For the past ten years I have spent my summers traveling around Oregon. A record of my method and favorite places are noted in my two books: TRIPPING ON A SHOESTRING and TRIPPING ON OREGON’S TREASURES. This year I plan to stay home. This blog will reflect on some of the beauty garnered from poking around Oregon’s capital city.
River Front Park runs along the Willamette River. On the north end is an old railroad bridge constructed in 1912. The trains quit using this bridge many decades ago so the city of Salem purchased it, refurbished it and created a wonderful walking bridge for the citizens to cross the Willamette River linking Salem to West Salem. From the middle of this bridge, the view of the river changes color every time I cross over. Today, the blue sky was trying; the cotton seed was flying.
On the south end of the park a new span crosses a slough with a trail connecting the park to Minto Brown Island Park. Both bridges and parks are walking, biking friendly with leashed dogs, carriaged babies, old folks with walkers, and all in between.
A quick street crossing east of the parks puts you right into downtown Salem with lovely shops and eateries. Take a stroll east a bit more to the State Capitol building and park. A block away is McDonalds selling its $0.70 ice cream cone, worth every licking cent.
