Having a picnic is a great way to "dine out" and Corvallis not only offers unforgettable picnic "dining" destinations, but our restaurants and shops also offer go-to goodies that are perfect for your next outing. Find everything you need for your next fuss-free "dine out" experience in Corvallis.
Finding tasty goodies for your picnic is pretty easy - First Alternative Co-op is a good spot to stop for supplies, with locations in South Corvallis and near the middle of town. Market of Choice, located near 9th Street and Circle, is a good stop for fancier items like upscale cheeses, and New Morning Bakery, in downtown Corvallis, is the perfect place to pick up delicious baked goods for your picnics.
One great way to get supplied for an amazing picnic is to shop our local farmers markets, like the Corvallis Farmers Market and the Philomath Farmers Market (which is right by one our picnic location suggestions, Wildcat Park, listed below). You'll find all the local, seasonal fruits and vegetables you could possibly want, along with cheeses, meats, baked goods, and other fantastic treats. Or try one of our Mid-Willamette Food Trail businesses, offering seasonal goodies and engaging experiences.
Another great option for a no-fuss picnic is grabbing some take-out from one of our local restaurants. We’ve got plenty of local restaurants that offer great take-out options perfect for your picnic spread.
Swan Dive Sandwiches + Bar (Location | Website)
This newly-opened shop serves sandwiches and salads; it’s also a full bar with 8 taps. All their sandwiches come on their signature Schiacciata bread.
We love this place for dinner! They also have great selections and offer to-go orders. Their menus change with the seasons, but they mostly feature Southern-inspired food using locally-sourced ingredients.
Corazón Wine Bar & Kitchen (Location | Website)
Located in the center of downtown, Corazón Wine Bar & Kitchen offers a selection of small plates that are easily transportable. Choose from a variety of tinned fish which come with sourdough bread and crackers or settle on the "más que nada," which is similar to a charcuterie spread.
Baguette (Location | Information)
Located on 3rd street, Baguette features a selection of fantastic Vietnamese sandwiches, with vegetarian and vegan options as well. They’re open Mondays through Thursdays and closed on the weekend.
(Photos: 1. Castor, Corvallis | 2. Corazón Wine Bar & Kitchen, Corvallis.)
Of course, food isn’t the only thing you’ll need for the perfect picnic. You’ll also need some picnicking supplies. Here’s a few necessities you can pick up from stores around town.
Rifle Paper Co. Playing Cards (Available from Restyle Home)
Put the smartphones away and enjoy some games. This fun deck of playing cards features the company’s Garden Party design.
Rifle Paper Co. Citrus Grove Serving Tray (Available from Restyle Home)
This handmade tray will ensure all your glasses and plates are on an even surface. Measuring 15.75" W × 13.2" L, they’re handy and easy to pack. Made of lightweight birch, they’re sustainable and lightweight.
Rumpl Outdoor Blanket (Available from Peak Bike & Outdoor)
Made from 100% post-consumer recycled products, Rumpl’s blanket is made for the outdoors. Lightweight and packable, it’s water-repellent and durable. Plus, it’s easy to clean - just throw it in the washing machine.
Business & Pleasure’s Premium Cooler Bag (Available from Inkwell Home Store)
This bag is an excellent soft-sided option that is easy to carry and will keep your drinks and sandwiches cool. Make sure to place an ice pack or two inside so it will keep your goodies fresh.
Patagonia Provisions Tinned Fish Variety Pack (Available from First Alternative Co-op North & South)
These sustainably caught tinned fish from Patagonia are perfect to pack for your outing. Pair them with the brand’s organic sourdough sea salt crackers.
💡 Tip: Additional must-haves include a cutting board and knife, wet cloths, hand sanitizer, and napkins.
(Photos: 1. Rumpl Outdoor Blanket | 2. Business & Pleasure’s Premium Cooler Bag.)
Here’s a handful of suggestions that make excellent picnic spots around Corvallis and Philomath, but if you're looking to get farther afield, be sure to add Marys Peak and the Alsea Falls Recreational Site to the list. Both places offer excellent scenery and plenty of picnic-perfect amenities to enjoy.
Along with five picnic shelters, Avery Park also has lots of wide open green spaces where you can lay down a blanket or table cloth and spread out a picnic.
There are lots of kid-friendly spaces at Avery Park, including a couple of playgrounds as well as the famous "dinosaur bones" climbing sculpture and the Georgia-Pacific train engine. Explore the Rose Garden, enjoy a long walk around the park, dive in at the swimming hole behind the Parks & Rec office, and more.
Avery Park is a great spot for families to enjoy a picnic.
Corvallis' Riverfront Commemorative Park is another good spot for families. Here you'll find play structures, a splash park (during the summer), access to a skate park at the southern end of the park, access to the Willamette River at the north end of the park, and you're right downtown where you can find museums, shopping, art galleries, and more.
The Riverfront Park offers several picnic spots with tables, as well as some open, grassy areas where you can spread a blanket. The park is dog-friendly (on leash only) and right near the downtown fenced dog park, so it's a perfect spot to bring the whole family for a fun afternoon picnic.
Bald Hill is an excellent spot to visit if you want the option to walk off your picnic lunch after eating. With several hiking trails to choose from, and some great views as a reward for your hikes, you'll find lots to enjoy at Bald Hill.
Bald Hill Natural Area is dog-friendly, and in parts of the park you can even let your dog off leash, so if you have a furry friend with you, this is a great choice.
A good spot to have your picnic is the Bald Hill barn, a rustic old structure a short walk and just a bit uphill from the Oak Creek Drive entrance. There's no picnic tables at the barn, though, so be sure to bring a picnic cloth with you.
Bruce Starker Arts Park And Natural Area is a serene park boasting an amphitheater where many events, including concerts, take place. It’s a popular spot for runners and bicyclists. In addition to a duck pond and fountain, the park has many picnic tables and grassy areas for setting up an al fresco spread.
Chip Ross Park is a good choice for serious hikers and bikers since it connects to the Lower Dan's Trail, which will take you into McDonald Forest. This park is also horse- and dog-friendly (on and off leash), making it a good option for those with four-footed friends who need some exercise.
There's a variety of trails to choose from if you're in a wandering mood, ranging from easy to moderate difficulties, and you'll find picnic tables to use for your picnic at the Lester Avenue trailhead.
Philomath City Park is a small, unassuming park that sits in the heart of Philomath, a neighboring town. The 10.5-acre spot is situated next to Philomath High School and features a playground, a skate park, and a creek. You’ll find picnic tables nestled all around, along with many open areas where you can lay down a blanket and spread out your picnic fixins.
On Sundays from May through October, we recommend stopping by the Philomath Farmer’s Market, which is about a 7-minute drive from the park, and picking up seasonal fruit, pastries and bread to add to your outdoor feast.
Located in Northwest Corvallis, adjacent to Letitia Carson Elementary School, Wildcat Park is well-known for having a large, Benton County Courthouse-themed play structure. Designed with local residents in mind, the park was mostly built by volunteers, fostering a sense of community. The play structures offer creative play-time for small kids. Wildcat Park has both covered and uncovered picnic tables.
Article by Jean Chen Smith, with contributions by Marci Sischo, Rebecca Barnhart and Stacey Newman Weldon. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
