— What’s the Word?In Washington County, Oregon —

Archive for the ‘Outdoor Recreation’ Category

Tree to Tree Opens for the Season

Posted on: March 29th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

This wobbly bridge at Tree to Tree could be your next adventure challenge!

Tree to Tree Adventure Park is now open for its 2013 season, which lasts through mid-November! The aerial ropes courses, zip lines and treetop obstacles make for an invigorating outing, and this picturesque course is located in Gaston, near Hagg Lake–a short drive from Forest Grove.

Tackle the obstacle course high in the trees or venture out on a guided six-line, extreme zip-line tour, which features a 1,280-foot-long zip and 40-foot rappel. This “playground in the trees” was expanded in 2012 to include the latest zipline tour, “Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage.” This features six extreme ziplines (including one that is 1,280′ long!), a bridge and a 40′ rappel.

The original treetop aerial course has 12 ziplines among its 48 treetop elements and obstacles from platform to platform (tree to tree), including wobbly bridges, tight ropes, tarzan swings and more. New this season are two more aerial ropes courses, bringing the total to 80 elements of adventure!

I overcame my fear of heights by relying on the expertise and encouragement of a Tree to Tree staff member, who coached me from the ground while I stood nervously on a platform. The ziplines were thrilling!

Also available now is the 2013 Zip, Sip & Stay Adventure Passport, which includes overnight accommodations from your choice of four area hotels; lunch options at several area eateries; a choice of six wineries for wine tastings (and a wine purchase voucher); and Tree to Tree adventure passes. Packages start at $249 for two people.

Completing a course (or more!) at Tree to Tree requires a reservation, so call or email in advance. Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. until two hours before dusk. For a birds-eye view of the Tree to Tree experience, watch this Koin Local 6 reporter tackle a course (video courtesy of Koin):

Spring Break: It’s Not Just for Kids

Posted on: March 25th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Who says Spring Break is just for kids or college students? It’s time to listen to your inner “Spring Breaker” with these tips for a springtime getaway in Oregon’s Washington County.

Create Your Own Beer & Spirits Tour

It’s no secret that when it comes to craft brews and spirits, Oregon is tops. One of the best-kept secrets, though, is the growing craft beer and distillery scene in Washington County.

To date, there are 10 breweries in the destination, including seven brew pubs and three taprooms where it’s all about the beer, and nothing but the beer (think wine tasting rooms, but for craft brew lovers). Two spirits tasting rooms are located here, including Indio Spirits, which has been producing craft whiskey, vodka and rum for nearly a decade and just opened a new tasting room in Tigard! Every Thursday through Saturday from 2-7 p.m. visitors can sample their wares, as well as tour the distillery.

View the beer and spirits offerings in Washington County. To help you craft your own beer and spirits tour, check out our Saké, Beer & Spirits Trail itinerary.

Play a Round (or Two) of Golf

Pumpkin Ridge’s Ghost Creek is one of 12 golf courses available for play in Oregon’s Washington County. (Photo by Scott Spiker)

With 12 semi-private and public golf courses in Oregon’s Washington County–ranging from nine-hole executive courses to 18 holes and up–there are plenty of tee times awaiting Spring Breakers. Grab the clubs and venture to Washington County for a golfing tour, or add a day of golf to a Spring Break itinerary.

Play one of the first courses built in the Pacific Northwest at the pristine and challenging Forest Hills Golf Course, or walk the same fairways as some of golf’s greatest players at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club or The Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club (both have served as host sites for professional and celebrity tournaments). Don’t have time for a full game? Try the 18-hole putting course at Tualatin Island Greens, with each hole a miniature version of challenging holes from world-famous golf courses.

Have an Adventure

The year-round Banks-Vernonia State Trail remains one of Washington County’s top attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. This 21-mile (one-way) linear multi-use path was Oregon’s first rails-to-trails project, and takes hikers, cyclists and equestrians through forests and over trestles and bridges. Cyclists can rent bikes at Banks Bicycle Repair & Rental, located right at the beginning of the trail at the Banks trailhead.

