A Tualatin Valley Winter Road Trip

Explore the Sights Along Tualatin Valley’s Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route

Beat the wintertime blues with a winter road trip along the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route. Soak in the splendors of the lush, agricultural landscape and a surprising smorgasbord of wineries, historical sites and spectacular views.

Nature

Winter brings many bird species unseen in other seasons to wetlands, preserves and nature parks throughout the Tualatin Valley. With migration well underway, winged visitors to the valley include land birds heading south and shore birds handing around ponds, rivers and lakes. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, which is the ending point (or starting point, depending on your direction of travel) of the scenic tour route, is one of the best places for bird viewing during the winter months.

Farms

While we’re still many months away from u-pick season, your scenic drive means a drive-by of the valley’s prolific farms. The crop signs along the way allow road trippers to see the wide breadth of growable goods. The fields may not be bursting with produce as much as they are during the summer and fall, but the winter months still bring delight. Many farms are teeming with animals, including alpaca, goats, cows and horses (and sometimes sheep!).

Must-visit attractions along the route include Smith Berry Barn’s Farm and Garden Market. The farm closes during the month of January and reopens in February, Friday-Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Across the street is South Store Café, one of wine country’s most beloved restaurants. Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, the café serves sandwiches, soups, pastries and more from locally sourced ingredients. If pizza suits your craving, Midway Firehouse Pizza is smack dab on the route, in the heart of Tualatin Valley’s agricultural area.

While riding along the scenic tour route, keep an eye out for the quilt barns, which make up part of Tualatin Valley’s Quilt Barn Trail. These colorful art pieces represent the personal stories of the families that own and work the farms.

Wineries

Winter wine tasting is easy along the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route. Helvetia Vineyards & Winery, Eagles Nest Reserve and Scotch Church Vineyards. These wineries represent the diversity of Oregon wines, while still all capturing the enduring spirit of Oregon winemaking. Just be sure to treat your designated driver to lunch at the Helvetia Tavern.

Historical Sites

The Old Scotch Church is a nostalgic marker of Oregon’s rich history. Dating back to the 1800s, the church has been a place of worship for more than a century, and is home to a pioneer cemetery. Winter weather casts a picturesque glow on the church, making it a perfect stop for pictures and a perusal of the site’s interpretive panels. Guests will not only learn about the church, but also about the Atfalati tribe and early European settlers to the Tualatin Valley.

Of course, stay along the route for your weekend of adventure. The only hotel on the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route is the brand-new Staybridge Suites Hillsboro North. This new hotel opened in 2019 and is located at the starting point of the tour route, right off Helvetia Road.

NOTE: Oregon weather can be unpredictable during winter months. Stay alert and in-the-know by visiting the Washington County Roads website for road closures and traffic advisories.