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

Posts Tagged ‘Biking’

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.

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.

Hot Off the Presses!

Posted on: August 12th, 2011 by WCVA No Comments

Oregon’s Washington County Recreation Map Now Available

The Washington County Visitors Association just published its new Recreation Map, a sister publication to the overwhelmingly popular Bike Map.

With highlights of the area’s outdoor recreational areas, the Recreation Map provides a wealth of information about various outdoor activities, including hiking, nature walks, bird watching locations and paddling sites, including GPS coordinates, difficulty levels and contact information. Trailheads, parks, campgrounds, horse camping sites and other pertinent information are also pinpointed on the map.

In addition to recreational sites, the map includes the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, wineries throughout Washington County, golf courses, farms and farm stores, and other attractions in the area.

Recreation Map Highlights

  • Bird watching sites
  • Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route
  • Parks and natural areas
  • Golf courses
  • Wetlands and open spaces
  • Community and recreation centers
  • Vineyards and wineries
  • Day-use parks
  • Camping sites
  • Paved and unpaved recreational trails
  • Historic sites
  • Paddling sites
  • Mountains/buttes

Request a FREE copy of the Recreation Map online, call 800-537-3149, or send us an e-mail at info@wcva.org.

 

 

 

 


Four Bike Events in Four Months

Posted on: July 13th, 2011 by Angie Marsh No Comments

This summer boasts the most bike events ever to take place in Washington County! Best of all, the length of events ranges from a 1 1/2 mile ride to 100 miles–with multiple options in between. Registration is now open for all rides. Will I see you at the Harvest Century ride? I hope so!

Here are the remaining rides:

Beaverton, Banks & Beyond
Saturday, August 27, 2011
This ride offers three options: 32 miles, 64 miles or 86 miles. The overall destination is LL “Stub” Stewart State Park. Details are in this video:
Beaverton, Banks & Beyond Bike Ride Event

Beaverton Celebration Day Bike Ride
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle heads this ride, which is a 6-mile jaunt through lower-traffic streets in Beaverton, ending up back at Schiffler Park for live music and a free ice cream social. More info.

Harvest Century
Saturday, October 8, 2011
In its ninth year, this ride is to “celebrate the coming of a glorious fall” with options of 3-mile, 45-mile, 75-mile or 100-mile route, all of which begin at Hillsboro Stadium and continue along the leaf-scattered rural roads throughout the county. Participants enjoy hot cider at rest stops, a wine tasting and a finish line party featuring a beer garden, catered meal and live music. More info.

 

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

It’s Time for an Oregon Adventurecation in Washington County!

Posted on: April 7th, 2011 by WCVA No Comments

When it comes to outdoor adventure, Oregon is tops! In Washington County, miles of beautiful countryside are waiting to be explored. From kayaking and cycling to birding and hiking, and so much more in between, the options are endless.

Activities and attractions such as Tree to Tree Adventure Park, the state’s only public aerial ropes course of its kind; Banks-Vernonia State Trail, a 21-mile trail open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians; and the Tualatin River, which is perfect for kayaks and canoes, are just a sample of the dozens of adventures to be discovered in Washington County.

Create your own Washington County journey via the Create Your Adventure Video Series, interactive videos that allow you to choose a couple’s Washington County adventure.

Don’t just sit there! Plan your Washington County Adventurecation today!


The Best Things in Life Are Free

Posted on: March 17th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Enjoying Washington County without Breaking the Bank

Several miles of biking and hiking trails are open year-round throughout Washington County

Several miles of biking and hiking trails are open year-round throughout Washington County

Let’s face it, we often think the sky’s the limit when on vacation, and when we return home, we have to face the sticker shock.  The good news is that a vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, Washington County, Oregon, is an affordable vacation getaway–and with plenty of things to see and do that are free (or close to it), it’s an ideal destination for families, couples and solo travelers alike.

Visit protected wetlands and wildlife habitats
Washington County boasts several wetland areas that offer walking trails, as well as great viewing spots for birdwatchers and photographers. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, Jackson Bottom Wetlands, Cooper Mountain Nature Park and the Tualatin Hills Nature Park are just some of the locations to spot native plants, wildlife and migratory birds, sans admission fees (donations are accepted).

Tiptoe through the tulips
The tulips, or rather, rhododendrons, are a sight to behold at The Lloyd Baron Rhododendron Garden, located at Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro. Colorful, seasonal rhododendrons and scenic woodlands, plus waterfalls and a pond, provide visitors with a serene, calm place to reflect. The garden doesn’t charge admission; donations are accepted.