Add some high-flying adventure to your Spring Break. Tree to Tree Adventure Park, an aerial ropes course and zip-line park, opens for the season on March 29th. Challenge yourself on the aerial ropes course: four courses of increasing difficulty, complete with 10 obstacles each to complete before zipping back to the ground.

Check off Birds on Your “Life List”

Spring marks migration season, and now through May, birders can get a sight of these magnificent migratory birds right here in Washington County. Several locations of nature parks and wildlife preserves offer fantastic bird watching opportunities. Updated attractions this season include the renovation of Fernhill Wetlands, with new amenities, including a Japanese garden, picnic shelter and restrooms.

Whether it’s for a weekend or a full week, plan your Spring Break getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. Create your own unique itinerary with our Trip Planner or view our sample itineraries.

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

Welcome, Spring!

Posted on: March 8th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Henry Hagg Lake

Fishing Pier at Henry Hagg Lake (Photo by Paul Loofburrow)

Spring is around the corner in Oregon’s Washington County, and the first hints of spring are popping up like wildflowers. Colorful tulips and bright daffodils dot the landscape and seasonal attractions dust off their “closed for the winter” signs and have opened for the season.

Trout fishing season is now open at Henry Hagg Lake and Scoggins Valley Park, located in western Washington County in Gaston. The lake is a popular fishing, boating and swimming spot, and the park features more than 15 miles of hiking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course and wildlife observation decks. Hagg Lake also is home to various duathlons and triathlons throughout the year, such as the Dirty Du & Dirt Dash (April 14), an epic off-road duathlon with a five-mile trail run and 15-mile bike ride.

Opening for the season March 29th is Tree to Tree Adventure Park, an aerial ropes course and zip-line park. Tackle the obstacle course high in the trees or venture out on a guided six-line, extreme zip-line tour, which features a 1,280-foot-long zip and 40-foot rappel. Plan a visit with a Zip, Sip & Stay Adventure Passport, which includes overnight accommodations, lunch, wine tastings and Tree to Tree adventure passes. Packages start at $245

We can’t think of a better way to explore the wonders of spring in Oregon’s Washington County than a drive along the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, a 60-mile journey through rural towns and the north Willamette Valley farm and wine country. Families of alpaca and bison, farmlands blooming in preparation for a summer harvest, quaint rural stores, and historic pioneer sites align the countryside along the drive through the lush Tualatin Valley.

Explore these attractions and more this spring, and plan an Oregon’s Washington County getaway today!

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

Fishing Season Launches at Hagg Lake

Posted on: February 28th, 2013 by Angie Marsh No Comments

March is the month that esteemed fishing spot Henry Hagg Lake in Gaston opens for fishing.

One of the many views of Hagg Lake, where the fish should be biting.

This stocked 1,110-acre lake offers good bank, dock and boat fishing with multiple boat ramps as well as a fully accessible, 260-foot fishing pier. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are welcome. Thanks to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and its stocking program, the lake is known for its plentiful brood trout, though the statewide bag limit on trout is one (20 inches or larger) per day. Also found in the lake are bass, crappie, perch and bullhead catfish–though many an angler catches trout.

Anglers 13 and older need a fishing license. In addition, there is a day-use fee of $5 (cash only!), payable at the entrance. This is good for the day’s entirety, from “sunrise to sunset” hours, according to Washington County. Boat rental–including kayaks, paddle boats and small motor boats–is also offered on site, call for availability, 503-927-5489.

Take a break from fishing to enjoy all the other recreational draws of the area. This includes five different designated picnic areas, all of which have grills, and two of which have covered pavilions. Another highlight is the multi-use 15-mile path circling the picturesque lake. The Sain Scoggins 18-hole disc golf course is along the west shore as well.

The lake is located seven miles southwest of Forest Grove off Highway 47, and is open for fishing until Nov. 23, 2013.

This article has a list of area fishing holes. Enjoy the angling!

