Oregon’s Willamette Valley at Your Fingertips in Jefferson

Oregon produces most of America’s peppermint and that crop grows best in the mild climate of the Willamette Valley. Jefferson, which began as a ferry crossing on the Santiam River in 1851, rests approximately in the center of the fertile valley and proudly proclaimed itself the “Mint Capital of the World.”

Planning a visit? Stay at Emerald Valley RV Park.

Jefferson’s central location also makes it a short hop to the state capital of Salem to the north and the Victorian charm of Albany to the south. A little extra time on Interstate 5 in either direction makes Portland and Eugene easy day trips.

Tracing the North Santiam River to the east into the Cascade Mountains leads to Detroit Lake, a manmade reservoir that fills North Santiam Canyon. One of 32 lakes federally designated for recreation, the nine-mile long body of water offers boating, swimming and year-round fishing for trout, salmon and bullhead catfish.

It’s also in the center of Oregon’s win country, and visitors to Jefferson can explore the many wineries that dot the Willamette Valley.

Oregon has the largest collection of wooden covered bridges in the West and a half-dozen cross the streams to the east of Jefferson. The classic bridges can easily be toured in a few hours—depending on the time spent for picnics and photographs.