August 12th, 2011 by WCVA
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.
Tags: Biking, bird watching, Golf, kayaking, lakes, map, Nature, Oregon, Oregon's Washington County, outdoor, outdoor recreation, paddling, parks, parks and recreation, recreation map, rivers, Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, washington county, Wineries
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March 17th, 2011 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
Enjoying Washington County without Breaking the Bank
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.
Tags: Biking, free things to do, gardens, hiking, parks, preservers, trails, wetlands, wildlife viewing, wine, wine tasting, Wineries
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June 22nd, 2010 by Sylke Neal-Finnegan
WCVA's own Allison George navigates the obstacles at Tree to Tree Adventure Park
When I first heard about a new aerial adventure park opening in Washington County, Oregon, my first reaction was, “what is an aerial adventure park”? Now that Tree to Tree Adventure Park is officially open, I now know (as well as many others who have already ventured out to sneak a peek).
Billed as the first adventure park of its kind “west of the Mississippi,” the park consists of four increasingly difficult courses of various tree-top obstacles. Rope swings, tight ropes, tunnels, bridges, and, yes, several zip lines, from tens of feet from the ground await adventurers of all skill levels. (Well, everyone except for me, who chickened out after attempting the training course, which was a mere three feet or so off the ground.)
My explanation doesn’t do this unique park justice, so take a look for yourself at the latest edition of “Grant’s Getaways,” featuring intrepid reporter Grant McOmie, as he visits Tree to Tree Adventure Park. (Video courtesy of our friends at Travel Oregon.)
Tree to Tree Adventure Park is open March-November, from 10 a.m. until two hours before dusk. Adults are $39, per person, and children are $25. It’s situated on property right near the entrance to Hagg Lake in Gaston, Oregon.
More photos from our excursion are here
Tags: aerial adventure, family activities, family friendly, gaston oregon, outdoor, outdoor recreation, park, parks, tree to tree, tree to tree adventure, washington county, washington county oregon
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June 2nd, 2009 by Julia Adam
This Saturday, June 6, is Oregon State Parks Day. Stub Stewart State Park is offering a full slate of events to get kids of all ages outside to celebrate; activities range from guided mountain bike rides and trail hikes to disc golf demonstrations and bike safely checks.
You can get a guided tour of the upcoming single track biking trail, and a preview of the location for the park’s Gold Tee Disc Golf Course, to be built this summer. The park is also hosting a hot dog lunch from 11:30-1:30, so don’t miss out!
•Stub Stewart Activities •State Parks Day Flyer
Oregon State Parks are also offering FREE day-use and overnight camping (in traditional campsites only).
To reserve your campsite for June 6, call 800-452-5687 today!
Tags: disc golf, Events, family activities, Family Fun, hiking, mountain biking, outdoors, parks, state parks, Stub Stewart, trails
Posted in Biking, Events, Family Fun, Food & Drink, Seasonal Fun, Sports | No Comments »