Know Before You Go: Construction on the Van Buren Bridge may result in heavy traffic at rush hour. Click here to learn more.
Marci Sischo | 07/22/2024 | Arts and Culture, Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries, Downtown Corvallis, Featured on Home Page, Outdoor Recreation, Restaurants, Shop & Pamper, Summer

Cool off in Corvallis!

Summer temperatures are heating up, and we're looking for ways to cool off around Corvallis and Benton County. Fortunately, we have lots of options! From swimming holes to air conditioned boutiques, ice cream treats to cold craft beers in the shade, there's plenty of ways to beat the heat in and around Corvallis. Check our list below for a few great ideas on cooling off in Corvallis.

1. Ice Cream & Frozen Treats

Whether you want to cool down during the hot summer days or just hankering for a delicious cold treat, downtown Corvallis has tasty fun flavor choices for you! Find ice cream shops, shaved ice, and more frozen favorites in Corvallis.

Read "Fun Flavored Cold Treats."

2. Swimming Holes

With summer temperatures in the 80s and 90s (and sometimes higher) in Corvallis, one thing you're probably looking to do is hit a swimming hole. You're in luck - Corvallis has lots of options! Both the Willamette River and the Marys River wind through town, offering lots of great little spots to jump in, plus we have a pretty awesome water park at the Osborn Aquatic Center.

Read "Corvallis' Favorite Local Swimming Holes."

3. Marys Peak in the Oregon Coast Range

Marys Peak, the tallest peak in the Coast Range at 4,097 feet, dominates the Corvallis skyline. A gorgeous 30-minute drive from Corvallis along HW-34 will lead you to the peak, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, scenic views, and cooler temperatures.

Learn more about Marys Peak.

4. Alsea Falls Recreation Site

There's no shortage of fun and adventure to be found at Alsea Falls. Looking to get some hiking or biking done? Maybe you're after a swimming hole or want to do some fishing? Or maybe you just want a beautiful spot to bring the family for a bit of camping or a nice afternoon picnic. Whatever you're in the mood for, you can probably find it at Alsea Falls - along with temperatures that are usually cooler than town, thanks to running water and plenty of shade.

Read "Find Adventure at Alsea Falls."

5. Riverfront Commemorative Park Splash Fountain

The Riverfront Commemorative Park is usually one of the cooler spots in town, thanks to plenty of shade trees and the breeze off the Willamette River. It's also home to a large splash fountain, which is the perfect place to take the kids to cool off. The Splash Fountain is located in the Helen M. Berg Plaza of the Riverfront Park, at First Street and Jackson Avenue. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through the summer.

Learn more about the Riverfront Commemorative Park.

6. Cool Craft Drinks in the Shade
Craft Beer at Block 15 in Corvallis, Oregon

Corvallis and Benton County are home to many locally-owned wineries, breweries, and distilleries, and nearly all of them offer cooler, shady spots outdoors or air conditioned tasting rooms where you can enjoy Oregon wine or a cold craft beverage.

Find local wineriesbreweries, and distilleries.

7. Enjoy the Great Indoors!
ReStyle, Corvallis, Oregon - Two women enjoy shopping at a boutique in downtown Corvallis

When all else fails, head inside to the air conditioning. Downtown Corvallis - and plenty of other favorite spots around Benton County - offers many options to get indoors to cooler air while still having a great time.

Go shopping, visit art galleries, check out the Corvallis Museum or Philomath Museum, and grab lunch or dinner.

Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.

Celebrating Corvallis' Hispanic-Owned Businesses
Discover some of Corvallis' Hispanic-owned businesses.
Read More
Corvallis Knights News: September 11, 2024
Get the latest news on Corvallis' seven-time WCL Champs, the Corvallis Knights.
Read More
Where to Get Breakfast in Corvallis & Philomath
'Where Should I Go for Breakfast?' We get asked this question a…
Read More
Order or View Visitor Guide
Keep Up With Corvallis
Discover Our Wine Passport
113 SW 3rd Street, Alley Suite 101
Corvallis, OR 97333
(Entrance facing 2nd St public parking lot)
800-334-8118 | 541-757-1544
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Closed Saturdays and Sundays