Hillsboro is the fifth largest city in the country and the county seat of Washington County, Oregon.
It is perfectly situated in the Tualatin Valley on the west of the Portland metropolitan area.
This city is mainly popular for hosting several high-technology companies.
Aside from being a technology hub, Hillsboro is also a thriving manufacturing industry.
This is also one of the best places to live in the state due to its suburban feel and proximity to important establishments and destinations.
It is also dotted with exciting destinations and free attractions.
Here are some of the free things to do in Hillsboro, Oregon:
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Rood Bridge Park is a municipal park on Southeast Rood Bridge Road.
It measures 59 acres and opened in 1999.
This is an ideal destination if you want to relax and spend some quiet time alone or with loved ones.
Rood Bridge Park features paved paths that pass along the natural areas of the park.
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You can also reach the wetland and wooded areas around the Tualatin River through these walkways.
After some nature tripping, you can use one of the park’s picnic tables and benches to grab a bite and relax.
Your kids will also love Rood Bridge Park’s playground, rhododendron garden, and tennis courts.
It also boasts a large lawn area and several ponds where you can enjoy more outdoor activities.
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Old Scotch Church, also known as the Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church, is on Northwest Scotch Church Road.
This church serves as a national historic site of the county.
You’ll be amazed at its unique facade inspired by Carpenter Gothic architecture.
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Its architect, Mr. Balantyne, incorporated stained glass windows, buttresses, a steep roof, and a signature eight-sided steeple to the overall look of the structure.
The stained glass windows used in constructing Old Scotch Church were even imported from Scotland.
It was completed in 1878 and dedicated in the same year.
In 1926, a church bell was added to the church’s steeple.
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Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is nestled on South 1st Avenue.
This area is where the natives used to gather and hunt their food.
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is now home to amazing wetlands, native plants, wildlife, and bird species.
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As you walk along the lush and breathtaking landscape of the area, you’ll see several native plants that were donated by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Native Plant Nurseries, and Botanical Garden, among others.
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve is also where you can encounter several wildlife species like coyotes, red foxes, rabbits, beavers, and more.
Bring your binoculars and allot some time to see and observe more than 200 bird species in this preserve.
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Hondo Dog Park is the first dog park in Hillsboro.
It measures almost four acres and is situated on Northeast Century Boulevard.
Hondo Dog Park features a spacious mixed-sized dog play area and a small dog area.
It also has a special winter-use area that is open year-round.
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Drinking water stations for dogs, wheelchair-accessible gravel paths, double-gated entrances, and benches are also available.
Hondo Dog Park also features former fire hydrants painted with cartoon dog characters and the American flag.
The latter is tagged as the “Hondo Memorial Hydrant.”
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Hillsboro Public Library is located on Northeast Brookwood Parkway.
It first opened in 1914 and is part of Washington County Cooperative Library Services.
This two-story library measures 76,000 square feet and houses over 300,000 items.
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Aside from books, Hillsboro Public Library is also home to a privately owned coffee shop.
Hillsboro Public Library’s goal is to bring literacy closer to the community.
After reading, you can spend some time in its garden area filled with trees, grass, and ducks and geese, which can be found on the eastern side of the building.
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53rd Ave Community Park is nestled on Northeast 53rd Avenue and boasts a wide play area with monkey bars, slides, swings, and more.
This playground is designed for children of all abilities, so everyone in the family can enjoy it.
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53rd Ave Community Park also features water fountains where your children can play and mingle with other kids.
It also has a large soccer field, and coffee shops are nearby.
While your little ones are playing, you can take a walk in 53rd Ave Community Park’s scenic and relaxing walkways and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
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Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint is located on top of Bald Peak on Southwest Bald Peak Road.
It is open in day time only and features picnic tables and hiking trails.
These trails will lead you to the captivating view of the Willamette Valley and the Cascade Range.
Make sure to bring your camera and capture the breathtaking view of the surroundings.
Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint is filled with towering trees which will make you feel closer to nature.
After some sightseeing, you can also take a side trip to the Douglas woodland.
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Orenco Woods Nature Park on Northeast Birch Street was the site of the former nine-hole Orenco Woods Golf Course.
It is best for jogging or biking due to its 1.6-mile paved trails and relaxing surroundings.
Don’t miss out on visiting its spectacular bridge located on Rock Creek Trail.
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You can stop by, rest, and enjoy birdwatching on this bridge.
