Salem & the Northwest

Located in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, we enjoy all the benefits of the Pacific Northwest. Gorgeous forests, rivers, mountains and coastline nearby. Commitment to the environment and sustainability. A relaxed, creative and civic-minded culture. Vibrant arts and music scenes. Coffee shops on almost every block.

Willamette University is in downtown Salem, Oregon's capital, a community that is large enough to provide plenty of entertainment, yet cozy enough that you'll get to know the local shop owners by name and you'll usually run into someone you know at your favorite restaurant.

Within walking distance of campus, you'll find:

• restaurants featuring a range of cuisines, from the familiar to the exotic
• a Cinnebarre theater where you can dine while watching first-run films
• multiple coffee shops for hanging out or studying
• a grocery store to help you stock your fridge
• a mall to satisfy the shopper in you, with funky local shops nearby
• several parks for hiking, biking or running
• live music venues with concerts by a variety of local bands
• art galleries — in addition to our own Hallie Ford Museum of Art
• the Oregon Capitol building with its beautiful grounds — and internship possibilities

When you want to enjoy some of Oregon's attractions outside Salem, it's not hard to find an organized trip or an informal group of friends to join you — whether you plan to snowboard on Mount Hood, catch a concert in Portland or build a bonfire at the coast.