




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.
Explore
or many, quilts are part of the very fiber of our homes. Now, the nostalgia and heritage of quilts can be seen throughout the Tualatin Valley with the introduction of the first panels of our very own Quilt Barn Trail of Washington County.
Explore
Winter is typically the season of hibernation. But this year, getting outside is more important than ever.
Shopping
The holiday season is finally upon us and along with the festive tunes, twinkly lights and warm drinks, that means it’s time to put some presents under the tree. You don’t have to look far to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Stay
History, charm and luxury can be found in the many hotels and other lodging options that dot the landscape. Our hotels are close to Portland and have many urban amenities. Plus our hotels have no resort or parking fees! !
Dine
Fresh ingredients paired with world-class wines are the perfect recipe for an exquisite dining experience. Discover tastes from the around the globe right here in Tualatin Valley.
Visitor Information
Start planning your Tualatin Valley getaway and request a complimentary printed Visitor Guide, Bike Map and Water Trail Map.
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