A Tualatin Valley Spring Itinerary

Mother Earth is already preparing for her next season. In Oregon’s Tualatin Valley vineyards, bud break is in mere weeks and little pops of green and yellow are emerging from the soil. Beyond growing irises and trees ready to regenerate its leaves, you’ll be seeing green all throughout Tualatin Valley. Look ahead for ways to plan an afternoon spring itinerary.

Spring Bird Migration

While many species of birds live year-round in the Tualatin Valley, spring brings dozens of other species through the area during migration season, which peaks in April. Whether you’re new to wildlife watching or you’re traveling specifically for the hobby, find wetlands of wonder. Spring is, quite literally, in motion as birds and other local creatures pass through, foster their young and build habitats. The spring months are also great times to head out to the nature parks for a wildflower walk.

Bud Break on the Vines

One of the most exciting times for vintners is waiting for spring to bring “bud break,” which is the initiation of growth from a bud on a grapevine, ending winter’s dormancy and signaling a new growing season. Find tasting rooms with vineyard views.

Stargazing 

With clouds clearing and afternoons fading into the blue-black evenings, more stars will be gracing the night sky this spring. Drive to the hilltop of L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, named one of the top 12 best spots for stargazing near Portland, where visitors will find a fantastic excellent location for viewing the night skies. Bring your binoculars and telescopes to the year-round camping locale.

High-Flying Thrills

Fly through the trees with an aerial adventure. Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour is open year-round and is a fully-guided zipline tour, complete with seven zip lines and two suspension bridges. Tree to Tree Adventure Park opens for the season on March 18 and features aerial ropes courses (ranging from beginner to expert), zip lines and tree top obstacles. The adventure park also features a zip-line tour, bungee jump and tree climb.

Plan a Tualatin Valley getaway today!