Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Washington County, OR

  • Published 2023/06/04

Washington County in Oregon is the perfect destination for adventure seekers.

The county has endless options for outdoor activities, ranging from laid-back cultural experiences to thrill-inducing attractions.

Washington County was created in 1843 as Tuality County, one of the four original counties in Oregon.

In 1849, its name was changed in honor of former US President George Washington.

As of the 2022 census, the area is home to over 600,000 people.

A huge part of the county is within the Tualatin Valley, which is formed by the Tualatin Mountains, the Chehalem Mountains, and the Northern Oregon Coast Range.

Because of its geography, Washington is home to striking natural landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else.

I would definitely recommend visiting the area if you’re looking to explore more of Oregon’s nature, art, and history.

If you’d like to learn more, check out this list of the best things to do in Washington County, Oregon!

Be Fascinated by the Natural World at Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

Exterior view of the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

M.O. Stevens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals is one for the rock enthusiasts.

It is located at Groveland Drive in the city of Hillsboro.

Originally constructed in 1952 as the home of collectors Richard and Helen Rice, the museum now houses various types of fascinating rocks and minerals.

Different varities of gold kept for display at Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

M.O. Stevens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Most of the displayed 20,000 rock and mineral specimens that you may find here were once a part of the former homeowners’ personal collection.

To fully experience the place, you should reserve a guided tour in advance.

But if you want an unguided visit, you may also drop by during its regular working hours even without reservation.

If you’re like me and you enjoy exploring the natural world along with everything it has to offer, you will definitely be fascinated by the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals!

Exhibits at the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

M.O. Stevens, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Taste Local Wine at Tualatin Estate Vineyard

Reserve a tour at Tualatin Estate Vineyard if you want to explore a local vineyard.

The vineyard is located at 10850 NW Seavey Road in the city of Forest Grove.

Since its establishment in 1973, it has become one of the most well-respected and historic vineyards in the Willamette Valley.

When you visit the 145-acre vineyard, you will be greeted by the beautiful greeneries of the sprawling estate.

Among the varieties planted here are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Muscat.

Within the grounds you will find a winery with its own tasting room, offering wine tasting experiences as well as wine-related products!

Be sure to book a tour before visiting Tualatin Estate Vineyard.

Pay the Five Oaks Museum a Visit

If you’re an art and culture enthusiast, I would suggest you visit the Five Oaks Museum.

You may find it within the PCC Rock Creek Campus at 17677 NW Springville Road in the city of Portland.

Run by the Washington County Historical Society, the museum is a hub for the local community’s art and history buffs.

The museum preserves and displays artifacts and stories of the Tualatin Valley.

Here you may learn about its past and its relevance to contemporary time.

The grounds where Five Oaks Museum stands is also the site of historic oak trees that have started gathering over 500 years ago.

When you visit, you won’t just learn from the museum but also appreciate its surroundings and the institution’s reverence for nature.

Meet Alpacas at Alpacas of Oregon

Visit Alpacas of Oregon if you want to try something new and you love animals.

It is located at 21345 SW Aebischer Road in the city of Sherwood.

The award-winning alpaca farm has been operating since 1990.

Owned and managed by the couple Suzan and Doug Campbell, the farm educated visitors about these gentle animals, their lifestyle and the benefits of their fiber.

You may find here about 40 huacaya alpacas of various colors, including black, mahogany, gray, brown, white, and fawn.

When you’re in the area, don’t forget to book a tour to get the full Alpacas of Oregon experience!

Hang Around Banks Sunset Park

Signage of Banks Sunset Park

Geirfuglasker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Banks Sunset Park is one of Washington County’s popular open spaces.

You may find it at 12765 NW Main Street in the city of Banks.

The 25-acre park features several amenities perfect for your outdoor activities.

Racing fans will especially enjoy the place as it is home to the Sunset Speedway Park, which holds stock car races during its season.

Aside from the speedway park, you will find here four baseball fields, picnic areas, and playground equipment, among others.

If you’re looking for a space where you can hold events, the park also has Schlegel Hall which is available for rent.

Whether you’re looking to unwind or try sporty activities, Banks Sunset Park has a place for you!

Drop by Coffee Country for your Daily Dose of Caffeine

During your trip, you may want to stop by a local favorite, Coffee Country.

It is situated at 660 South Main Street in the city of Banks.

The place is a go-to for many coffee lovers in the area as it serves high quality drinks that are sure to boost your energy.

If you want classic coffee flavors, then you should drive by and grab a drink at Coffee Country.

Some of the drinks you may order from the quaint coffee shop are classic brews, espresso, lattes, pumpkin spice, and even smoothies!

Learn About Nordic Culture at the Nordia House

The Nordia House is a cultural center run by the nonprofit group Nordic Northwest.

It is located at 8800 SW Oleson Road in the city of Portland.

If you are interested in Nordic culture, which includes the nations of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, then you must visit this place.

It preserves Scandinavian traditions and serves as a hub for the local Nordic community or those who wish to celebrate the culture.

The center features an exhibit hall, a bigger hall for events, a Swedish cafe called Broder Söder, and a gift shop named Nordic Finn Ware.

