Situated between the Cascade and Coastal mountain ranges in Oregon is the area known as
scenic Willamette Valley wine area that offers beauty akin to Napa but with less crowd congestion
— home to Portland, more than 700 wineries, and a quaint escape reminiscent of the German Alps. Situated approximately 50 minutes south of Portland along Interstate 5 lies Mount Angel, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually for its renowned Oktoberfest. Throughout the year, people also come here to admire the town’s Bavarian-style buildings, enjoy authentic German cuisine, and visit a Benedictine monastery known for brewing traditional European beers.
Reaching Mount Angel by car is straightforward and serves as an excellent pitstop when touring the North Willamette Valley vineyards or making a day excursion from Portland. Although officially classified as a city, Mount Angel is quite tiny, hence accommodations here are scarce with no conventional hotels or motels available; however, you might find rental spaces at the White Corner Inn through Airbnb. For more lodging choices ranging from hotels to resorts, consider nearby towns like Woodburn, Salem, or Silverton.
Woodburn makes for an excellent destination for both shopping and enjoying outdoor activities.
for an experience tied to your Mt. Angel visit.
From May to September, you can enjoy milder weather and escape the wet season typical of the Pacific Northwest. Even during winter, temperatures remain fairly moderate with very little snow accumulation. The peak warmth occurs in July and August when daily highs average around 85 degrees Fahrenheit; however, evenings stay quite chilly but comfortable at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Although Mount Angel is most famous for hosting Oktoberfest, an event that temporarily increases the town’s population from around 3,000 to 350,000 during four days filled with food, drinks, and dancing every September, this German-themed allure can be enjoyed all year round. The town features a glockenspiel—a large version of a cuckoo clock—that performs hourly, featuring wooden figurines depicting scenes from the area’s past.
Stores and eateries continue the heritage and customs of this town, primarily founded by German and Swiss settlers. The Mt. Angel Sausage Company offers an array of European specialties at their marketplace where visitors can also enjoy homemade sausages or classic schnitzel dishes at their Bavarian-themed eatery. From Wednesday to Sunday, Touch of Bavaria—located in what used to be Windischarr’s General Blacksmith Shop—is available to provide authentic Bavarian attire such as hats, leather shorts, and dresses.
Stopping off in Mount Angel isn’t quite finished until you check out the Mount Angel Abbey. Established way back in 1881 by monks hailing from Switzerland’s own Engelberg, this abbey serves as both a religious sanctuary and an engaging destination for tourists. It functions not only as a seminary and monastery but also acts as a retreat center and notably houses a brewery. This monastic brewing heritage stretches all the way back to medieval times.
The abbey’s tap room opens up to everyone Wednesdays through Sundays, offering a selection of brews such as German lagers, Belgian triplets, and pale ales crafted using local hops. For those looking to fully embrace the Bavarian flair, head over during their annual Oktoberfest held each year around mid-September. Expect plenty of authentic German fare courtesy of about thirty vendor stalls along with ample servings of traditional beers, lively tunes, and fun activities.
To dodge potential accommodation shortages, plan your stay either in Portland or Salem instead. You can then conveniently use the weekend shuttles running between these cities and Mount Angel; fares range roughly from $5 to $20 per person.
Alternative Activities Close to Mount Angel
Due to its position on the east side of the Willamette Valley, Mount Angel serves as an ideal starting point for adventures in theCascade Mountain range. Only 25 minutes away to the south lies Silver Falls State Park.
Oregon’s largest state park
And featuring ten distinct waterfalls, such as the impressive South Fall which stands at 177 feet tall. Embark on the Trail of Ten Falls for a 7.2-mile circular trek to see all these natural wonders. Following your hike, make your way southeast toward Detroit, Oregon, then return towards Portland along an alternate route.
The Cascades Scenic Byway, teeming with lush green woods, flowing rivers, and breathtaking mountain vistas, offers a picturesque drive.
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Should you choose the northern route via the highway towards Portland, you’ll encounter numerous vineyards sprawled across the Willamette Valley. Although many lie west of Interstate 5, some can be found near Mount Angel as well. If seeking a lesser-known self-guided wine tour experience, consider visiting one or multiple wineries located in the eastern part of the Willamette Valley such as Hanson Vineyards, St. Josef Winery, Whiskey Hill Winery, and Pheasant Run Winery. These establishments tend to receive fewer visitors compared to their busier counterparts nearer to Portland due to being generally smaller operations. Should you wish to extend your stay in this area of the valley, take note that Silverton lies within close reach—just under ten minutes away from these spots—to the south.
Oregon’s Verdant Haven — ideal for a delightful weekend escape featuring vineyards, art galleries, paths, and food trucks.
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