Photo Courtesy: Explore Tualatin Valley/Vanessa Wolf Creative

Winter Getaway to Tualatin Valley

Escape to This Charming Area West of Portland for Wine Tasting, Bird Watching and Hot-Tub Soaking

by Jennifer Burns Bright

Long known as a convenient escape from nearby Portland, the Tualatin Valley is a patchwork of green spaces, peaceful country roads and small communities, each with its own character. Beaverton, Hillsboro and Forest Grove are situated near Highway 26, the route to the Oregon coast; Tigard, Tualatin and Sherwood are southwest, tucked amid farmland. Throughout this region, you’ll find everything from excellent Asian restaurants and markets to vibrant wine-country experiences and everything in between.

Photo Courtesy: Ponzi Vineyards/ JB Rivail

Play

Rockhounders and budding geologists will love the unusual Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, located in the original midcentury ranch home of Richard and Helen Rice, well-known and respected rock collectors. The museum houses more than 20,000 specimens of fossils, crystals, petrified wood and minerals—some of which glow in the dark. Book a tour or wander among the display cases to marvel at nature’s creations.

Known for its pinot noir and proximity to Portland, the Tualatin Valley AVA is located within the Willamette Valley AVA, a producer of world-class wines. Celebrate the harvest during Willamette Valley Thanksgiving Wine Weekend with special events, live music and more. Sip wines in tasting rooms with soaring views, including Raptor Ridge Winery—which pours interesting European varietals—and Ponzi Vineyards, one of the oldest wineries in Oregon. Both welcome guests in luxe, modern settings with views of the Chehalem Mountains; Ponzi offers three-course pairing lunches, as well.

To attend a holiday show, browse a gallery or simply enjoy an art-filled public space, head to the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton. In 2025, winter performances include takes on Christmas from Irish, Hawaiian and what could be called wacky, non-denominational comedic perspectives.

Photo Courtesy: Rice Museum and Shawn Linehan

Discover

One of the valley’s most treasured features is its range of urban green spaces, from wetlands and wildlife preserves to community parks. Among the gems are the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, a 900-acre sanctuary for wildlife that includes more than 200 bird species. Winter is a peaceful time to traverse the 2-mile, out-and-back River Trail to spot migrating geese in the wetlands, or learn more about the refuge at the interpretive center. For longer meandering or a bicycle ride on a temperate day near Forest Grove, take the roughly 14-mile Hagg Lake Loop around this peaceful lake in Scoggins Valley Park with views of the Coast Range mountains in the distance.

At the 222-acre Tualatin Hills Nature Park in Beaverton, people using wheelchairs or strollers can easily enjoy the paved 0.75-mile Oak Trail, which winds through forest and wetlands, and check out exhibits at its nature center. Nearby, the 230-acre Cooper Mountain Nature Park, overlooking the valley and Chehalem Mountains, features delightful “listening trumpets” that resemble megaphones and allow users to hear amplified sounds of nature.

Charming shops line Forest Grove’s Downtown Historic District, an eminently walkable set of blocks with vintage storefronts, including the almost 60-year-old Valley Art Gallery offering fine art and classes, and Willow & Ash, a gift shop with Oregon-themed items and custom embroidery. Sherwood’s Mudpuddles Toys and Books may be the perfect place to buy a stocking stuffer—anything from science kits to puzzles. On Tigard’s Main Street, browse more than 70 dealers at Curiosities Vintage & Oddities antique mall, where merchants offer ever changing items for sale, such as vintage clothing, retro jewelry and antique furniture.

Photo Courtesy: Hapa Pizza; Josh Chang and Victoria Chen

Indulge

The valley has a well-deserved reputation as a global dining hotspot, with restaurants and food carts inspired by its Japanese, Korean, Mexican and Indian communities. On historic downtown Beaverton’s Restaurant Row, find a number of locally owned spots within just a few blocks, including local favorite Nak Won for Korean barbecue and rich, spicy soups. Nearby Hapa Pizza, an award-winning Asian-fusion pizzeria, serves both classics and innovations such as pork belly kimchi or tofu in yellow Thai curry pizzas at its bustling storefront.

If you’re hankering for bold flavors, try Tualatin hotspot La Industria, which serves mouthwatering barbecue with Tex-Mex flair. American comfort food with a waterfront view brings folks to Brix Tavern in the heart of town. Open from morning ‘til late, breakfasts are particularly delightful when overlooking the small lake either on the patio or inside, framed by large windows. Diners choose among several kinds of eggs benedict and omelets to start a day.

Though the valley is known for its wine and beer, fans of sake should stop by SakéOne in Forest Grove for a guided tasting of multiple styles of rice wine brewed on site at the first American-owned premium sake producer.

Photo Courtesy: McMenamins; Kathleen Nyberg

Rest

For a uniquely warming stay in a quiet part of Hillsboro, book a room at the Japanese-style Cedartree Hotel, which offers indoor onsen soaking pools. The pools are clothing optional and separated by gender—just like in Japan—and are free to all guests of the hotel. Here you’ll find a sake bar and full-service restaurant next to an indoor koi pond and peaceful garden.

Forest Grove hosts one of the notable properties of the Oregon-owned McMenamins hotel group, the 90-room Grand Lodge, which is so much more than a hotel. With several bars and restaurants on the sprawling campus, this 100-year-old former Masonic retirement home captures its history in whimsical artwork from floor to ceiling and themed guest rooms. Plan to visit the spa and an outdoor soaking pool, then take in a live show, where the heart of the valley comes out to play. 

More Articles

AAA Member Benefits

Trip Canvas

Time to make your travel dreams come true. Dream, plan, and book – all on one site.

Learn More

Travel Deals