Experience what it’s like to visit a Nordic country and expand your knowledge when you go to The Nordia House.

Spend a Fun Day at Bullwinkle’s Entertainment

If you wanna spend a day at an amusement park while traveling, you should try Bullwinkle’s Entertainment.

Its Oregon location is situated at 29111 SW Town Center Lp. W in the city of Wilsonville.

The six-acre park features exciting attractions including a 16-lane bowling center, miniature golf, laser tag, go karts, bumper boats, a rock wall, and arcade games.

It also serves great food, perfect for when you take breaks from the fun entertainment.

If you’re looking for a venue for an upcoming celebration, you may also consider Bullwinkle’s Entertainment as it offers several party packages for groups.

Pick Up Local Produce and Items at Beaverton Farmers Market

Corns at Beaverton Farmers Market

ESB Essentials / Shutterstock.com

Beaverton Farmers Market should be your must-visit shopping destination when you’re in the area.

It is located at 12375 SW 5th Street in the city of Beaverton.

The market is where you’ll find fresh and locally-grown produce, as well as artisan products.

Here you won’t just be met by local businesses selling you items, but also by warmth and friendliness that demonstrate the atmosphere of Beaverton’s community.

From fruits, vegetables, and freshly baked goods to alcoholic beverages and dairy products, you won’t run out of choices when you’re here.

Don’t pass up on Beaverton Farmers Market when you’re already nearby!

Have a Blast Indoors at Superplay

If you like indoor recreation, you should visit Superplay!

It is located at 9300 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway in the city of Beaverton.

The place has 24 bowling lanes, a laser tag area, arcades, and many other amenities.

Superplay is also a great venue for parties or other group get-togethers.

In between having fun, feel free to order delicious snacks from the kitchen.

While the menu has plenty of food to choose from, I wouldn’t miss out on the Carnita Street Tacos and the cocktails.

Add Superplay to your list of places to visit when you’re near Beaverton.

Have a Fun Night Out at Rogue Brew Pub & Eatery

While you’re in the area, you should taste the local food, drinks, and entertainment at Rogue Brew Pub & Eatery.

It is located at 31500 Commercial Street in the city of North Plains.

The pub has been a go-to gathering place for many people in the community for three decades now.

Its menu offers comfort food like sandwiches and salads, with some vegetarian options.

For the drinks, you may choose from 20 craft beers and ciders, whiskey and a variety of spirits.

If you’re unsure about what to order, I would recommend getting the sampler paddle to get a taste of the bar’s unique offerings.

Rogue Brew Pub & Eatery also features live musical performances four times per week, so be sure to catch one of these when you’re in North Plains!

Spend a Day Exploring the Fanno Creek Trail

View of the Fanno Creek Trail

Finetooth, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re in for an adventure, explore the Fanno Creek Trail while walking or riding a bike.

Stretching over 18.6 miles, it straddles the cities of Beaverton, Tigard and Tualatin.

One of the entry points to the trail is located on the Main Street of Tigard.

Before starting the trail, watch out for the geometric public art made by artist Ashley Montague, a feast for the eyes of the public, especially art lovers.

If you want to be with nature without going too far away from the city, Fanno Creek Trail may just be the escape you’re looking for.

Check Out the Museum of VintageTEK

For the history buffs who are looking for something unique, I would recommend visiting VintageTEK.

It is located at 13489 SW Karl Braun Drive in the city of Beaverton.

The museum focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math, specifically on the history of local electronic company Tektronix.

While here, find out how Tektronix paved the way for the development of tech companies in the county and how the region became known as Oregon’s own “Silicon Forest.”

VintageTEK features working products from the company and shares the knowledge to the community as well as aspiring engineers.

If you’re constantly fascinated by technology, then it’s time for you to explore this one-of-a-kind museum in Beaverton!

Try Aerial Activities at Tree to Tree Adventure Park

If you’re up for a fun adventure, why don’t you try visiting Tree to Tree Adventure Park.

It is located at 2975 SW Nelson Road in the city of Gaston.

The aerial park offers several aerial obstacle courses that you can all enjoy outdoors.

If you want an adrenaline rush and an amazing view of the surrounding nature, then you should book a zipline tour.

Aside from this, you may also try a self-guided aerial tour, the monkey grove, and the ninja course.

If you’re traveling with kids, you’d be happy to know that the park’s adventure village caters to kids aged two to eight.

I would recommend Tree to Tree Adventure Park to the adrenaline junkies!

Go Ziplining at Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour

If you’ve always wanted to try ziplining but have never gotten the chance, you should go to the Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour when you’re in the area.

You may find it at 22616 NW Pumpkin Ridge Road in the city of North Plains.

Thrill-seekers will have the best time trying out some of the eight zip lines that are available at this park.

The lines will take you across a beautiful forest with douglas firs and western red cedars as well as give you a majestic view of the Brunswick Canyon.

You should book an excursion with the Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour if you want to fully appreciate the natural landscape of Washington County.

Final Thoughts

Washington County in Oregon is an underrated destination for both adventurous and artsy travelers.

It can provide every type of visitor with a variety of activities—from nature excursions to historical tours.

If you’re planning a trip very soon, you should save this list of the best things you can do in Washington County, Oregon.

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