Growing Hops in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley

Growing Hops in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley

Growing Hops in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley. We recently took a couple of days to explore the Willamette Valley, chasing waterfalls, geocaches and Covered Bridges. Our days are not complete without dinner and a brew at one of the many breweries in The Valley. Driving the Willamette Valley backroads we saw quite a few large hop farms being planted and trellised.

Once known as the ‘Hops Capital of the World’ from the late 1890’s to the 1940’s, Independence, Oregon is located twelve miles southwest of Salem. You’ll still find acres of hops growing in the area. A few miles south of Independence is the 42 acres Hop Farm for Rogue Brewery and the Rogue Farms Chatoe Tasting Room.

Oregon Hop Facts

Oregon is the second largest hop producer in the U.S, behind only our neighbor to the north, Washington State. Hop Farmers grow about 17% of the entire U.S. hop supply in the lush Willamette Valley offers the ideal climate for growing aroma hops

The City of Independence is the third largest urban area in Polk County, Oregon. The first group of wagon trains to arrive in Independence set out on the Oregon Trail from Missouri in May, 1844, arriving in Independence in June of 1845.

Suggested Lodging while exploring the hop farms and breweries near Independence Oregon:

Located in Monmouth Oregon, just across a city boundary from Independence MaMere’s Guest House. The property is on the National Register of Historic Places and is perfectly placed with a very rich history. Built in 1891 as a boarding house for female students, it has since housed hundreds and continues to do so today in its present form as a bed and breakfast and guest house.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Things are looking up. The CDC has lifted the mask mandate and Oregon will be following this guidance, which applies to fully vaccinated individuals. That means Oregonians and our guests who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or social distance in most public spaces.

Let’s all be respectful and safe. While it’s almost safe enough to climb aboard that travel train it’s still a little scary but we’re ready when you are! Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.