Independence, OR

united states

Independence sits along the Willamette River about 12 miles southwest of Salem, connected by Highway 51 and Highway 22. Most visitors take I-5 to Exit 242, then follow Highway 22 west to Highway 51 south. The city serves as a quiet bedroom community for Salem workers and Western Oregon University commuters traveling the short route to nearby Monmouth. Independence still celebrates its hop-farming heritage each September with festivals featuring tours of working hop yards.