 

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

 

Going the Distance: Half, Full Marathons Here in 2013

Posted on: February 20th, 2013 by Angie Marsh 1 Comment

Long-distance running events are taking off here, and it may make sideaches easier to bear when a running course is dotted with evergreen trees, picturesque farmland and lakeside views. We salute you, the dedicated runners who commit to half marathons, full marathons, and all distances in between. Your training regimen and any travel plans can kick into full force once you choose which of these area runs suits your style.

Is the Helvetia Half Marathon your next run?

Here’s a rundown of 2013 running events (those with a distance of half marathon/13.1 miles or more) in the area:

Vernonia Half Marathon & Marathon
Sunday, April 14
This race circles a lake before spending the majority of the mileage on the paved Banks-Vernonia State Trail, which is mostly flat. The half marathon finishes along the Trail, while the full marathon continues on to Banks High School.

Hippie Chick Half Marathon
Saturday, May 11
This popular run is an all-women’s event held on Mother’s Day weekend. Participants start and finish at the Gordon Faber Recreational Complex in Hillsboro. The route is largely flat and scenic. Hillsboro Courtyard Marriot is offering a group rate to participants as well as a shuttle to the starting line on race day. Sign-up soon, as this race typically sells out!

Helvetia Half Marathon
Saturday, June 8
The theme of this run is “Leave the city behind.” The event begins and ends at Hillsboro Stadium, and the route winds through the “hamlet” of Helvetia–up and down hilly, rural roads–before returning to the stadium for a beer garden, Helvetia Tavern burgers and live music.

XTERRA Trail Run Oregon Series Championship
Sunday, August 11
Enjoy a scenic, competitive run along the Hagg Lake Trail circling the entire lake, described as “sure to challenge event the most seasoned runners, but still be kind enough on the rookies.”

This is just the tip of the running event iceberg–we’ll have additional blog posts summarizing (shorter) area runs that increase in numbers in the summer months.  In addition, watch for our blog post listing all the upcoming bike events! Start training now!

 

Find places to stay. | Create a personalized itinerary. | Find places to eat. | View the digital visitor guide.

 

Making New Year’s Resolutions Fun

Posted on: January 7th, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Happy New Year! It’s a great time to get a head-start on your New Year’s resolutions.  If you are planning a trip to Oregon’s Washington County, or if you live in the region, here are some ways to help you stay the course and reach your goals for 2013.

Take a Trip/Spend More Time with Family and Friends

Taking the time to travel with family and friends is a popular resolution, and Oregon’s Washington County is a great destination for travelers who are looking to fulfill this resolution (as well as to work on those other goals). Located minutes outside of Portland, Washington County offers a variety of things to see and do, from cultural arts to wine tasting and many other recreational opportunities in between.Washington County is an affordable destination, and it’s easy to get to, whether by plane, train or automobile.

Planning a visit is simple, too. First, plan which time of year you want to visit, as each season offers something new and exciting to explore. Then simply plan away (read our digital visitor guide for inspiration).

Learn how to make a glass art masterpiece at Live Laugh Love Glass.

Learn Something New

Take advantage of opportunities to learn or try something new. Get out of your comfort zone and explore uncharted territory.

Have you watched the sport of curling during the Olympics and thought, “I can do that!”? Now you can. The Evergreen Curling Club opened its doors in January and offers two-hour lessons on the basics of curling (pre-registration is required; space permitting).

At Quail Run Creamery, visitors can learn how to make cheese–including soft, hard and mozzarella cheeses–at one of the creamery’s scheduled three-hour cheese-making classes (pre-registration required; space is limited). Classes include a tour of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat farm and creamery.

Learn the basics of glass blowing at Live Laugh Love Glass, a state-of-the-art glass-blowing studio and gallery in downtown Tigard. Learn basic techniques on how to create glass masterpieces with private lessons ranging from approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

Volunteer

If you resolved to volunteer more this year, Oregon’s Washington County offers opportunities to help the environment. On the second Saturday of each month, The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge hosts “work parties,” three-hour projects that help restore the habitat of the refuge. Projects include tree planting, invasive plant species removal and tree upkeep.

Start on your list of resolutions for 2013 with a trip to Oregon’s Washington County, and no matter what your other goals for the year are, there may be places to see and things to do right here in Washington County that will help keep you on track. Plan your getaway today!

