Follow a Footpath into Fall Foliage

October in Oregon wine country is one of the most stunning times to experience the Willamette Valley, with the trees (and grapevines!) put on a spectacular show of reds, oranges, and yellows.  For adventurous visitors, opportunities abound to stroll through many of the wooded areas of our region to take it all in.  

A few of our favorites are below, all within a 15 minute drive of downtown McMinnville (pick up a picnic lunch to take with you, or stop by for a quick bite afterwards!).  Happy Autumn!

Miller Woods Conservation Area
15580 NW Orchard View Rd, McMinnville
(6 mi./13 min. drive from downtown McMinnville)

With over 130 acres to explore, Miller Woods provides opportunities for all ages to experience and enjoy the dynamic wonders of nature, and learn about forestry, wildlife, soils, watershed health, native plants, and the role of people in the landscape.  Located three miles west of McMinnville and available for public hiking (easy, medium, and challenging trails available).  

Reservations may be required depending on the time of year; visit https://yamhillswcd.org/miller-woods/ for more information!  (Note: kids are welcome, but please leave furry friends at home!)

Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey Hiking Trails
9200 NE Abbey Road, Carlton
(8.5 mi./15 min. drive from downtown McMinnville)

The Abbey, located just outside of Carlton, Oregon, is a monastery of Cisterian (Trappist) monks who are devoted to a life of contemplative prayer, manual labor, spiritual study, and hospitality.  Their Forest Hospitality Mission welcomes all guests to a safe and spiritual environment of natural beauty to reflect, pray, heal, and grow.  Miles of forested trails are available to guests, with several viewpoints for those seeking impressive fall foliage.  

More information is available here: https://trappistabbey.org/hiking-trails (Note: kids are welcome with an accompanying adult, but please leave furry friends at home!)

Yamhill Valley Vineyards
16250 SW Oldsville Rd, McMinnville
(6.5 mi./15 min. drive from downtown McMinnville)

Yamhill Valley Vineyards is the oldest winery estate in the McMinnville AVA, a beautiful and sprawling location where you can hike and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and freedom of walking through a growing vineyard. There are two trails to choose from – an easier, flatter trail, and a harder, uphill trail.  Each trail is marked on the map and with colored flags along the trail itself.  The trails are open from 11am – 3pm daily. Check in at the Tasting Room to give the staff a heads up and collect your map.  Check out more here: www.yamhill.com/directions (Note: children & pets are not allowed on the trails!)

If you’d like to relax for a tasting or glass of wine after your hike (highly recommended!), make a reservation in advance and allow for 30-60 minutes of hiking before your reservation time. Yamhill Valley Vineyards accommodates guests in both English and Spanish thanks to Tasting Room Associate, Monica Macias. Please call ahead to confirm she is available. 

Estamos encantados de alojar huéspedes en Inglés y en Español, gracias a nuestra asociada de salas, Monica Macias. Por favor llamar con antelación para confirmar que está disponible.

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