Nestled in the heart of Oregon wine country, the Newberg Lavender Trail is a sensory delight, blending the calming scent of lavender with the region’s scenic beauty and charming local businesses. If you’re planning a trip to the Willamette Valley, this summer celebration of lavender is a must-experience. During our visit, the trail included 29 destinations, ranging from quaint lavender fields to local shops and cafes featuring unique lavender-inspired products. Here’s everything you need to know to help plan your trip.
Why Willamette Valley Is Perfect for Lavender
The Willamette Valley is not just known for its world-class wines but also for its ideal conditions for growing lavender. With its Mediterranean-like climate, well-draining soils, and sunny summers, the valley creates the perfect environment for this hardy, drought-tolerant herb. Lavender thrives here, producing vibrant blooms and richly fragrant oils that attract bees, butterflies, and visitors too.
Lavender in the region typically reaches its peak bloom in July, turning fields into seas of purple. The Newberg Lavender Trail celebrates this magical time with farms opening to guests and local businesses showcasing their love for all things lavender.
Where To See Lavender Near Newberg Oregon
There are lavender farms throughout all of Willamette Valley, which stretches from Portland all the way down to Eugene, Oregon. During our visit to Newberg, we stayed central to the town of Newberg, which is only about an hour-long drive outside of Portland. Here are the farms we visited!
Wayward Winds Lavender Farm
Wayward Winds Lavender Farm is as quaint as can be, with a large purple field of lavender, a quaint farm store, lavender maze, and vintage furniture and trucks to take memorable photos. During lavender season, the farm offers daily U-pick lavender from 10 am to 5 pm where you can snip fresh bouquets of your favorite lavender varieties.
For the creative types, Wayward Winds also hosts a variety of craft workshops including wreath-making and painting classes. Their gift shop is a treasure trove of locally made lavender products, from culinary treats to personal care items. We attended one of their Couple’s Night dinners in the lavender field. With only a few other couples, it felt like we had the lavender field all to ourselves and was a relaxing way to spend a summer evening.
Thistle and Bloom Lavender Farm
Another lavender gem, Thistle and Bloom, offers a more intimate experience with its charming fields and warm hospitality. They often host workshops and events, such as yoga in the lavender fields. We missed the events during our stay in Newberg, Oregon, but had a great time picking lavender one morning and learning all about lavender’s many uses in their farm stand gift shop.
Where To Stay In Newberg: Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast
When it comes to views, Chehalem Ridge Bed & Breakfast truly can’t be beat. Our room had a private balcony with an incredible view of the valley below. It was the perfect spot for relaxing while watching the sunset with a mug of tea in hand.
Located within walking distance of Wayward Winds, this bed and breakfast was the perfect place to stay while visiting Newberg to experience the lavender trail. And breakfast each morning with a view made it a difficult place to leave!
Things To Do In Newberg Oregon
In addition to visiting the lavender fields, you can go for wine tastings, visit a bookshop, and explore downtown Newberg for some shopping. Here’s what we recommend!
Caravan Coffee
For coffee enthusiasts, Caravan Coffee in Newberg is a can’t-miss stop. This artisanal roaster has mastered the art of the lavender latte, infusing their expertly crafted espresso with the floral essence of lavender. It’s the perfect pick-me-up in the afternoon after some wine tastings, balancing bold coffee flavors with a hint of summer sweetness.
Chapters Books and Coffee
Bookworms and tea lovers will feel right at home at Chapters Books and Coffee in downtown Newberg. This cozy independent bookstore and café brings lavender into the spotlight with unique offerings like coconut-lavender lemonade, lavender chai lattes, and herbal teas. Whether you’re sipping a lavender-infused drink or browsing for your next read, it’s an ideal spot to relax and soak up the local charm.
Cream Northwest
Tucked inside Chapters Books and Coffee is Cream Northwest, an ice cream shop that crafts small-batch flavors to celebrate the season. Their artisanal lavender ice cream and sorbet are creative combinations that capture the essence of summer.
Wine Tastings
If you’re exploring wineries in the Willamette Valley, I highly recommend checking out Lange Winery, Argyle Winery, and Archery Summit—each offers something special! At Lange, the views alone are worth the visit, but their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay truly standout. It’s a perfect spot to sip and soak up the scenery. TIP: Before you go, make sure to book a reservation for a tasting at the wineries you plan to visit.
For bubbles, Argyle is my go-to. Their sparkling wines are phenomenal, and the modern tasting room in Dundee is both welcoming and chic. Lastly, Archery Summit feels a bit like stepping into wine heaven with its incredible Pinot Noir and guided tours through their unique underground wine caves—it’s such a fun experience!
99W Drive-In Theatre
The 99W Drive-In Theatre was a nostalgic summer treat. We had the chance to see Deadpool and Wolverine from the comfort of our car, with a giant bag of kettle corn purchased at the local farmer’s market earlier that day. This cherished landmark has been operating since 1953 and is open seasonally from late spring to fall. It’s also been family-owned for three generations and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
We recommend arriving early to snag a great spot with a view of the outdoor screen. Sound is broadcast via FM radio and there’s also a well-stocked snack bar if you didn’t bring your own popcorn and treats. It’s such a fun destination for a night out.
Tips for Visiting the Newberg Lavender Trail
- When to Visit: Plan your trip in July for the peak bloom. Many farms and businesses time their lavender events and products for this magical time of year.
- What to Bring: Pack layers as the daytime and nighttime temps can swing drastically. You might have on a fleece jacket in the morning, and then a t-shirt in the afternoon.
- Support Local: Whether you’re picking fresh lavender, sipping a lavender latte, or buying handcrafted goods, your purchases help sustain the local community and keep this beautiful tradition alive.
The Newberg Lavender Trail is a feast for the senses and a celebration of everything that makes the Willamette Valley special. From the purple fields at Wayward Winds to the delightful lavender-inspired offerings at local businesses, this trail is an experience you’ll want to revisit every summer.
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