton, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Marion, and Polk.
All the trips below are
outside Linn County, and most are within a 30-minute to 2.5-hour drive. Perfect for a Saturday adventure, a lazy Sunday drive, or a quick overnight getaway.
1. Corvallis, Benton County – Riverfront Strolls & College-Town Vibes
Corvallis is just across the river from Albany, but it’s in
Benton County, so it still counts as “out of county.” It’s an easy drive, usually around 20–30 minutes, depending on where you start.
Why go: Corvallis blends small-town charm with college-town energy thanks to Oregon State University. It’s relaxed, walkable, and has a classic Northwest feel.
Things to do near Corvallis:
- Stroll the Willamette Riverfront: Walk the paved paths, grab a coffee, and watch the boats drift by.
- Explore downtown Corvallis: Check out local shops, bookstores, and cafes around 2nd and Madison.
- Bald Hill Natural Area: Easy-to-moderate hiking trails with grassy hills and great sunset views.
- Visit Oregon State University: Wander the campus, see the brick buildings, and catch a game if you time it right.
If you like the feel of a laid-back college town, this is one of the easiest
road trips from Albany, Oregon you can take.
2. Marys Peak, Benton County – Big Views From the Coast Range
Looking for mountain views without heading to the Cascades?
Marys Peak, the highest point in the Oregon Coast Range, is calling. From Albany, it’s usually about a 1.5-hour drive, depending on conditions.
Why go: On a clear day, you can see the Pacific Ocean in one direction and the Cascades in the other. It’s one of the most scenic places near Albany.
What to do at Marys Peak:
- Drive to the upper trailhead: The road takes you most of the way up; from there it’s a short hike to the top.
- Hike the summit trail: Gentle but steady climb, with wildflowers in late spring and early summer.
- Pack a picnic: Sprawl out on the grassy meadows and just soak in the view.
If you’ve ever wondered where to find those classic “rolling meadow on a mountaintop” photos near Albany, this is it.
3. Salem, Marion County – Capitol City Day Trip
About 25–35 minutes north of Albany sits
Salem, the capital of Oregon, in
Marion County. It makes a surprisingly easy and fun day trip.
Why go: Salem has a mix of history, gardens, and riverfront paths, all within a short drive.
Things to do in Salem:
- Oregon State Capitol: Walk the grounds, check out the building, and see the gold pioneer statue on top.
- Riverfront Park: Flat paved paths, playgrounds, and the famous carousel. Nice spot to stretch your legs.
- Bush’s Pasture Park: A local favorite with big lawns, walking paths, and seasonal rose gardens.
- Downtown Salem: Cafes, breweries, and antique shops – perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
If you’re looking for
things to do near Albany, Oregon that work for all ages, Salem is an easy win.
4. Silver Falls State Park, Marion County – The Trail of Ten Falls
If you only pick one waterfall trip from Albany, make it
Silver Falls State Park, often called the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system. It’s about an hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from Albany, depending on your route.
Why go: You can hike behind some of the waterfalls. Yes, actually behind them.
Highlights:
- Trail of Ten Falls: A loop of about 7–8 miles that takes you past (and sometimes behind) multiple waterfalls.
- Shorter waterfall walks: Don’t want to hike that far? You can do short out-and-back walks to a few of the main falls.
- Picnic areas: Shady tables, lots of grass, and space for kids to run around.
Bring a light jacket – even in summer, the mist from the waterfalls can feel cool.
5. Independence & Monmouth, Polk County – Small-Town Oregon Wine Country
Head northwest from Albany and you’ll reach the neighboring towns of
Independence and
Monmouth in
Polk County. Both are about 35–45 minutes away, depending on traffic and route.
Why go: These towns have a classic small-town feel, plus they sit right in the middle of some lovely Willamette Valley wine country.
Things to do:
- Independence Riverview Park: Walk the path along the Willamette River and check out the historic downtown.
- Local wineries and tasting rooms: Plenty of options nearby for Pinot Noir lovers.
- Monmouth’s college vibe: Home to Western Oregon University, with a cozy downtown and casual dining spots.
If you like relaxed drives through farmland and vineyards, this is an easy add to your list of
day trips from Albany.
6. Eugene, Lane County – Arts, Trails, and Ducks Country
About 45 minutes to an hour south of Albany, you’ll hit
Eugene in
Lane County. It’s a bigger city with a creative, outdoorsy feel.
Why go: Eugene combines nature, food, and arts in a way that’s very “Oregon.”
Things to do in Eugene:
- Walk or bike the river paths: The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System along the Willamette is long, flat, and scenic.
- Explore downtown & the 5th Street Public Market area: Boutiques, local food, and often live music.
