We love our Oregon Wine, but our area's growing craft beverage culture is now getting some much-deserved recognition too! Earlier this summer, the Salem Brewery Association and Travel Salem launched the Salem Ale and Cider Trail, showcasing nine local breweries and three cideries in the Marion and Polk County region.

Visitors are encouraged to navigate the trail using a special printed passport, which includes information about each participating brewery or cidery, a place to jot down tasting notes and special offers from select advertisers.

Explorers will receive a stamp in their passport after visiting each location on the trail. Once the passport is full, guests can bring it to the Travel Salem Visitors Center and receive a commemorative glass etched with the Salem Ale and Cider Trail logo.

Guests can also receive stamps in their passport from select advertisers. Once that portion of the passport is complete, they will receive a key chain bottle opener sporting the Ale Trail logo. Salem Ale and Cider Trail explorers are encouraged to share their experiences and help raise awareness about the trail on social media using the hashtag #SalemAleTrail.

The featured breweries and cideries on the Trail include 1859 Cider Co., Bauman's Century Farm Cider,  Gilgamesh Brewing, McMenamins Thompson Brewery & Public House, Ram Restaurant & Brewery, Rogue Farms Hopyard, Salem Ale Works, Santiam Brewing, Seven Brides Brewing, Silver Falls Brewery, Vagabond Brewing and Wandering Aengus Ciderworks & Anthem Cider.

“The Mid-Willamette Valley is home to an exciting and growing beer and cider scene, featuring talented artisans who are passionate about what they do and very supportive of each other,” says Jake Bonham, co-owner of Salem Ale Works and Salem Brewery Association Board Member. “The Ale and Cider Trail elevates our entire industry and is a perfect way to showcase the amazing assets in our region.”

Salem Ale and Cider Trail passports are available for $5 each at all participating breweries, cideries, the Travel Salem Visitors Center and select passport advertisers. For an online map and to start your exploration of the area's craft beverage culture, visit the Salem Ale & Cider Trail website or contact Travel Salem. 

Story and photo source: Travel Salem