Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our new “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience! We recently checked out The Oregon Garden Resort, a spot ripe for a for a runcation.
First the Running:
Each resort stay comes with free admission to Oregon Garden, so this makes mornings or evenings great times to run within the Garden itself – something that wouldn’t be allowed during paid admission times. Obviously be courteous, but we went for an early morning run and took to some of the empty trails as we overlooked the valley below. It was pretty awesome.
There are actually 4-miles of ADA paths that snake through the grounds, so you will get in some miles in right outside your door. The West Main Street Climb (Strava) will take you from the entrance to the resort. I also created a 1.2 mile paved loop on Strava as well.
However, if you are coming down to Silverton and haven’t ran at Silver Falls State Park (and even if you have), you MUST head up there. You can essentially run the whole 7+ mile Trail of Ten Falls loop and take in all of the waterfalls, including running behind 3. There are more than 25 miles of backcountry trails (much more quiet than the tourist loop) within the large park so you can explore as time allows. Check out a number of Strava segments here.
Though it remains to be seen what the racing situation will look like in the future, Silverton is a small city that historically boasts some really solid races given it’s size.
- Buck Mountain Mudslinger Trail Run (February)
- Silver Falls Marathon weekend (November)
Our Room:
First and foremost, rest assured that the resort is taking COVID-19 seriously. I recommend reading their response to the coronavirus and making decisions based off that. They have started contactless Check-In, electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sterilize high-touch areas in public locations and in the spa, as well as enhanced sanitizing.
The resort has 103 rooms housed inside cottage-style buildings, each complete with fireplaces, living rooms, and private garden patios. Inside, they are furnished with Master Suite Mattresses from Serta, small flat-screen TV, and a microwave and mini-fridge. There are even almost a dozen pet-friendly rooms if you have a four-legged friend in tow.
Refueling:
The Silverton area has some really cool and hip places to eat and drink, as well as multiple breweries (Silver Falls, Ratchet, and the awesomely unique Benedictine Brewery in nearby Mt. Angel). However, there are a few locations right on site – the Garden View Restaurant and Fireside Lounge. The Garden View plays host to the complementary breakfast that guest receive, as well as lunch and dinner – either indoors or outdoors now that warm weather is upon us. You will need a reservation for dinner (or opt for room-service), but it’s worth it for the for locally sourced meals and the views of the valley through large picture windows. The Fireside Lounge is open from 3-10 daily and has started having live music again on Thurs-Sat nights. The seating is well-spaced and their rotating local craft beer selection is quite solid.
Fireside Lounge outside tables
Another great way to refuel is mentally. Surprisingly, the Moonstone Spa is open with various COVID-19 protocols in place. Appointments are required, but man – doesn’t a spa package sound amazing right about now?! My muscles are aching (literally) for a massage and some relaxation and this is a great spot to do that.
Playing:
As I mentioned before, each resort stay comes with free admission to Oregon Garden. If you haven’t been here before, we highly recommend it. With COVID-19 challenges, things aren’t as pristine as they typically are, which is totally fine and understandable. However, there is still a lot of beautiful foliage on the grounds and plenty of outdoor space to just explore. If you have been cooped up inside your home (who hasn’t?) the trails in the garden allow for 80-acres of exploration. I mean, when there are signs apologizing for the condition of the grounds and you STILL get views like these, you know things are just fine:
This summer, they have the Cruise-In Cinema – a drive-in theatre on site. You do not need to have a reservation at the resort to attend, but pre-registration is highly encouraged as they are limiting attendance due to distancing requirements this year. Me and my family went and saw How to Train Your Dragon a few weeks ago and it was a really good time. Food needs to be pre-ordered, but the set-up was quite nice and a safe and fun out-of-the-home adventure for the whole family.
Art in the Garden, an event where local artists showcase their handcrafted pieces, just started about a week and a half ago, and will continue through September. Tunes & Tastings is also starting up on Friday evenings in August. Go here for information for all on-site events including the famed Christmas in the Garden!
The resort pool and hot tub are currently closed due to COVID-19, but will reopen when it is safe again to do so.
Overall:
The Oregon Garden has always been a favorite of ours to walk around in and explore. It’s just a perfect spot to explore alone, with a significant other, or even with kids. Being amidst nature is something that almost always centers me. Staying at the resort really allows for more of that with more time available to spend your days one with nature, and also with some solid amentities sprinkled in as well. This is a gem in the Willamette Valley and should seriously be considered for any runcation!
The Oregon Garden Resort Details:
Address:895 W Main St, Silverton, OR 97381
Phone: (503) 874-2500
Many thanks to the The Oregon Garden for allowing us to check out their property! Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