A Closer Look At Our Cities: Tigard

Posted on: August 31st, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

The Broadway Rose Theatre Company stages a slate of professional live musical theater productions season after season.

With a population of more than 48,000, the bedroom community of Tigard is located just south of Portland in southeastern Washington County.  It is home to the region’s premier tax-free shopping destinations, has a thriving community is devoted to the arts, and offers outdoor recreation opportunities.

Arts & Culture

Tigard is the proud home of the Broadway Rose Theatre Company, Washington County’s only award-winning professional musical theatre company. Each season, Broadway Rose produces a slate of musicals that range from well-known classics to world premieres.

Want a more hands-on experience? Main Street in downtown Tigard is home to two do-it-yourself shops. Blow your own glass masterpiece at Live Laugh Love Glass,  or blend your own wine at Tigard Wine Crafters.

Outdoor Recreation

Recreation is tops here, as Tigard’s Cook Park provides access to the Tualatin River, a calm waterway that is popular with kayakers and canoeists. During weekends through September, rent a canoe or kayak from the Tualatin Riverkeepers for a peaceful and leisurely paddle along the river.

Tax-Free Shopping

Tigard is home to some of the best known shopping brands, and boasts the state’s most beloved shopping centers.

Washington Square is Oregon and Southwest Washington’s premier shopping center with five anchor stores–including Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Oregon’s largest Nordstrom–and more than 170 distinctive shops and restaurants.

Located in the border of Tigard and neighboring city of Tualatin is Bridgeport Village, a European-style outdoor shopping experience with a unique blend of upscale national and local retailers, restaurants, bookstore, spa, and a first-run, multiplex movie theater.  Just a couple blocks down the street is Stash Tea, a retail shop offering more than 200 premium loose-leaf teas, a variety of tea pots, customized gift baskets and other unique gifts.

From the arts to the art of shopping, Tigard provides visitors with many things to see and do. Add Tigard, as well as other cities, towns and attractions to your Oregon’s Washington County itinerary.

 

Last-Minute Labor Day Weekend Getaway

Posted on: August 24th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Squeeze out the last days of summer with a weekend getaway to Oregon’s Washington County. Temperatures are cooling down with an average high of 80 degrees, but the fun is just heating up.

All Trails Lead to Nature

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

With cooler temperatures, why spend a day indoors when Washington County has myriad outdoor activities that are perfect for a summer day. Rent a bike (or bring your own) and ride along the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail (it’s 42 miles if you make it a round-trip ride). This gorgeous trail, along an abandoned railway, takes riders, hikers and equestrians down a relatively easy path through lush forests and along trestles and through L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park.

Head for the tranquil waters of the Tualatin River with a leisurely kayak or canoe ride. Rent a kayak or canoe or take part in a group paddle and the enjoy the natural surroundings, birds and wildlife.

For high-flying adventures, head over to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, an aerial ropes course and zip-line park. Explore the challenging aerial obstacle course, which features a total of 48  tree-top elements and 12 zip lines, or check out the new Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage Zip Line Tour, featuring six “extreme” zip-lines, a bridge and a rappel.  Adult prices start at $45 for the aerial ropes course; $75 for the Zip Line Tour.

Back by popular demand is the Zip, Sip & Stay passport, which includes a one-night stay in a deluxe suite, gourmet lunch, passes to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, wine tasting and a $29 wine voucher, and dining specials at local restaurants. Passports for two start at $245; family and combo passports also are available.

Sip Your Way Through Oregon’s Washington County

During Labor Day weekend, wineries in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA), located in the Willamette Valley, will open their doors for the annual Explore, Tour & Taste event (September 1-3).  Several Washington County wineries will be hosting open houses, featuring special tastings, pre-harvest presentations and much more. Participating wineries include:  Alloro Vineyard, Anam Cara Cellars, Beckham Estate Vineyard, A Blooming Hill Vineyard and Winery, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, Freja Cellars, Gresser Vineyards and Ponzi Vineyards, and Raptor Ridge.  Tasting fees, times and details vary.