- University of Oregon campus: Check out Autzen Stadium from the outside, wander the leafy campus, and visit the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art if you like galleries.
- Skinner Butte: A quick drive or hike to a viewpoint looking over the whole city.
If you want more of a “city day” without going all the way to Portland, Eugene is a solid choice.
7. Oregon Coast via Newport, Benton/Lincoln Route – Ocean Air in About 90 Minutes
While Newport itself is in Lincoln County, one of the easiest ways to get there from Albany is to pass through
Benton County (often via Corvallis and Highway 20). That makes it a natural addition to this list of road trips near Albany.
From Albany, it’s roughly 1.5 hours to the coast, give or take.
Why go: Sometimes you just need salt air, crashing waves, and a bowl of clam chowder.
Coastal things to do (via the Benton County route):
- Stop in Corvallis on the way: Grab coffee or snacks before heading up into the Coast Range.
- Newport’s beaches: Nye Beach and Agate Beach are classic sandy stretches for walking and playing.
- Yaquina Bayfront: Watch fishing boats, wander the docks, and check out the sea lions.
- Lighthouses: Yaquina Head is one of the most photogenic spots on the Oregon Coast.
This is one of those trips where the drive itself – winding through forests and over hills – is half the fun.
8. Bend, Deschutes County – High Desert Escape
If you’re ready for a slightly longer road trip, head over the Cascades to
Bend in
Deschutes County. From Albany, plan on about 2.5 to 3 hours by car, depending on weather and route.
Why go: Bend mixes sunshine, outdoor adventure, and craft beer in a high-desert setting. It feels very different from the Willamette Valley.
Things to do in Bend:
- Walk the Deschutes River Trail: Easy paths with mountain views and river scenery.
- Old Mill District: Shopping, restaurants, and easy river access.
- Breweries: Bend is famous for its craft beer scene – there’s a brewery on what feels like every corner.
- Float the river in summer: Rent a tube or kayak and drift through town.
If you like sunshine, pine trees, and mountains, Bend makes a great weekend trip from Albany.
9. Smith Rock State Park, Jefferson County – Oregon’s Mini “Grand Canyon”
Not far from Bend, in
Jefferson County, you’ll find
Smith Rock State Park. From Albany, plan for roughly 2.5 to 3 hours of driving, often combined with a Bend visit.
Why go: Smith Rock is a favorite with rock climbers, but you don’t need to climb to enjoy it. Sheer rock walls rise over the Crooked River, and the whole place looks like it belongs in a western movie.
What to do at Smith Rock:
- Walk the River Trail: A more gentle option that follows the river with constant views of the cliffs.
- Misery Ridge (for a challenge): Steep, but the payoff at the top is huge – wide-open views for miles.
- Wildlife spotting: Look for golden eagles, hawks, and sometimes river otters.
If you’ve been craving dramatic scenery on your
Oregon road trips, this one checks the box.
10. Sweet Creek Falls & Mapleton Area, Lane County – Mossy, Green Waterfall Wonderland
In western
Lane County, near the little town of Mapleton, lies
Sweet Creek Falls. From Albany, expect about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, often heading south through Eugene and then west.
Why go: If you love lush, mossy forests and creekside walks, this area is a dream.
Things to do:
- Hike Sweet Creek Trail: A relatively easy trail that follows the creek past multiple small waterfalls and cascades.
- Take your time: There are several trailheads, so you can choose a shorter or longer walk.
- Combine with a coast run: If you still have energy, keep going west toward Florence and the dunes.
This is one of those hidden-gem style day trips from Albany that many people skip, but it’s absolutely worth the drive.
Tips for Planning Your Albany, Oregon Road Trips
To make the most of these
short trips from Albany, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check road and weather conditions: Especially in winter or early spring when you’re heading over mountain passes.
- Pack layers: You might start in mild weather in Albany and end up in wind, rain, or bright sun somewhere else.
- Bring snacks and water: Some of these spots are a bit rural, and stores can be spread out.
- Start early for popular spots: Places like Silver Falls, Bend, and Smith Rock can get busy on weekends.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourself:
Do I want waterfalls, mountains, small towns, or city energy today?
Your answer will pretty much point you to the right county.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Albany?
Living in or near Albany, Oregon means you’re surrounded by options: waterfalls in
Marion County, wine country in
Polk County, college towns in
Benton and
Lane County, and high-desert adventures in
Deschutes and
Jefferson County.
Have you done any of these
Albany day trips or weekend getaways yet?
- Which one is your favorite?
- Did I miss a must-see spot in these nearby counties?
Scroll down and share your experiences in the comments – your tips might help someone else plan their next escape from Albany.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or anyone looking for easy road trip ideas from Albany, Oregon. The more we share local ideas, the more we all get out to explore.
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