Travel Savvy Presents: Oregon's Washington County

Oregon’s PRESENTS

Washington

County MAGAZINE

Hiking, Cycling, Boating, Fishing, Camping, Shopping, Bird Watching, People Watching, Wine Tasting, Eating, Golfing, Camping, Swimming & so much more!

2

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY, OR | EDITORIAL

Editor’s Letter

By Paula Keung

The United States is the third largest country on this planet, the bulk of which we call ‘on the continent, or ‘the lower 48.’ The vast land mass of the contiguous US means that this country offers its citizens the chance

Savvy, we are heading to the remarkable beauty of Oregon’s Washington County, located just west of Portland and where you’ll find everything that has made Oregon-and the Pacific Northwestfamous. Truly, Oregon’s Washington County lives up to the modern American ideal of finding harmony between natural wonderment and a sense of urban appeal and ease of lifestyle.

to experience so much in terms of lifestyle,

Come with us, and flip to page 4 where local resi-

sandwiched between two oceans. Under the spa-

dent Stan Ewald takes us to baseball games, win-

cious skies of America the Beautiful, we can look

eries, and gourmet burger joints. Read along as

upon the shimmering waters of our coast lines, fish

other locals rave about everything from tax-free

off the countless bays, and sail our boats across

shopping to scenic hiking trails on page 9, such as

many great lakes and the Great Lakes. There are

Annie Chen, a true foodie who knows just where

mountains to hike, slopes to shush down, and

to find best pho. We also have helpful Additional

miles upon miles of river beds to navigate. We

Resources throughout to help plan your visit.

are a nation of drivers, steering our autos into

T R AV E L S AV V Y f o r D E S T I N AT I O N OREGON‘S WA S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y Publisher: stig baasvik editorial director: Paula keung creative director: ken thelian designer: katarina kojic kaPlan advertising oPerations: eva kulova 495 CommuniCations LLC Paula keung bret Polansky ken thelian traveL savvy magazine 495 communications llc new york, new york For advertising oPPortunities, Please call 917 428 0635

the great wide-open, traversing plains and criss-

Washington County has something for everyone.

ContaCt

crossing urban jungles. Families in bustling cities

The lyric of the state’s anthem, “Oregon, My Or-

editorial: EDITOR@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.COM

and sleepy townships have the option of ‘eating

egon,” declares this state to be the “land of the

locally’ from the harvest of 2 million farms and

rose and sunshine, land of the summer’s breeze.”

counting within our borders. And what I find truly wonderful about this country is that no one ever has to travel very far from home to experience all of this bountiful living. This is especially true in the Pacific Northwest.

Within the pages of this special edition of Travel

Indeed.

inQuiries: INFO@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.COM advertising: ADS@495COMMUNICATIONS.COM ©2013 495 COMMUNICATIONS social media Partners:

—Paula Keung, Editor Travel Savvy Digital Media

Twitter@trvlsvvy Facebook Page TravelSavvyMagazine.com

just another Production

3

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

Contents 2

The Cities of Oregon’s Washington County

Letter from the editor

4

Falling in Love with Oregon’s Washington County

9

Washington County Locals’ Know-tables

13

Additional Shopping Resources

Additional Outdoor Resources

Washington County Welcomes You

11

10 8

On the Cover: Hagg Lake (Fishing Pier) Photo Credit Paul Loofburrow

4

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

FALLING IN LOVE WITH OREGON’S WASHINGTON COUNTY Photo Credit: Joel Zak

Stan Ewald, this issue’s featured

Crater Lake. “We three boys were

contributor, fell in love with the Ore-

hoping to see a scared soul charge

Stan Ewald gonian out-of-doors lifestyle after a

Stan on Linkedin.

from the stall screaming with toilet

fateful family vacation in the back

paper trailing from his bum. Didn’t

of a wood-paneled station wag-

happen. But, the Northwest left

on. His mom and dad drove then

lasting and positive impression on

9-year old Stan and his 2 brothers

me after the trip, and I’ve loved Or-

all across the state, stopping along

egon ever since.”

the way to camp along the banks of the Columbia River, row boats and fish at Lost Lake, and admire the rolling countryside and farm lands.

A highlight was watching a bear wander into the camp restroom at

After living in California for most of his adult life, Stan, a practicing Doctor of Chiropractic, fulfilled a lifelong dream of making Oregon his home, and moved with his wife in 2011 to the Portland area.

