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Take an Adventurecation in Oregon’s Washington County

Posted on: May 22nd, 2013 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Oregon’s Washington County offers many of the best activities that the state has to offer: estate wineries, craft brews, exceptional art and culture experiences, engaging farms and markets and so much more. For those who like their vacations to be filled with adventure, we have a two-day adventure that will have your adrenaline pumping and your heart racing.

Day One: Sky-High Adventures

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

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

Tree to Tree Adventure Park features an aerial adventure ropes course with six (6) courses of varying difficulty, each with 10 obstacles to master before zipping back to the ground. “Woody’s Ziptastic Voyage” is a zip line tour featuring six extreme zip lines (including one that is 1,280-feet long), a bridge and a 40-foot rappel.

The Willamette Valley Soaring Club offers introductory rides as a way to introduce the public to the sport.  Experienced pilots soar 3,000 feet in the are and share the spectacular views  of the Willamette Valley below.

Drive to the Tillamook Forest Center, located in the Tillamook State Forest, to experience the region’s largest interpretive and educational center, which showcases the Oregon history and legacy of the historic Tillamook Burn and the public spirit behind a monumental reforestation effort.

Day Two: A Day in the Forest

The second day of your Adventurecation whisks you through one of Oregon’s best-kept secrets, the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon’s first rails-to-trails park. This  21-mile (one way), multi-use, non-motorized trail is open to hiking, biking and horseback riding, and feature spectacular views, forests and trestle/bridge crossings.

View the full  itinerary, complete with camping suggestions, pricing, months of operation and more.

For more itineraries, visit our website or plan your own itinerary using our Trip Planner.  Don’t forget to enter to win an Adventurecation to Oregon’s Washington County. Learn more >>>

Celebrate Independence Day in Oregon’s Washington County!

Posted on: June 29th, 2012 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Warm temperatures, fun activities and awe-inspiring fireworks mark a day of festivities this Fourth of July. So, if you’re planning to be in the Greater Portland region this Independence Day, or you are interested in visiting Oregon’s Washington County for the holiday, here is a sampling of what to expect:

Parade

Hillsboro 4th of July Parade
Parade starts at 10am at corner of Second and Main Streets

Berry picking is just one of several activities planned for the annual 4th of July Berry Festival at Smith Berry Barn.

Activities

Smith Berry Barn’s 4th of July Berry Festival, featuring berry picking, family activities, food and live entertainment (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Location:  Smith Berry Barn – 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro

Firecracker 100 Race, DAA Extreme Late Models vs. Dirt Car Super Late Models (6-10 p.m.); fireworks display immediately following race
Location: Sunset Speedway Park – 485 South Main Street, Banks, Oregon

Red, White and Celebrate, wine tastings, live music, new-release tastings, barrel samplings, and more (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Location: Wineries countywide

Fireworks Displays

Forest Grove’s 4th of July Celebration, with live music (8:30 p.m.) and fireworks show (10 p.m.)
Location:  Tom McCall School – 1341 Pacific Avenue

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration (Tigard, Ore.) with kids’ activities, clowns, live music, concession stands selling light snacks. Gates open at 6pm; fireworks at dusk.
Location:  Tigard High School – 9000 SW Durham Rd.

Have a safe and fun 4th of July!

Biking Through Washington County

Posted on: May 6th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan 1 Comment

bikemap coverI probably shouldn’t admit this, but it’s been years since I’ve ridden my bike. It’s not because of laziness, or some deep-seeded aversion to riding a bike. The chain is rusty, the seat ripped, and quite frankly, I don’t even know if the brakes work.

This month, however, there is more incentive to get that ol’ bike fixed and road-worthy. Why? May is Bike Month, and we just published a new bike map featuring bike-friendly paths and trails throughout Washington County.

Another incentive to fix up my bike is to ride the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon’s first rails-to-trails project, which is open to cyclists, hikers and equestrians.  While I may not complete the entire 21-mile (one-way!) trail, I will be able to cover more ground on two wheels than by foot.

But who am I kidding? I am the queen of procrastination, and I probably won’t get my bike fixed, or even buy a new one. Instead, I may just rent some wheels and head off into the wild, green yonder that is Oregon’s Washington County.

VIDEO: Biking at L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park

A Celebration Nearly 21 Years in the Making

Posted on: November 5th, 2010 by Guest Blogger No Comments
Photo courtesy of Danny Abrego

Photo courtesy of Danny Abrego

What does live music, a drum line, a pageant winner, horses, bicycles, students, and a crowd of local dignitaries and community supporters have in common? Put them all together and you have the makings of a celebration.