Or you can explore Washington County’s wine country with a self-guided tour. Visit our website for a list of wineries in the area and to plan your own excursion.

Shop ‘Til You Drop, Then Shop Some More

Shopping in Oregon’s Washington County is always a treat because it’s TAX FREE! Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to save even more with sales at popular local retail centers, such as Washington Square, Bridgeport Village and The Streets of Tanasbourne. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping at Sleighbells Farm & Gift, a year-round holiday store specializing in Christmas and holiday decor and collectibles, or Miki’s Christmas Shop, an Old-World inspired shop featuring a large variety of German holiday collectibles.

Plan Your Last-Minute Labor Day Getaway Today

Visit our website and plan your itinerary, or peruse our digital visitor guide for inspiration.

Kayaking and Canoeing: No Reservations Required

Posted on: August 1st, 2012 by Angie Marsh 2 Comments

The Tualatin River provides cool and calming recreational opportunities–especially in the summertime. Best of all, no advance planning is necessary for a boat trip, as rentals are available on a drop-in, first-come, first-serve basis at two different locations within Washington County.

The Tualatin Riverkeepers have a colorful assortment of cool kayaks (funded, in part, by a WCVA tourism grant)

The Tualatin Riverkeepers are renting canoes and kayaks at Tigard’s Cook Park boat launch on Saturdays and Sundays through September, with no reservations required. Cost is $30 for up to four hours, with each additional hour $10, and includes life vests. Choose which block of time you’d like to paddle the scenic waterways; rental hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

For expanded options, check out Alder Creek’s Tualatin rental location, also on the Tualatin River, but in Browns Ferry Park. Canoes and single and tandem recreational kayaks are available for rental Wednesdays through Friday from noon to 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.–through Labor Day weekend (continuing on weekends only Sept. 8-9 and 15-16, 2012). Cost is $20 for two hours, $25 for four hours and $40 for all day.

If you’re looking for more guidance along the waterway, Tualatin Riverkeepers also has two upcoming paddle events. Family Paddle Day is Saturday, Aug. 11 at Cook Park, and offers two-hour guided canoe trips complete with a shuttle. On Sunday, Aug. 26 they’re offering a Westside Family Paddle Trip at Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro. Both of these events require reservations. Happy paddling!

 

 

Biking the Banks-Vernonia State Trail

Posted on: June 30th, 2012 by Angie Marsh No Comments

I set out by bike to conquer the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, and found that rolling for miles along its smooth pavement beneath the forest canopy is more enjoyable than fearful. The dozens of snails utilizing the trail, however, should fear the bikers and horseback riders who can’t help but crush them (sorry!).

The Banks Trailhead provides the perfect starting point for this ride–in that it has designated trail parking and restrooms. The trail has a gradual incline, which helped warm me while the dense forest kept the temperature cool. We used this simple Oregon State Parks map as well as the WCVA Bike Map to plot our ride strategy. Crossing 13 bridges allows for awesome overlooks and just plain fun riding, as I captured with my phone:

The trail snakes through L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park, where there are convenient turn-offs to the park’s other trails and amenities, such as cabins, horse camp and campsites.

The flora and fauna is apparent throughout the ride.

Pausing on a bridge to admire the view.

My cycling companions and I opted to stop at about mile 10.5 at a turnoff to eat our lunch, and were pleasantly surprised to discover a picnic bench next to the swampy view, pictured at left.

As we pedaled on, songbirds and fellow cyclists greeted us. A snake slithered ahead on the path. Horseback riders clomped along the adjacent trail, as did hikers. We made it to the “end”–the Vernonia Trailhead at mile 21, where there’s a park full of ancient trees, as well as restrooms, water taps (important for refilling!) and picnic tables. After eating our snack, we were ready to do it all over again in reverse. The downhill became uphill–and the apt-named “Tophill” area was a gear-grinding climb–but we continued to enjoy the open path and uninterrupted ride. I clocked my speed at 19 mph (it’s a “closed course,” after all), sailing a stretch with my friends, taking it all in.

The crunch of pine needles was the only sound along the Trail at times.