During our initial search for contributors who know and love Oregon’s Washington County, we received many responses about notable restaurants, wine tasting rooms, parks and more. Among the locals who sent in information, Stan sent us a novel. Stan and his wife have spent so much time in and out of every part of the County that we chose his story as our feature. “In some ways, Washington County is Portland’s secret,” explains Stan. “Washington County sits off to the west, past the

5

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

hills that separate it from Portland.

This is where you can find some of the best that Oregon has to offer, rich with adventure and recreation.”

Read along as Stan takes you on a guided tour of the best in Oregon’s Washington County, in his own voice. Click the links to see more.

FRUIT & FARM STANDS Driving around Washington County is simply fun. As your car travels along the tree-lined roads the sun splashes through the branches and adds a strobe light effect to the jour-

ney. Green rolling hills, free-flowing creeks and lush countryside draw me in. It reminds me of a scene from “Little House on the Prairie.” Fields of flowers (grown for sale), vineyards and fruit orchards combine to form a charming landscape. Berry stands are frequent, home flower shops are dotted throughout, and produce stands and farm stores are plentiful.

I personally enjoy the drive and visit out to Unger’s Farm Store to pick up a flat of tasty strawberries, jars of fresh homemade jams, and other produce. Right next door is Duyck’s Peachy Pig Farm. They have great berries, nuts and produce of all types. I love the figs. A little bit further away on Sunset Highway is Jim Dandy Farm Market with fresh, tasty fruit and veggies, jalapeños (without the heat) and more. It’s much better than big-market produce.

Photo Credit: Ken Kochey Smith Berry Barn Photo Credit: Rick Schafer

Photo Credit: Stan Ewald

6

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON Scenic Tour Route Photo Credit: Ken Kochey

WINERIES ABOUND Washington County is where some

Pacific NW. (Don’t forget to say “hi”

of Oregon’s best wineries can be

to Peggy, she is a gracious and en-

found, and that’s a really big draw

gaging host.)

for my wife and me. We love taking a drive to some of these incredible

Also in Beaverton, there’s the quaint

spots to sip wines and savor hors

Ponzi Vineyards Historic Estate

d’oeuvres in the green rolling coun-

that offers nice Pinots. When we’ve

tryside. A few of my favorites are:

stopped in for tastings, we’ve often opted for the Pinot-only flights;

Cooper Mountain Vineyards an

however, the winery makes and

organic and biodynamic winery, is

bottles a full complement of Italian-

centrally located in Beaverton, one of Washington County’s larger cities.

cai Friulano, a varietal not normally

I also love Oak Knoll Winery,

style wines. The well-kept grounds

This winery produces Pinot Noir,

found in this region. I recommend

which is a bit further in the country-

are a pleasant place to enjoy glass

which is the premier grape of the

Cooper Mountain’s certified organ-

side located in a converted dairy

with the one you love or a bottle

Willamette Valley, as well as whites

ic and biodynamic Pinot called Life.

farm, with a very peaceful and re-

with a group of friends.

like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and To-

This is their best Pinot. Also try the

laxing atmosphere. Several Pinots

Pinot Gris “Vin Glace”—It is sweet

are beautifully crafted, such as the

and light, not as sugary as many ice

smoky Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

wines, perhaps because the grapes

(2009) and the 2006 Red Hill Vine-

don’t freeze in Oregon so the win-

yard Pinot Noir. There’s also a great

ery freezes them separately. Check

blend, the Toasted Cow Red Vint-

out the free-range chickens run-

ners Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon,

ning about.

Merlot and Syrah) that I find to be

Editor’s Note: t Ponzi’s newest Be sure to check ou sting facility state-of-the-art ta , about 10 minutes located in Sherwood erton location. away from the Beav

full and rich in the right way. This is a must-stop for all my visitors to the Ponzi Tasting Photo Credit: John Valls

7

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

I also love L.L. Stub Stewart State Park which is an old logging camp that was recently converted to a

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

luxurious park. It’s mostly for camp-

Ever since I fell in love with the Or-

ing—hike-in, RV and cabins are

egon area when I was a kid, I always

available—hiking, and biking, and

dreamed of living here and taking

has a full-service horse camp, as

advantage of the many opportuni-

well. The park opened to the public

ties for outdoor activities that the

in 2007, and has added several new

Northwest is known for. Now that all

amenities over the years, such as an

our kids are in college, my wife and

18-hole disc golf course.

I take trips often to the many parks and lakes in the area. Washington

EAT A BURGER!

County has a few sites I like to visit.