On Oct. 29th, the community of Banks gathered for a grand opening celebration,   marked with proclamations, speeches and ribbon cutting, to commemorate the completion of the final leg of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail.

Managed by Oregon State Parks, and part of the Rails-to-Trails network, the Banks-Vernonia State Trail is a linear 21-mile trail, most of which is paved*, which runs along an old railroad line from Banks, Ore. to Vernonia, Ore. The Banks trailhead marks the final segment of this trail. (*Unpaved sections of the trail are currently under construction, and in early 2011 the 21-mile trail will be completely paved.)

Photo courtesy of Danny Abrego

Photo courtesy of Danny Abrego

For two decades, the trail has been a haven for hikers, cyclists and equestrians of all abilities. Part of the trail takes visitors through L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park, making it a perfect place to make a fuel stop or set up camp. (Equestrians can stay at Hares Camp, Oregon’s only full-service horse camp, also located in the park.)

The trail is open year-round (although segments of the trail may close for maintenance or due to inclement weather). For more information, visit the Oregon State Park’s website.

Read more about the celebration event from The Oregonian.

See more pictures from the grand opening celebration.

Monster Tractors?!!

Posted on: August 20th, 2009 by Guest Blogger No Comments

tractor-combine-pano_banks_09_web

Who knew tractors could be so cool? Banks, Oregon, just had their annual BBQ celebration this last weekend.  What? You didn’t make it? It was a tough choice, so many things to do and see this last weekend in Washington County, not to mention all of Greater Portland. But lucky for us, we had a local partner attend and here are some great photos and some words from Shilo Inns.  There’s always next year folks!

The 65th Annual Banks, Oregon tractor pull & combine demolition derby was as exciting as advertised and there was never a dull moment over the six plus hours of the days events. The show began at noon with the first class of pulls (riding mowers) and escalated all the way up to the finale’ of the combine demolition derby and truck tug-of-war.

-Dan Klimke, Shilo Inns

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Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) Awards Grant Funds for Tourism Development Projects

Posted on: June 3rd, 2009 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan 2 Comments

The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA), awarded just under $200,000 in tourism grants to local organizations. The WCVA is a destination marketing organization charged with marketing the county as a tourism destination. Up to $200,000 are allocated to local organizations annually for tourism development.

Selected by the WCVA’s grant committee, which is comprised of members of its board of directors, the seven recipients will receive the funds beginning in July for projects designed to enhance Washington County’s tourism products.

Recipients of the WCVA’s 2009-10 tourism grants are: 

  • Banks Community Foundation ($15,000): Funding support to produce a Banks, Ore., visitor guide highlighting the attributes of L.L.
    First store built in Banks, 1901.

    First store built in Banks, 1901.

    “Stub” Stewart State Park, which is an important attraction for out-of-town visitors

  • Broadway Rose Theatre ($30,000): Funding support to hire part-time staff dedicated to promoting upcoming theater productions to out-of-town groups, and funding support for out-of-area advertising
  • Horning’s Hideout ($18,826): Funding support to build two competition-quality disc golf courses, with the goal of hosting tournaments, which will potentially attract out-of-town visitors
  • Hulaman Triathlon ($50,000): Funding support for the Hulaman Triathlon sporting event, with the goal of positioning the event at a higher competitive level to attract and increase the number of out-of-town athlete attendees
  • North Willamette Vintners Association ($30,000): Funding support to develop programs and wine events in Washington County to attract out-of-town visitors
  • L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park ($8,350): Funding support to build a competition-quality disc golf course, with the goal of hosting tournaments, which will potentially attract out-of-town visitors
  • Tualatin Riverkeepers  ($40,000): Funding support to purchase equipment and hire part-time staff to implement a guided river-rafting program in Washington County, which will enhance the county’s tourism assets for the group tour and independent travel markets
Hornings Hideout

Hornings Hideout

The sole purpose of the funds allocated is for the development or promotion of emerging events, activities and other tourism-related attractions in Washington County. To be considered for funding, projects must have the potential to attract and draw tourists from at least 50 miles outside of Washington County and the Portland Metro area, thereby increasing visitor spending in the local economy.

All grant recipients are required to demonstrate how the awarded funds increased visitor spending in Washington County from visitors who traveled from out of the Portland Metro area, as well as report a return on investment on these grants.

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!