Insider's Guide

Salem, OR

Welcome to Salem Insider's Guide

Salem, Oregon’s capital, blends history with nature. Known for its charming downtown, historic sites, and nearby wineries, it offers parks, river views, and a relaxed small-city vibe.

Weather

Salem has a mild Mediterranean climate with wet, cool winters and dry, warm summers. Winters bring frequent rain and cloudy skies, while summers are mostly sunny and dry.

Average Temperature

55°F

Average Annual Rainfall

40"

Weather Patterns

Mediterranean

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	48°F	52°F	57°F	62°F	68°F	75°F	83°F	83°F	77°F	65°F	53°F	47°F
Low	36°F	37°F	40°F	42°F	40°F	51°F	55°F	55°F	51°F	45°F	41°F	36°F
Rain	7.1″	6.2″	5.4″	3.8″	2.5″	1.5″	0.5″	0.4″	1.6″	4.1″	8.1″	8.3″

Local Sports

Salem has a strong local sports scene with community leagues and college teams. While it lacks major professional teams, nearby cities offer pro sports, making Salem a hub for fans who enjoy a mix of grassroots and regional athletics.

Portland Trailblazers

The Portland Trail Blazers are a professional NBA team based in Portland established in 1970. They won their only championship in 1977, led by Bill Walton, and reached the NBA Finals twice more in the early 1990s with star guard Clyde Drexler. More recently, Damian Lillard became the face of the franchise, known for his leadership and clutch performances, before being traded in 2023. The team plays at the Moda Center and has a dedicated fan base.

Sport: Basketball

Founded: 1970

Moda Center

Portland Pickles

The Portland Pickles are a collegiate wood-bat baseball team based in Portland, Oregon. They compete in the West Coast League (WCL), a summer league featuring teams from the Pacific Northwest. Known for their quirky mascot, Dillon T. Pickle, and engaging social media presence, the Pickles play home games at Walker Stadium in Lents Park. In 2024, they clinched their first WCL Championship with a dramatic walk-off win, a journey chronicled in the documentary "Pickles Pickles Pickles" released on MLB Network in 2025.

Sport: Baseball

Founded: 2015

Walker Stadium

Portland Timbers

The Portland Timbers are a professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) since 2011. The team has a rich history dating back to 1975, when the original Timbers joined the North American Soccer League (NASL), helping to establish Portland as "Soccer City USA". The current MLS franchise was awarded in 2009 and began play in 2011. The Timbers have achieved significant success, including winning the MLS Cup in 2015 and the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020.

Sport: Soccer

Founded: 2009

Providence Park

Portland Winterhawks

The Portland Winterhawks are a junior ice hockey team based in Portland, competing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The Winterhawks have a storied history, securing three WHL championships (1982, 1998, 2013) and two Memorial Cup titles (1983, 1998).

Sport: Ice hockey

Founded: 1976

Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Professional Baseball

The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are a professional baseball team based in Keizer, Oregon. Established in 1997 as a Class A Short Season affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, they competed in the Northwest League until 2020. Following the reorganization of Minor League Baseball, the Volcanoes were not offered a player development license with any Major League Baseball club. In response, they formed the Mavericks Independent Baseball League in 2021, a four-team league entirely based in the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Volcanoes have a storied history, securing multiple divisional and league championships, and have been instrumental in developing players who advanced to Major League Baseball.

Sport: Baseball

Founded: 1997

Volcanoes Stadium

Golf Courses

Salem offers great golf options with five local courses—two public and three private. Highlights include Salem Golf Club, Creekside Golf Club, and Illahe Hills Country Club. Nearby areas add even more variety within a short drive.

Country Clubs

Corvallis Club

541.752.3471

corvallisclub.com

Illahe Hills Country Club

503.364.0117

illahehills.com

Public and Private Courses

Creekside Golf Club

503.363.4653

golfcreekside.com

Cross Creek Golf Course

McNary Golf Club

Meadowlawn

Salem Golf Club

Salemtowne Golf Club

Schools

Salem offers a mix of public and private schools with a range of programs for diverse student needs. The area includes elementary to high schools, plus nearby colleges, providing broad educational opportunities.

