The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Oregon’s Tualatin Valley

Tualatin Valley’s wineries are located in the northernmost area of the famed Willamette Valley wine country. The wines and the grapes grown here are so distinctive that there are not one, but two, brand-new designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Tualatin Valley: Laurelwood District and Tualatin Hills. Wines grown in this region include Pinot Noir, which is the state wine grape, and Pinot Gris; however, Tualatin Valley’s wineries produce a diverse variety of wines, including Pinot Blanc, Rosé (mostly produced from Pinot Noir grapes), Chardonnay, Riesling and a host of lesser-known wines. Expand your palate and visit some of the 30-plus wine tasting rooms in Tualatin Valley. Enjoy a tasting flight at an estate winery while overlooking the vineyards and vistas below or have a seat at a tasting room on a quaint downtown street.

For years, Oregon has made a name for itself as being one of the top craft beer destinations in the country. With more than 25 breweries available, Tualatin Valley is no slouch when it comes to tasty and exemplary craft brews. Home to many of the area’s venerable breweries—Vertigo Brewing, McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse and Ambacht Brewing—the city of Hillsboro has long been considered the epicenter of Tualatin Valley’s beer scene. However, in historic downtown Beaverton, the number of taprooms will triple with the planned opening of Binary Brewing, a fourth location for Breakside Brewing and a second location of the Portland-based Loyal Legion Oregon Beer Hall. These three new locations, scheduled to open in 2021, join Ex Novo Brewing Co. and Raindrop Tap House, which opened in 2019.

Tualatin Valley boasts two zip line adventure parks. Tree to Tree Adventure Park, which opened more than a decade ago, is the region’s only aerial obstacle course. The park features six aerial ropes courses, each set high in the trees with a sequence of challenging obstacles, including swings, ladders and wobbly bridges. In addition to the courses, Tree to Tree also has a zip line tour, racing zip lines, bungee jump and adventures for younger kids. Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour is a two-hour zip line experience—open year-round—led by experienced guides, where adventurers reach heights of up to 120 feet high in the trees, rain or shine. Guides are specialized in working with people of all abilities, fears and backgrounds.

Outdoor adventures continue with a range of recreational opportunities for all abilities. For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, Tualatin Valley’s numerous nature parks and preserves are ideal for birdwatchers, nature lovers, wildflower searchers and others who want an accessible low-impact hike. For those who want more of a challenging hike or cycling ride, paths in the Tillamook State Forest or at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park provide an adrenaline rush. Opening later in 2021 is the new Chehalem Ridge Nature Park, complete with 10 miles of trails for walking, off-road cycling and horseback riding, including three miles of accessible trails for all ages and abilities. The park is home to multiple habitats, including upland forests, oak woodlands and wetlands, and boasts spectacular views of the Tualatin Valley.