For my wife, a perfect weekend

First, there’s Henry Hagg Lake and

might include tax-free shopping,

Scoggins Valley Park in the small

followed by a night of wine tasting

town of Gaston, just outside of For-

at one of our favorite Washington

est Grove—a very nice little town

County wineries. My perfect day

in the County. Boating (motorized

could be a full day of fishing on

and non-motorized), hiking, bik-

Hagg Lake, and then hitting Cruise

ing (mountain and traditional) and

In Country Diner for a dinner of

swimming are just a sample of the

burgers and beers. Since there are

things that we can do here…it’s all

two days in the weekend, we often

there. The stocked lake is a fun fish-

do both.

ing spot even when the fish aren’t biting.

Photo credits: Top Ken Kochey Bottom L Scott Spiker, Bottom R Melissa Hay

8

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

if you’re up for it. My favorite Cruise

than just beef burgers—you can

TRAVEL SAVVY

In burger is the “Hot Rod,” which

also choose fish, lamb, chicken or

ADDITIONAL

includes bacon, jalapeños and pep-

veggie burgers. They have gluten-

per jack cheese—I add grilled on-

free and dairy-free options. To go

ions and avocado for a real feast.

with our dinner, we usually opt for a

The fries are just like mom made,

Washington County wine, including

unpeeled and fresh cut, cooked

pours from Oak Knoll and Cooper

upon arrival. If you’re in the mood

Mountain, or a local micro-brew

for a basic burger, the ’55 Chevy

beer from Vertigo Brewery, another

Burger with a slice of Oregon’s own

Washington County product. I love

Tillamook Cheddar is flavorful and

the Vertigo Arctic Blast, which has a

filling. There’s more on the menu

hint of vanilla.

David Hill Vineyard & Winery Photo Credit: Ken Kochey

There’s plenty of great food and burgers to be found all over Oregon, but I often make a special trip to the countryside just for burgers at Cruise In. Wednesdays are “Burger and Brew” where your first beer is $2. The server, Della, will then point out the word FIRST. She is so friendly she might sit at your table with you

“By the way, we have a new professional baseball team to cheer for in Washington County, The Hillsboro Hops.

This is the Minor League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Yet another reason to spend a little time in this beautiful area.”

-Stan

The Hillsboro Hops on Twitter: @hillsborohops.

RESOURCES

Hares Canyon Trail

Hikers heading to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park should check out Hares Canyon Trail, accessed inside the park. Rolling hills, thick forests and stunning views of the Coast Range mark this trail. This 2.8 mile trail requires day-use permits; check the website. All trails inside the park can be found here.

Fanno Creek Regional Trail

Also notable is the 5-mile Fanno Creek Regional Trail that consists of various smaller trails that wind through forests, wetlands and parks. Highlights along the trail include historic sites, elevated boardwalks and wildlife viewing opportunities. Go to www.thprd.org for more information.

Gardens at Jenkins Estate

More into the flora than the fauna?

Visit the Gardens at Jenkins Estate which boasts 2.5 miles of walking trails through rhododendron, azalea and herb gardens, plus perennials, wildflower meadow and water features. Also a hit with photographers—see page 10 to see why Bianca Springer loves Jenkins.

9

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

ing, and, in fact, many organized cycling groups, hiking enthusiasts and “volksmarch” groups head to this trail. The trail’s easy access is what we love about it.”

Nada Wheelock Nada’s Twitter Page

WASHINGTON COUNTY LOCALS’ KNOW-TABLES

“My family really enjoys the many

Eunhee An

parks and hiking trails that are all

“One of the best malls in the Port-

over Washington County. One of

land area is

our favorites is the

This mall has plenty of well-known

Banks-

Washington Square.

Vernonia State Trail – it’s a con-

brands, a decent food court, and

verted rail trail from the 1920s that

lots of parking, which makes it

was converted in the 1970s to park

a popular choice for shopping.

land. It’s great for biking and walk-

Additional Resources.

Portland is a well-known jewel in Oregon’s crown. Just a short distance to the west sits Washington County, gateway to Oregon wine country.

Who better to share the County’s local highlights than locals? Eating, shopping, outdoor activities—this area has it all.

Washington Square Mall

10

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

”Go to

Yuzu for amazing ramen.

Hole in the wall, but so good! A bit on the nicer side for Japanese pub-

Annie Chen Annie’s Link

style food plus excellent sushi is Syun Izakaya If you’re in the mood for pho and fantastic Vietnamese food, including rich beef broths that are perfect for foggy damp nights, try

Pho Hung.”