Colleges and Universities

Chemeketa Community College

Corban University

Northwest University Salem Campus

503.304.0092

northwestu.edu

Willamette University

503.370.6300

willamette.edu

School Districts

Willamette Education Service District

503.588.5330

wesd.org

Salem-Keizer Public Schools

503.399.3000

salkeiz.k12.or.us

Private Schools

Abiqua School

503.399.9020

abiqua.org

Livingstone Adventist Academy

503.363.9408

livingstone.academy

Salem Academy Christian Schools

St Joseph School

Valley Inquiry Charter School

503.399.3150

valleyinquiry.org

Western Christian School

503.363.2000

westernchristianschool.org

Willamette Valley Christian School

503.393.5236

wvcs.org

Performing Arts Schools

American Ballet Academy

503.364.4738

americanballetacademy.net

Arthur Murray Dance Studio Salem

503.339.7483

arthurmurraysalem.com

K. Rose Studios

626.353.8692

krosestudios.com

Northwest School of Music - Salem

503.999.4343

nwschoolofmusic.com

Starr Studios Salem School of Dance

503.581.7103

starrstudiossalem.com

The Lotus Studio

503.302.5020

thelotusstudio.com

Things to Do and See

Salem is a charming city with a mix of history, nature, and local attractions. Explore parks, historic sites, and local markets for a taste of its unique culture and vibrant atmosphere.

Deepwood Museum & Gardens

The Deepwood Museum & Gardens is a historic estate located in Salem. It offers a charming blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, making it a popular spot for visitors interested in both culture and nature.

503.363.1825

deepwoodmuseum.org

Enchanted Forest

The Enchanted Forest in Salem is a whimsical, family-friendly theme park known for its fairy tale-inspired attractions. Set in a lush forest, it features a variety of themed areas, including the Old World with its storybook characters, Western Town, and a haunted house. The park offers fun rides, interactive exhibits, and charming walking paths, making it a unique and nostalgic destination for visitors of all ages. With its magical atmosphere and scenic views, Enchanted Forest provides a delightful escape into a world of imagination.

503.371.4242

enchantedforest.com

Gilbert House Children’s Museum

Gilbert House Children’s Museum is a fun and educational destination for families, especially children. The museum is designed to foster creativity and learning through interactive exhibits that engage young minds in science, art, history, and the natural world.

503.371.3631

acgilbert.org

OSH Museum of Mental Health

The Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health offers a compelling look into the history of mental health care in the United States. Located on the grounds of the historic Oregon State Hospital—made famous by the film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest—the museum features exhibits on psychiatric treatment, patient life, and the evolution of mental health practices. Through artifacts, photos, and personal stories, it provides a thoughtful and educational experience that encourages reflection on mental health history and advocacy.

971.599.1674

oshmuseum.org

Schreiner's Gardens

Schreiner’s Gardens is a renowned garden center and iris farm famous for its stunning display of irises. The family-owned business has been cultivating and selling irises for decades and offers an impressive selection of flowers, including perennials, bulbs, and other garden plants. Visitors can stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens showcasing vibrant iris varieties in bloom, particularly during the spring season.

503.393.3232

schreinersgardens.com

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art in Salem is a key cultural institution showcasing a diverse range of art, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest. Located at Willamette University, it features both contemporary and historical works, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The museum also offers educational programs and special events, making it a vibrant hub for local and regional art.

503.370.6855

willamette.edu

Willamette Heritage Center

The Willamette Heritage Center is a vibrant museum and cultural center located in the heart of Salem. Housed in a historic 19th-century industrial complex, the center showcases the rich history of the region through exhibits, preserved buildings, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill, one of the oldest woolen mills in the Pacific Northwest, along with other historical structures that tell the story of Salem’s development. The center offers a variety of programs and events focused on local history, craftsmanship, and the region’s industrial heritage, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts and those interested in Oregon's industrial past.

503.585.7012

willametteheritage.org

Directory

This directory serves as a valuable tool for efficiently locating and accessing essential resources, such as dining establishments, healthcare facilities, public service offices, and community events. By offering comprehensive details and contact information, it aims to streamline the process of finding necessary services and participating in local activities.

