You're driving down I-5, probably heading toward Eugene or maybe pushing north to Salem, and you see the signs for Highway 34. Most people just keep driving. Honestly, that’s a mistake. Lebanon, Oregon, used to be a town people mostly associated with timber and a massive paper mill that smelled... well, like a paper mill. But things have changed. A lot. Today, the "things to do Lebanon Oregon" list isn't just a handful of local diners and a park; it's a legitimate destination for people who want the Pacific Northwest vibe without the Portland crowds.
It’s a place where the air smells like Douglas fir instead of exhaust.
The Cheadle Lake Transformation
If you haven’t been to Lebanon in a decade, you probably remember Cheadle Lake as a swampy afterthought. Not anymore. This spot has basically become the community’s living room. It’s a 200-acre site that hosts the massive Northwest Art & Air Festival every August.
I’m telling you, seeing those hot air balloons rise over the water at sunrise is something else. It feels cinematic. But even on a random Tuesday in March, it's worth it. The trails are flat, which is great if you aren't looking for a vertical mountain climb. You can just walk, clear your head, and watch the ospreys dive for fish.
👉 See also: Zion National Park: What Most People Get Wrong About Planning a Trip
The city has poured money into the North Shore and the Lebanon Skatepark nearby. It’s not just about the water; it’s about having space to breathe. Local experts from the Lebanon Community Foundation have been instrumental in keeping this area growing. They aren't just building paths; they're building an ecosystem.
The Strawberry Festival Legacy
We have to talk about the strawberries. You can’t mention things to do Lebanon Oregon without talking about the world’s largest strawberry shortcake. This isn't some marketing gimmick—it’s a tradition that’s been running since 1909.
Every June, the town goes slightly nuts. There's a parade, a court, and that massive cake. It’s huge. We're talking hundreds of pounds of berries and cream.
A quick reality check: If you hate crowds, stay away during the first full weekend of June. But if you want to see what small-town Oregon pride actually looks like, there’s nothing better.
The festival is held at Cheadle Lake Park now, and it’s basically a rite of passage for anyone living in Linn County. You eat the cake. You ride the sketchy-looking-but-fun carnival rides. You listen to local bands. It’s wholesome in a way that feels rare these days.
Water, Woods, and the Santiam River
Lebanon sits right on the South Santiam River. If you like fishing or kayaking, this is your playground. Waterloo County Park is just a few miles down the road, and it’s a hidden gem for locals. The "falls" there aren't Niagara, but they create these great pools where the water slows down enough for a swim or to cast a line for steelhead.
The river is the lifeblood here.
Ever tried "floating" the Santiam? Grab an inner tube, some sunblock, and a life jacket (seriously, don't skip the life jacket—the current is deceptively strong in spots). Starting at Waterloo and floating down toward McDowell Creek is a standard summer Saturday for a lot of us.
McDowell Creek Falls
If you want the Instagram shots, go to McDowell Creek Falls County Park.
It’s about 15 minutes out of town. You get two main waterfalls: Royal Terrace and Majestic Falls. There are wooden stairs and bridges that make you feel like you’re in an Ewok village. It’s lush. It’s green. It’s wet. Even in the dead of winter, when the rain is coming down sideways, the falls are powerful and loud. It’s a short hike, maybe two miles total if you do the whole loop, so it’s perfect for kids or if you’re just not feeling like a hardcore mountaineer.
The Downtown Revitalization
For a long time, downtown Lebanon was... quiet. A bit too quiet.
That shifted when Western University of Health Sciences opened the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest (COMP-Northwest). Suddenly, there were hundreds of med students looking for coffee and beer.
The downtown core along Main Street has found its pulse again. You’ve got spots like Barsideous Brewing. They make a solid IPA, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want after a day outside—dim lights, wood tables, and good food.
Then there’s the Strawberry Plaza. It’s a small, tucked-away outdoor space with a stage and murals. During the summer, they do "Concerts in the Park" or little community gatherings. It’s a great example of how a town can take a vacant lot and turn it into something that actually matters to people.
- Conversion Brewing: Great pizza, even better atmosphere. It’s in an old converted building that feels historic but modern.
- The Kuhn Cinema: This is a classic. It’s a vintage theater that’s been around since the 30s. They still show movies, and the marquee is an icon of the downtown strip.
