Fall Foliage Weekend in Tualatin Valley
Fall is in the air—catch it in Tualatin Valley. In Portland’s backyard, the Tualatin Valley is home to some of the area’s best farms, wineries and trails that sport the season’s most vibrant colors, and drenched in hues of earthy golds, oranges, reds and browns.
DAY ONE
For a leisurely tour through the Tualatin Valley’s harvest season—and its accompanying colors—take a drive along the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route. This 60-mile driving route through the Tualatin Valley’s countryside showcases the juicy fruits of summer exchanging reign with the hearty crops of fall.
The trees along the route will be boasting fall foliage with tinges of yellow, followed by weeks of orange and red.
For lunch, stop in Forest Grove for a bite at one of our favorite restaurants, Bites, where you can feast on a variety of Hawaiian and Asian fusion foods.
Continue your journey along the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route toward Sherwood, where you will find pumpkin patches, apple orchards, farms stands and more. Your drive will be dotted with reds and orange as the route’s popular pumpkin patches show off all of their gourd glory. Be sure to stop at Smith Berry Barn to shop for freshly picked apples and pears, apple cider, locally made jams and jellies, gourmet foods and more.
Overnight in the Tualatin Valley.
DAY TWO
After a hearty breakfast, take a cycling journey along the car-less Banks-Vernonia State Trail. Rent at bike at Banks Bicycle Repair and Rental and set off for a colorful journey along one of Oregon’s most popular trails. Cyclists of all levels will enjoy its dense canopy of trees, which erupt in earthy colors during the fall months.
Upon returning to the small city of Banks, grab a bite at Cafe 47. This welcoming dining spot specializes in made-to-order comfort foods and also offers ample bike parking. (NOTE: The cafe will be closed on Sundays throughout the month of September)
After lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon wine tasting while soaking in the multi-color views of fall. For a picture-perfect view of fall’s color change, visit David Hill Vineyard and Winery, which provides one of the most spectacular views of the Coast Range and the valley below. Apolloni Vineyards, situated among the gold and green hues of the valley, also has fantastic fall views, which pair well with their wines. Please call ahead; many wineries may be open by appointment only.
Plan your fall foliage getaway in the Tualatin Valley today!