“I love visiting

Jenkins Estate

with my family. It’s a little mix of everything; historic buildings, beautiful gardens, streams, and pathways to explore. The kids love the

Bianca Springer Bianca’s Facebook Page

playground at Camp Riverdale, and as a photographer I appreciate the many picturesque areas for framing great shots.”

TRAVEL SAVVY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Shopping in Washington County offers just the right mix of high-profile retailers as well as smaller, unique specialty stores. From hazelnuts and wine to books and antiques, the shopping opportunities are endless. A major bonus: it’s all tax-free!

Looking for more retail therapy? Try one of these: Bridgeport Village Insider’s Tip: Bridgeport Village offers visitors special shop-and-stay packages with area hotels.

The Streets Insider’s Tip: Visit the website for current offers and coupons, called “Retail Buzz.”

Special packages & deals

Banks Vernonia State Trail Photo Credit Ken Kochey

11

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

Washington County WELCOMES YOU

J

ust a few miles west of Port-

wineries, pouring a vast selection

land, situated in the Tualatin

of cool-climate varietals; and parks

Valley, is Oregon’s Washington

and recreational areas, offering hun-

County, a collection of 13 cities and

dreds of miles of paths for hiking,

dozens of small communities, each

cycling, walking and wildlife watch-

with its own charm and personality.

ing. Our award-winning golf cours-

Washington County brings a certain magnetism to the entire state of Oregon. You’ll fall in love with the many farms, bursting with juicy berries, stone fruits and apples;

es, have been played by some of the biggest names in golf, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, just to name a few.

Apolloni Vineyards. Photo Credit Ken Kochey

From zip-lining at Tree to Tree Ad-

watchers also flock to Washington

venture Park and kayaking along

County for a chance to see native

the calm Tualatin River, to cycling

and migratory birds and mammals

the new Tualatin Valley Scenic Bike-

at the five area nature parks and

way, and hiking through the Tilla-

preserves, such as the Tualatin River

mook Forest, cyclists, hikers and

National Wildlife Refuge and Jack-

adventure sporting buffs will appre-

son Bottom Wetlands Preserve.

ciate the out-of-doors lifestyle that Washington County offers. Wildlife

Washington County isn’t just about outdoor adventure. The area boasts

12

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

a collection of unique museums,

Continue your culinary journey at

ranging from geological gems at

one of our exciting restaurants. Din-

the Rice NW Museum of Rocks and

ing in the region is top-notch and

Minerals, to aviation history at the

offers a true farm-to-table experi-

Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum.

ence with ingredients freshly picked

Hands-on art studios, such as Live

from local farms. With cuisine from

Laugh Love Glass, invite guests to

around the globe, foodies will de-

try their hand with artistic pursuits.

light in the varied cuisine easily avail-

And let’s not forget about the wine.

able in every corner of the County.

With more than 35 estate wineries,

We’re thrilled to bring you a taste of

tasting rooms and wine bars, Wash-

Oregon’s Washington County with-

ington County is the gateway to Or-

in the pages of Travel Savvy. Relax,

egon’s famed wine country: the Wil-

escape and explore Washington

lamette Valley. And with the closest

County with us!

cluster of wineries to Portland and award-winning wines, Washington County is a must-visit wine destination. Follow your palate to the acclaimed tasting rooms of the area and sip a flight of Oregon wines that

Warm regards,

— Carolyn McCormick Washington County Visitors Association

oregonswashingtoncounty.com

are sure to please even the most critical wine enthusiast.

Ponzi Historic Estate-Bocce Ball Photo Credit John Valls

13

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

the cities of

WASHINGTON COUNTY, oregon BANKS The city of Banks is located on Highway 26, en route to/from the Oregon Coast. With a population of around 1,800, this small city is known for its superb outdoor recreation. This agricultural community is home to a summer farmers’ market, several u-pick and u-cut farms, and annual events, such as the Banks BBQ and Tractor Pull and the Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Show.

B E AV ER TO N Beaverton is Washington County’s secondlargest city, with a population of more than 90,000. Nestled in the heart of the Tualatin Valley, Beaverton is surrounded by farms and natural resources, and boasts 30 miles of hiking trails and a 25-mile network of bike paths. The Historic Downtown District offers many surprises, from history, art and culture to quaint shops and restaurants, and from May through November it hosts the Beaverton Farmers Market, the largest of its kind in the region.

