The Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley is home to some of the most fertile and productive farmland in the world, a number of growing green industries, picturesque waterfalls and Oregon’s largest universities.

The state capitol, Salem, Oregon, is located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The dome of the capitol building, built in 1938 after the previous capitol was burned in a fire, is topped by the “Oregon Pioneer” and boasts the first solar panels ever installed on a state capitol. Salem is also the home to Willamette University, the oldest university in the Western United States.

University of Oregon and Oregon State University are located in the Willamette Valley, in Eugene and Corvallis respectively, producing distinguished graduates every year as well as a friendly rivalry between the “Ducks” and “Beavers”.

The region is also ripe with innovation, including advances in green technology. Numerous companies are leading the way by producing bio-fuels using local products, synthetic diesel fuel and advancing solar energy.

The Willamette Valley is a huge agriculture producing region in Oregon. Products include various vegetables, berries, grass seed, hops. The region also produces the most hazelnuts of any area in North America. The Willamette Valley is also home to over 200 wineries and is quickly becoming known for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir in the world.