Outdoor Recreation
The Tualatin Valley excels as an outdoor adventure destination, complete with activities ranging from bird watching to zip-lining. Protected wetlands and nature parks are popular birding and wildlife watching sites, while water recreation spots and paddling sites, offer a serene experience along the Tualatin Valley’s calm waterways.
Cycling & Hiking
Oregon is one of the top destinations for bicyclists in the Pacific Northwest, and Tualatin Valley has helped to solidify that ranking. Explore nature and take a leisurely ride through the country along one or more of the region’s scenic and rural bike-friendly trails, such the car-free Banks-Vernonia State Trail. The 50-mile Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway is a great way to view the wonders of Tualatin Valley’s rural farmlands by bicycle. In addition to these rides, in collaboration with Ride with GPS, more than a dozen cyclist-approved rides have been developed, ranging from easy to challenging, as well as a series of 12 “bike hubs” throughout the valley, which provide various amenities for cyclists.
Throughout Tualatin Valley, there are numerous trails for hiking, as well, from the hiking trails at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and Tillamook State Forest to the many nature parks that dot the region. These nature parks, with easy trails–many that are ADA accessible, as well–are ideal for bird and wildlife watching. Tualatin Valley is along the Pacific Flyway and the prime bird watching times of year are during the spring and fall migration seasons, as well as during the winter months, where shorebirds are plentiful.
Water Recreation
Tualatin Valley is known for its “soft adventure” and our waterways are calm and ideal for first-timers as well as seasoned water recreationalists. Henry Hagg Lake, located in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range, is home to a host of water recreation, including boating, jet skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and fishing. It also is a popular spot for duathlons and triathlons. The slow-moving Tualatin River is nearly 40 nautical miles and is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. (Note: Boat rentals available only during summer months.)
High-Flying Adventures
Plenty of the Tualatin Valley’s attractions can test the limits of one’s fear of heights. Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour and Tree to Tree Adventure Park, “a playground in the trees” complete with tree-top obstacles and zip-lines, offer thrilling adventures high in the trees. Flights by glider plane and helicopter rides by Oregon Helicopters provide bird’s-eye views of the Tualatin Valley.
Scenic Rides and Drives
The Trees to Sea Scenic Byway takes travelers from the recreationally rich areas of Tualatin Valley, via the city of Banks, on a driving tour through the Tillamook State Forest to the Tillamook Coast and the majestic Cape Meares Scenic Viewpoint on the Pacific Ocean. The Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, established in 2008, is a serene 60-mile drive through the Tualatin Valley countryside where agriculture, history and wine are undeniably intertwined. Completed in spring 2019, the Quilt Barn Trail of Tualatin Valley highlights the region’s agricultural and historical heritage and showcases 60 public art pieces celebrating the art of quilting.
Golf
With 12 public and semi-private golf clubs—many in rural, agricultural areas, including the prestigious Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club and The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club—the Tualatin Valley features some of the best golf courses in the state. These two courses have hosted some of the best names in professional golf.
Facts at a Glance
- Tualatin Valley is the first destination in the state to have a bike hub program
- The Banks-Vernonia State Trail was Oregon’s first rail-to-trail project, and was fully completed in 2010.
- Tualatin Valley has one state-designated scenic bikeway (Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway), one scenic tour route (Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route), one quilt barn tour (Quilt Barn Trail of Tualatin Valley) and part of one state scenic byway (Trees to Sea Scenic Byway).
- When it was first built, a decade ago, Tree to Tree Adventure Park was the first park of its kind in Oregon. Today, it remains a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Learn More
Learn more about Cycling in Tualatin Valley >>>
Learn more about Hiking in Tualatin Valley >>>
Learn more about Birdwatching in Tualatin Valley
Learn more about Paddling and Water Recreation in Tualatin Valley >>>
Learn more about Zip Lining and other “High-Flying” Adventures >>>
Learn more about Golf in Tualatin Valley >>>
About Oregon’s Tualatin Valley
Tualatin Valley is scenically situated between Portland and the Oregon Coast. The destination is home to world-class golf courses, award-winning wineries, an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, lush, natural and scenic wetlands and wildlife preserves, superb dining, and tax-free shopping centers and boutiques. Tualatin Valley covers 727 square miles and includes the growing communities of Banks, Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, King City, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. Learn more at tualatinvalley.org
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