It has rich wetlands below, and there are several great blue heron sightings reported in this area.
Orenco Woods Nature Park also has a nature play area for children.
You’ll also love its oak savanna and upland forest, where you can see and get up-close encounters with deer and raptors.
Picnic shelters are also available.
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Orenco Station is a neighborhood in the east-central area of Hillsboro.
Pacific Realty Associates and Costa Pacific Homes developed it.
This planned urban town center is perfect for a day out with friends and family.
Orenco Station is pedestrian-friendly and was created as a mixed-used residential and retail center.
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The overall atmosphere of the area is relaxing and inviting.
Orenco Station is also home to a large park called Central Park.
This is a perfect destination if you just want to walk and enjoy the surroundings.
You can also find several stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and attractions as you further explore the area.
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Tualatin Hills Nature Park is nestled on Southwest Millikan Way in Beaverton, only 19 minutes from Hillsboro.
This natural oasis measures 222 acres and is dedicated to the preservation of forests, wetlands, and streams that also serve as habitats for some amazing animals.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park will give you a close and personal encounter with insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and more.
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You can also explore its five-mile trail, which will transport you to the park’s forests and wetlands.
While animal viewing is the best thing you can do here at Tualatin Hills Nature Park, running and hiking are also other fun activities.
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Fernhill Wetlands is located on Southwest Fern Hill Road in Forest Grove.
It can be reached via an 11-minute drive from Hillsboro.
Fernhill Wetlands is perfectly situated near the confluence of Gales Creek and the Tualatin River.
Its location makes it a nice spot for some wildlife watching.
Here, you’ll get the chance to see hawks, herons, eagles, and beavers.
This is also a favorite stop for migratory birds and waterfowl.
Fernhill Wetlands also features nature trails and viewing spots.
Just keep in mind that dogs are not allowed here as they can agitate the birds and animals.
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Cooper Mountain Nature Park is a 231-acre nature park on Southwest Kemmer Road in Beaverton.
You can reach it via an 18-minute drive from Hillsboro.
It opened in 2009 and is owned ad operated by the metro and regional government.
This nature park offers a picturesque view of the Chehalem Mountains and Tualatin Valley.
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You can bring food and use one of its picnic tables while enjoying the view of nature.
Cooper Mountain Nature Park is also a perfect hiking and jogging spot.
It boasts a three-mile trail leading you to enchanting forests, oak woodlands, and prairies.
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The Northern red-legged frogs and Western gray squirrels are also reportedly sighted here.
Aside from nature tripping, your kids will also have a memorable time in Cooper Mountain Nature Park’s nature-themed playground and nature classes held at Cooper Mountain Nature House.
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Jenkins Estate is located on Southwest Grabhorn Road in Beaverton, just 15 minutes from Hillsboro.
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This site, built in 1912, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jenkins Estate measures 68 acres and is a property of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
Jenkins Estate’s main house comprises seven bedrooms modeled after a hunting lodge established for the English royal family.
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It also features a historic garden that preserves the look of the early 1920s genteel lifestyle.
Jenkins Estate also has a two-mile walking trail that provides breathtaking sights of Tualatin Valley and its surrounding mountainside.
Valley Art Gallery is on Main Street in Forest Grove, which is just 11 minutes away from Hillsboro.
It was established in 1966 and can be found just one block from Pacific University.
Valley Art Gallery displays the artworks of more than 200 local artists.
It has paintings, drawings, pottery, sculptures, and more.
This gallery hosts the annual Chalk Art Festival.
Valley Art Gallery also hosts classes and workshops where your kids can learn and hone their art skills.
You can also purchase some of the artworks displayed in this gallery.
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Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is on Southwest Pacific Highway in Sherwood.
You can reach this via a short 30-minute drive from Hillsboro.
This 1,856-acre natural area comprises wetlands and lowlands that serve as habitats for various bird and wildlife species.
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There are more than 200 bird species that live here as well as mammals, amphibians, reptiles, plants, and insects.
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge has riparian habitats, oak woodlands, and forests.
If you’re a nature and animal lover, you’ll have a great time at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.
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Hillsboro may be a tech hub and a thriving manufacturing center, but it is also filled with stunning natural attractions.
From parks, nature reserves, churches, and museums, this city is truly a must-visit.
You won’t have to break the bank to have a good time in this city.
Try all these free things to do in Hillsboro, Oregon, on your next travel adventure.
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