Ethnic Food Markets

A Dong Market

503.371.3076

A Dong Market

Ocean Star Seafood Asian Market

503.399.8688

Ocean Star Seafood Asian Market

Pacific Island Mart

503.990.8609

Pacific Island Mart

Que Huong Oriental Foods

503.371.7274

Que Huong Oriental Foods

Taj Indian Grocery & Sweets

503.991.5297

Taj Indian Grocery & Sweets

Wing Wa Oriental Market

503.364.7477

Wing Wa Oriental Market

Farmers Markets

E.Z. Orchards Farm Market

Harris Farms

Salem Community Markets

503.585.8264

salemcommunitymarkets.com

Salem Public Market

503.383.1486

yoursalempublicmarket.facebook.com

Grocery Stores

Fred Meyer

Mega Foods Salem

Roth’s Fresh Markets

Safeway

WinCo

Health Food Stores

Alternative Health Center

503.364.0538

alternativehealthcenter.co

LifeSource Natural Foods

503.361.7973

lifesourcenaturalfoods.com

Natural Grocers

Salem Health Foods

Super Supplements

Furniture Stores

Furniture Gallery NW

503.974.7565

furnituregallerynw.com

Furniture Row Center

503.316.0022

furniturerow.com

Mattress Firm Salem Mall

503.585.5776

mattressfirm.com

Mor Furniture for Less

503.428.5912

morfurniture.com

Sid’s Home Furnishings

503.386.0785

sidshf.com

The American Furniture

503.385.8079

theamericanfurniture.com

Woodsellers Parkway Furniture

503.362.7716

woodsellersparkwayfurniture.a-zcompanies.com

Government Agencies

City of Salem Utility Billing

503.588.6099

cityofsalem.net

Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services

503.378.4100

oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Human Services

503.945.5600

oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Revenue

503.378.4988

oregon.gov

Oregon Employment Department

877.947.1394

oregon.gov

Social Security Administration

800.772.1213

ssa.gov

WorkSource Oregon - Salem Center

503.378.4846

worksourceoregon.org

Hospitals

Kaiser Permanente North Lancaster Medical Office

503.361.5400

healthy.kaiserpermanente.org

Oregon State Hospital

503.945.2800

oregon.gov

Salem Health Medical Clinic – Keizer

Salem Hospital

Newspapers

Eagle Newspapers Inc

Salem Reporter

Statesman Journal

News Stations

KOIN (Channel 6)

KPTV (Channel 12)

Shopping

Candalaria Terrace

2699 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Commercial Fairview

2920 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Hilfiker Shopping Center

4450 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302

Oak Park Plaza

3300 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305

Salem Center

401 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Village East Shopping Center

2421 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305

Willamette Town Center

831 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301

Nightlife

Graveyard Bar

503.339.7089

Graveyard Bar

Half Time Bar & Grill

503.371.2046

Half Time Bar & Grill

HonkyTonk Bar & Grill

503.991.5022

HonkyTonk Bar & Grill

Infinity Room

971.599.1871

infinityroomsalem.com

Nobles Tavern

503.391.9737

Nobles Tavern

Remmy's Nightclub, Sports Bar, Restaurant

971.218.1589

nightoutsalem.com

Southside Speakeasy

503.362.1139

southsidespeakeasy.com

The Night Deposit Whiskey Library

971.719.2597

The Night Deposit Whiskey Library

The Rabbit Cellar

503.339.7915

The Rabbit Cellar

Restaurants

Amadeus Restaurant

503.362.8830

amadeussalem.net

Best Little Roadhouse

503.365.7225

bestlittleroadhouse.com

DaVinci Ristorante

503.399.1413

davincisofsalem.com

Happy Bibimbop House

503.585.1530

happybibimbophouse.com

Lively Station

503.991.5261

livelystation.com

Ritter's Housemade Foods

503.339.7928

ritterseatery.com

Sassy Onion State Street

Wild Pear

The business listings provided in this directory are for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, not all listings may include complete information such as phone numbers, websites, or other contact details.