CORNELIUS

GA S TON

With a population less than 10,000, Cornelius is a small city situated in the heart of the fertile Tualatin River Valley. Cornelius is an agricultural paradise, where rolling hillsides, vineyards and farms abound. Visitors can visit u-pick farms, sample Oregon wines at three vineyard-estate wineries, shop for locally harvested hazelnuts at Oregon Orchard Hazelnuts, a farmers’ co-op, or play a round at one of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest golf courses, Forest Hills.

Located in the southwestern part of the county, the small city of Gaston (population less than 700) is the smallest city in Oregon’s Washington County. Agriculture reigns supreme, as Gaston is home to four acclaimed wineries, as well as the only goat cheese dairy and creamery in the Washington County area, which provides milk and cheese to several restaurants in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. Cyclists, bird watchers, hikers and boaters enjoy the outdoor recreational area and lake at Henry Hagg Lake and Scoggins Valley Park, and adventurers take to the tree-tops at Tree to Tree Adventure Park, the region’s first aerial ropes course and zip-line park.

FOREST GROVE Located in the foothills of the Coast Range at the base of the Tillamook State Forest, Forest Grove has a population of about 21,000.

Home of Pacific University, this small city transcends the college-town atmosphere with its collection of charming antique shops, summer farmers’ market, three wine tasting rooms and notable restaurants, most of which are located on Main Street and are navigable via the downtown’s way-finding signs. Forest Grove’s appeal extends beyond its quaint downtown to its rural, agricultural landscapes. This area boasts an impressive collection of six estate wineries, as well as the region’s only saké brewery and Washington County’s only cidery.

Hillsboro. Photo Credit Ken Kochey Banks Vernonia State Trail

HILLSBORO Hillsboro is Washington County’s largest city, with a population approaching 100,000, and also is among the oldest communities in the state. With the emergence of the technology sector, as part of the region’s “Silicon Forest,” Hillsboro is home to some of technology’s biggest and brightest names, and this city continues to grow, bringing with it new attractions and amenities for visitors and residents alike. In addition to several parks, a wetlands preserve and museums that showcase a variety of exhibits from rocks and minerals to classic aviation, Hillsboro has a rich agricultural history, especially in the bucolic unincorporated towns of Scholls (south of Hillsboro) and Helvetia (north of Hillsboro). These small communities showcase great pride, and each offers a variety of attractions, such as u-pick farms, pumpkin patches, wineries, lavender farms and much more.

14

DESTINATION WASHINGTON COUNTY | OREGON

NORTH PL AINS Situated in northwestern Washington County, just off Highway 26, the main route between Portland and the Oregon Coast, the small city of North Plains packs quite a punch. North Plains (population 1,700) is surrounded by lush farm land, and attracts throngs of sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers who flock to the area for its collection of activities, such as biking, disc golf, and glider plane rides. This small town also is home to one of Oregon’s most notable golf courses, Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, and its “downtown” features one of the region’s newest winery tasting rooms.

Tualatin Estate.

Photo Credit Caitlyn Andreasen

SHERWOOD Located in the southern part of Oregon’s Washington County, minutes from the college town of Newberg, is the small city of Sherwood. With a population of more than 16,000, this city is steeped in tradition, and the historic “Old Town” is the community’s center with antique and specialty shops and historic buildings all serving as reminders of Americana and small-town living from another era. Sherwood’s agricultural area has become one of the fastest growing wine destinations in the northern Willamette Valley, with seven (and counting) vineyard-estate wineries. Several u-pick farms, a year-round Christmas

shop, tree farms and a national wildlife refuge, which hosts an annual bird festival in May, are among the many popular attractions in Sherwood.

T I G A R D &T UA L AT I N Washington County’s own “twin cities,” with a combined population of more than 50,000, the cities of Tigard and Tualatin are home to the region’s premier tax-free shopping destinations. Tigard’s thriving arts community features the region’s only professional musical theater company and glass-blowing studio.

Tualatin, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, is proud of its Ice Age history and showcases prehistoric bones and rocks in its downtown area. Both cities offer outdoor recreation opportunities, including easy access to the Tualatin River, which runs through much of Washington County.

WILSONVILLE Situated at the southeast corner of Washington County along the Willamette River, the city of Wilsonville offers both the comforts of a big city and the qualities of small-town life.

A fast-growing city of about 17,000, Wilsonville is a gateway to nurseries, vineyards and produce farms in the lush Willamette Valley.

The city also boasts an amusement park and hiking trails located in the renowned Magness Memorial Tree Farm sustainable demonstration forest.

Learn more about the cities and communities in Oregon’s Washington County at oregonswashingtoncounty.com.

Sherwood Antique Mall

Oregon’s PRESENTS

Washington

County MAGAZINE