Grass Valley OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grass Valley, Oregon.
1. Oregon Raceway Park
RACING AND DRIVING EXPERIENCES
Oregon Raceway Park offers adrenaline-pumping racing experiences in the heart of Grass Valley. Visitors can watch professional races or participate in driving experiences on the professional track. The facility features a challenging road course with elevation changes and technical turns that delight motorsport enthusiasts.
2. Deschutes River Access
SCENIC RIVER RECREATION
Deschutes River Access provides visitors with opportunities to enjoy one of Oregon's most beloved waterways near Grass Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts can engage in fishing, rafting, kayaking, and other water activities along the scenic river. The access points feature beautiful natural surroundings and are popular spots for both relaxation and adventure.
3. John Day River Access
WILD RIVER ADVENTURES
John Day River Access offers visitors entry points to one of the longest undammed rivers in the continental United States. The river is renowned for its excellent steelhead and bass fishing, as well as multi-day rafting trips through spectacular canyons. Visitors can enjoy the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities along this federally designated Wild and Scenic River.
4. Columbia River Access
MAJESTIC RIVER VIEWS
Columbia River Access near Grass Valley provides entry points to America's second-largest river. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, windsurfing, and spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge. The access areas offer both recreational opportunities and chances to witness massive cargo ships navigating this important waterway.
5. White River Falls State Park
DRAMATIC WATERFALL SHOWCASE
White River Falls State Park features a spectacular 90-foot waterfall cascading over a basalt cliff just a short drive from Grass Valley. Visitors can enjoy the dramatic two-tiered falls and explore the ruins of a historic hydroelectric power plant. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming holes for cooling off during hot summer days.
6. Cottonwood Canyon State Park
RUGGED DESERT WILDERNESS
Cottonwood Canyon State Park is Oregon's second-largest state park, offering a rugged and wild landscape along the John Day River near Grass Valley. The park features hiking trails, fishing spots, camping facilities, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in a dramatic canyon setting. Visitors can experience the stark beauty of Oregon's high desert in this 8,000-acre wilderness area.
7. Dufur Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
Dufur Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of the area surrounding Grass Valley. The museum houses an impressive collection of pioneer artifacts, agricultural equipment, and historical photographs documenting life in rural Oregon. Visitors can step back in time through exhibits showcasing the region's Native American history, early settlement, and agricultural development.
8. River Trails Deschutes
SCENIC HIKING PATHS
River Trails Deschutes offers spectacular hiking paths along the Deschutes River canyon near Grass Valley. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the river, basalt cliffs, and diverse desert flora and fauna. The trail system provides options for various skill levels and connects to several fishing and rafting access points.
9. Imperial River Company
RAFTING AND RIVERSIDE DINING
Imperial River Company combines thrilling whitewater rafting adventures with comfortable riverside accommodations and dining near Grass Valley. Their experienced guides lead exciting rafting trips on the Deschutes River for all skill levels. The property features a restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the river, serving locally-sourced cuisine and regional craft beverages.
10. Maryhill Museum of Art
CULTURAL RIVERSIDE TREASURE
Maryhill Museum of Art occupies a stunning Beaux-Arts mansion overlooking the Columbia River just north of Grass Valley. The museum houses an eclectic collection including Rodin sculptures, Native American artifacts, and Eastern European folk art. Visitors can explore the extensive grounds featuring outdoor sculptures, a replica of Stonehenge, and panoramic gorge views.
11. Sherman County Historical Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
Sherman County Historical Museum documents the rich agricultural and cultural history of the Grass Valley region. The museum features exhibits on wheat farming, Native American heritage, and pioneer life in Oregon's wheat country. Visitors can explore interactive displays, historical photographs, and carefully preserved artifacts that tell the story of this rural community.
12. Grass Valley Country Cafe
HOMESTYLE RURAL DINING
Grass Valley Country Cafe serves hearty, homestyle meals in a charming small-town setting. The cafe is known for generous portions of classic American comfort food and friendly service that embodies rural Oregon hospitality. Visitors can enjoy breakfast all day, homemade pies, and the opportunity to mingle with locals in this authentic community gathering spot.
13. The Dalles Dam Visitor Center
COLUMBIA RIVER ENGINEERING
The Dalles Dam Visitor Center offers fascinating insights into the massive hydroelectric project that transformed the Columbia River. Visitors can learn about the dam's construction, power generation, and impacts on salmon migration through interactive exhibits and viewing areas. The center provides guided tours of the powerhouse and offers spectacular views of the dam's operations and the surrounding landscape.
14. Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
REGIONAL NATURAL HISTORY
Columbia Gorge Discovery Center showcases the natural and cultural history of the Columbia River Gorge region near Grass Valley. The museum features interactive exhibits on Ice Age geology, Native American heritage, Lewis and Clark's expedition, and local ecosystems. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds with native plant gardens, raptor exhibits, and hiking trails with panoramic gorge views.
15. Deschutes River State Recreation Area
RIVER CONFLUENCE PARK
Deschutes River State Recreation Area marks the confluence of the Deschutes and Columbia Rivers within driving distance of Grass Valley. The park offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in a diverse landscape where desert meets river. Visitors can fish for steelhead and trout or hike the abandoned railroad grade that follows the river through the spectacular canyon.