Tallman Brewing and the Food Cart Scene
Oregon loves its food carts, and Lebanon finally got the memo. Tallman Brewing on the south end of town is more than just a brewery; it’s a hub. They have a massive outdoor seating area and a rotating selection of food carts.
One day you might get authentic street tacos; the next, it’s a massive burger or some Thai food. It’s the kind of place where you see families, dogs, and people just off work all hanging out together. The beer is brewed on-site, and they don't play it safe—expect some interesting seasonal stuff alongside the standard pilsners.
📖 Related: Pestana CR7 Lisboa: What it’s actually like staying at Cristiano Ronaldo’s hotel
Why the COMP-Northwest Campus Matters
I mentioned the medical school earlier, but its impact on things to do Lebanon Oregon is deeper than just new restaurants. The campus itself is beautiful and open to the public for walks. It brought a level of professional energy to the town.
Because of the school, Lebanon now has the Boulder Falls Inn and a world-class Japanese garden right next to it. It’s weird, right? A high-end Japanese garden in an old mill town? But it works. The garden is incredibly peaceful, with waterfalls and koi ponds. It’s right behind the Best Western Premier, and it’s one of the best places in town to just sit and think.
Exploring the Outskirts: G3 Farms and More
If you head a bit east, you start getting into the foothills of the Cascades. Lebanon is the gateway to the Santiam Pass.
Before you head into the deep woods, stop at G3 Farms. Depending on the season, you can pick your own berries or grab a pumpkin. It’s a working farm, not a polished tourist trap. You might get a little mud on your boots, but that’s the point.
There’s also the Mallard Creek Golf Course if that’s your speed. It’s a challenging course because of the water hazards and the way the hills roll. Even if you aren't a golfer, the restaurant there has a great view of the greens and the surrounding valley.
Addressing the "Boring" Myth
Let's be real: some people think Lebanon is boring. They see the empty storefronts that haven't been filled yet or the quiet streets on a Sunday night and think there's nothing there.
They're wrong.
The beauty of Lebanon is that it isn't trying to be Bend or Eugene. It’s not trying to sell you a $15 avocado toast (well, maybe in one or two places). It’s an authentic Oregon town that is figuring out its second act. The things to do Lebanon Oregon offers are about connection—to the river, to the history of the land, and to a community that actually knows its neighbors.
Specific Recommendations for Travelers
If you’re planning a trip, here is how you should actually spend your time:
- Morning: Hit up a local coffee shop downtown, then head to McDowell Creek Falls early to beat the three other people who might be there.
- Lunch: Go to the food carts at Tallman Brewing. Grab whatever smells best.
- Afternoon: Walk the trails at Cheadle Lake or, if it’s hot, find a spot on the Santiam River at Waterloo.
- Evening: Catch a show at the Kuhn or just grab a beer downtown.
The Practical Side of Lebanon
Parking is usually free. The people are generally friendly, though they might drive a little slower than you're used to.
If you're coming from Portland, it's about an hour and a half drive. From Eugene, it’s only 45 minutes. It’s an easy day trip, but with the new hotels like Boulder Falls, staying the night is actually a viable option now.
You should also keep an eye on the Linn County Expo Center just up the road in Albany. While not technically in Lebanon, it's close enough that many people staying in Lebanon are there for the dog shows, horse events, or gun shows held there.
What to Pack
Oregon weather is a fickle beast.
- Layers: Even in July, the temperature can drop 30 degrees once the sun goes down.
- Waterproof shoes: If you’re doing the falls, the trails are almost always damp.
- An appetite: The portions in this town are "logger-sized."
Final Thoughts on the Lebanon Experience
Lebanon is a place of transitions. From the old Santiam Lumber days to the new medical and tech-focused future, the town is evolving. But it hasn't lost that rugged, mid-valley soul.
When you look for things to do Lebanon Oregon, you’re looking for a slice of the real Northwest. It’s not curated by a travel agency. It’s a town that’s proud of its strawberries, its river, and its people.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Calendar: Visit the official Strawberry Festival website or the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce page to see if your visit aligns with any downtown events.
- Map Your Route: Don't rely solely on GPS for the backroads near McDowell Creek; cell service can be spotty once you hit the foothills. Download offline maps.
- Support Local: Skip the fast food on the outskirts and head to Main Street. The local economy thrives when visitors choose the independent breweries and diners over the chains.
- Pack for the River: If you plan on visiting Waterloo or the Santiam, bring a dry bag for your electronics. The river is gentle but accidents happen.