Salem, the capital city of Oregon and its second largest city, lies in the center of the lush Willamette River valley, 47 miles from Portland. Salem is located an hour from the Cascade mountains to the east and an hour from the ocean beaches to the west. Salem is the county seat of Marion County.
Salem offers a wide array of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions, ranging from historic sites and museums to events that appeal to a wide variety of interests - from sports tournaments to Arts Fairs, theater and music. From our vibrant downtown, several parks and our historic district are within walking distance. 1,869 acres of park land invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors.
Begin just northeast of Salem at the Oregon Garden and travel to Silver Falls State Park.
The largest state park in Oregon, Silver Falls (8,700 acres) is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, just 26 miles east of Salem. Within this gorgeous park is the Trail of Ten Falls, a seven-mile hiking route that follows the north and south forks of Silver Creek and-as the trail name says-leads you to views of 10 different waterfalls. The falls range from the 177-foot South Falls (you can actually walk behind its cascading water) to the 178-foot Double Falls near the Hult Creek footbridge to the thunderous North Falls that drops 136 feet. The day-use area includes a playground, restrooms, picnic shelter and a pet exercise area.
Surrounded by green pastures, fields of flowers, gardens, vegetables, orchards and vineyards, Salem’s year-around and summer farmer’s markets overflow with locally raised produce and hand-crafted products. Salem is the perfect base for a tour of Oregon’s wine country or a visit to any or all of the many extraordinary gardens in the city and the surrounding area.
Bush Pasture Park in downtown Salem is one of Salem's finest parks. In the park is the Bush House Museum, an Italianate Victorian house completed in 1878. The house contains many original furnishings, Italian marble fireplaces and a beautiful walnut and mahogany staircase. House tours are available. The Bush Barn Art Center is also in the park. The art center has two galleries featuring works of local artists, including paintings, prints, ceramics, woodworks, basketry, jewelry and cards. Don't forget to take a stroll through the Bush Conservatory Greenhouse and rose gardens.
Salem serves as the hub of both state government and the surrounding farming communities. State government is the largest employer, with about 13,000 full-time employees, 38 of the largest state agencies and over 20 smaller ones located in the immediate area. Salem is also one of the largest food processing centers in the United States.
As Oregon's capital city, Salem has a capitol building that is a favorite destination for visitors. Even though it was built in 1938, it has a modern look and feel. It is constructed mainly of Vermont marble, with a cylindrical tower topped by a burly gold-plated pioneer. Large marble sculptures are on each side of the main entrance - Covered Wagons on the west side and Lewis and Clark by Sacajawea on the east side.
The easy pace of the city makes Salem a place to come and relax. The variety of things to do will make it a favorite destination for the whole family.
Salem is a great place to live, work.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $156,600
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2006: 152,239. Salem covers 45.7 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 154 feet above sea level.
Zip codes: 97301, 97302, 97303, 97304, 97305, 97306 - Area codes: 503, 971
Weather
Salem, OR climate is mild during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 60's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.
The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 81.90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 33.50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be relatively big during summer with a difference that can reach 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Salem is 40.00 Inches. Winter months tend to be wetter than summer months. The wettest month of the year is December with an average rainfall of 6.46 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