Hike there
Don your hiking boots and set off on trails situated in the verdant countryside. With miles of trails to discover, including the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail, adventurers can explore for hours, without paying a dime.  (Bike rentals available for a fee at the Banks trailhead.) Got a bike? Venture out along the the dozens of trails open to cyclists throughout Washington County.

Taste the varietals
Most of Washington County’s wineries, located in the lush northern Willamette Valley, have tasting fees under $10; however, one winery still offers complimentary tastings to guests. Shafer Vineyard Cellars, established in 1978, pours a selection of varietals, plus offers complimentary cheese, crackers and coffee. (While there, check out Miki’s Christmas Shop, which has an impressive collection of German smokers and other “Old World” holiday items.)

These are just a sampling of the fun things to see and do in Oregon’s Washington County. To learn more about the myriad attractions and activities, visit our website or peruse the digital edition of the official Washington County, Oregon, Visitor Guide.

Sylke Neal-Finnegan is the director of marketing and communications for the Washington County Visitors Association. During her free time, she explores many of the riches of Washington County, Oregon, and shares her experiences throughout the destination.

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.

Create Your Own Adventures With New Interactive Videos

Posted on: March 23rd, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan No Comments

Video Series is First of its Kind to be Used to Promote Tourism

With an innovative, bold new Web video campaign, Washington County, Oregon, is now allowing visitors to create their own vacation adventures with an unprecedented series of videos on the popular video sharing website YouTube.

These “Create Your Adventure” videos allow viewers to discover the many gems of Washington County. Adventurers are given the choice of three tracks, which viewers can tailor to their own interests. Each series ends with a scenic drive along the Vineyard & Valley Scenic Tour Route, which highlights Washington County’s rolling backcountry roads, farm stands and wineries.

Golf is one of several relaxing pursuits on the Create Your Adventure journey.

Golf is one of several relaxing pursuits on the Create Your Adventure journey.

Each track offers nine adventures, with a total of 27 possible vacation itineraries:

  • Relax: highlighting attractions such as shopping, golf, hiking, a day at the spa, and a night out on the town, among other activities
  • Escape: highlighting pursuits such as disc golf, hot air balloon rides, a visit to a farmers’ market and saké tasting, among other activities
  • Explore: highlighting outdoorsy attractions, such as bird watching, hiking, biking and kayaking, among other activities

“Washington County truly is a hidden gem,” said Ruthie Reinert, president and CEO of the Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA). “As a destination marketing organization, we saw a need to create a tool that provided a sample of all the ways a visitor can have an authentic travel experience in Washington County.”

Birding is one of the adventures explorers can choose

Birding is one of the adventures explorers can choose

The videos were modeled after the popular “Choose Your Own Adventure” books, which were popular among school-aged children in the 1980s and ‘90s, and allowed readers to choose what happened next in the story.

“Destinations typically tell you what to do and where to go,” said Martin Stoll, CEO of Portland-based GoSeeTell Network, the production company behind the interactive “Create Your Adventure” videos.  “Washington County is letting its visitors choose their own destiny. Visitors drive the story and decide where they’ll go and what they’ll do. It’s an exciting breakthrough in the often pre-packaged tourism marketing industry.”

The interactive video project, which was a joint partnership between the WCVA and the GoSeeTell Network, is the first of its kind in the tourism industry. It uses a YouTube technology, which links multiple video clips with an interactivity button that causes the next video to play. This is the first time this Web video technology is being used for tourism.

Annual Tour de Cure Rolls through Washington County

Posted on: July 22nd, 2009 by Guest Blogger 2 Comments

tour-flyer-hillsboro_chamber-2

On July 25, Saturday, thousands of cyclists will ride through scenic Washington County – including stretches of the new Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route – for the annual Tour de Cure, the American Diabetes Association’s nationwide fundraising event.

This is the first time the annual ride comes to Washington County. In previous years, the event, formerly titled “Summit to Surf,” has taken place in the Mt. Hood Territory.  “We are thrilled to have this year’s Tour de Cure in Washington County,” said Ruthie Reinert, president and CEO of the Washington County Visitors Association. “The Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route is an exceptional complement to the event, and will give riders a variety of scenic views and terrains unlike any other.”

While you’re out riding and supporting the American Diabetes Association, take some pictures and enter our Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route photo contest. There are nice prizes to be won. 

To participate, riders must raise a minimum of $150, plus submit a registration fee. Proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association’s mission to “prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.” All monies raised will be used for research, information, advocacy and local programs. Come one – come all!  Riders of all levels are welcome, there’s something for everyone. 

Tour de Cure website and registration. >