The generally accepted boundaries of the broad, fertile Willamette Valley are the Columbia River in the north & the Calapooya Mountains south of Eugene. I-5 runs down the center of the valley which is 100 miles long & 60 miles wide. The valley's rich soils, long growing season, moderate temperatures, & ample rainfall contribute to its agricultural abundance which includes orchards & vineyards.

Although we did add a sightseeing return trip up the Oregon Coast, the original purpose of this Sept/04 trip was to look ... (more)