Nestled in Oregon's peaceful Tualatin Valley, Forest Grove is a charming community named for the white oak trees that once flourished here. The town is home to some of the state's oldest and most respected wineries, including one of the largest biodynamic wine producers in the country, but you'll also be able to find an abundance of local beer, kombucha, and even sake. Nature lovers can birdwatch or hike in the beautiful Fernhill Wetlands Park, and if you happen to be visiting between May and October, you can stop by the Wednesday farmers' market to do some shopping. Forest Grove is 35 minutes from Portland, OR (26.7 miles via US-26 W).
Fernhill Wetlands Park
Encompassing just over 240 acres, the Fernhill Wetlands Park is a beautiful nature preserve that serves as both a critical wildlife habitat and as part of the local water treatment system. The landscape is characterized by a series of open ponds and wetlands, and visitors are welcome to come explore the hiking trails, try to spot the many birds that live here, and admire the views from the sheltered picnic area. The park's main trail is a 1.1-mile loop that circles Fernwood Lake, which is paved so as to be accessible for bicycles and wheelchairs.
97117, 1399 SW Fern Hill Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-681-3600
David Hill Winery
Located on a beautiful farm estate that was homesteaded in 1883, the David Hill Winery produces high-quality wine in a gorgeous, rustic setting. The tasting room is housed inside the original farmhouse, and two different tasting options are available: a tasting of five different estate wines and a tasting of seven wines made from the property's old vines. Visitors are also welcome to stroll through the beautiful vineyards, and if you want to take a self-guided tour, you can download the winery's free app. Tastings are offered to visitors.
46350 NW David Hill Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-992-8545
SakeOne
SakeOne has been importing high-quality sake from Japan since 1992, and inspired by the intricacies of the beverage and the pure waters of the Willamette Valley, they began brewing their own sake only five years later. Today, they produce sake under four different brands, and anyone who visits their brewery can get a unique behind-the-scenes look at how this incredible beverage is made. Tours are held three times a day Friday through Sunday, but appointments can be made at other times as well. Several different tasting options are available in the on-site tasting room, and both domestic and imported bottles are available for purchase.
820 Elm St, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-357-7056
Tualatin Estate Vineyards
One of the oldest vineyards in the Willamette Valley, Tualatin Estate Vineyards has been producing world-class red and white wines since 1973, and many of their wines are made with grapes grown right in their own vineyards. Tastings are available seven days a week, and complimentary tours are offered every day at 2 p.m. Private tours can also be arranged by appointment. The tasting fee is waived with the purchase of two or more bottles, and there are plenty of outdoor tables you can sit at while enjoying your new purchase and admiring the view.
7703, 10850 NW Seavey Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-357-5005
Forest Grove Farmers Market
Operated by a local non-profit organization dedicated to empowering low-income Latina women, the Forest Grove Farmers Market is a great place to pick up some fresh, local food. Most of the stalls sell food products like fresh produce, grass-fed meat, and local honey, but some also sell goods like artisan soap, fresh flowers, and handmade dog treats.
2420 19th Ave Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-992-0078
Apolloni Vineyards
Proudly owned and operated by a first-generation Italian immigrant and his wife, Apolloni Vineyards specializes in Pinot Noir and Italian-style red and white wines. Visitors are welcome to stop by for a tasting any day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, and when the weather is nice, you can enjoy your wine outside on the patio or play a round of bocce ball. Discounts and complimentary tastings are available for wine club members, and if you don't live nearby, they also offer a wine shipping club you can join to have wine delivered right to your door.
14135 NW Timmerman Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-359-3606
Valley Art Gallery
Located right on Main Street, the Valley Art Gallery is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, and it showcases the work of more than 200 talented local artists. A wide variety of different items are on display, ranging from glass and metal sculptures to elaborate textiles, and all pieces are available for sale. The gallery is also home to a pottery studio and two spacious classrooms, and it regularly hosts classes and workshops for people of all ages and experience levels. Every September, the gallery puts on a sidewalk chalk festival that anyone can participate in with advance registration.
2022 Main St, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-357-3703
The Growler Garage
In simple terms, The Growler Garage is a taproom, but it boasts an incredible 36 on-tap beverages with something to suit almost every palate. Most of the taps are dedicated to beer, with the selection ranging from IPAs to porters, but there's also a selection of wine, cider, and kombucha. Popcorn and pretzels are offered to customers free of charge, and several small snacks are available for purchase. Customers are welcome to bring in their own food as well, and if you want to order from a local restaurant, the bartender usually has a few takeout menus on hand.
1837 Pacific Ave Suite 133, Forest Grove, OR 97116, Phone: 503-372-5648
Theatre in the Grove
Watch live community theater at Theatre in the Grove , a small but historic theater that dates to 1912. Located in what was once known as Start Theatre, Theatre in the Grove has been melding art and education together since 1969, making it one of the oldest community theatres in the state of Oregon. Come and watch a locally produced theatrical performance of various genres at affordable prices and see local performers strut their stuff on stage. In addition to their performances, Theatre in the Grove also offers educational programs and classes that are geared towards the enrichment and training of budding local talent.
2028 Pacific Avenue, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116, Phone: 503-359-5349
Tillamook State Forest
Explore an outdoor wonderland at the Tillamook State Forest. A fantastic spot for outdoor recreationists and avid explorers, the Tillamook State Forest offers great camping opportunities through seven different campground sites. Available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, the Tillamook State Forest promises an abundance of opportunities to discover local wildlife, explore trails, and learn about the uniqueness of this forest. Tillamook State Forest features two districts, Tillamook and Forest Grove, both are easily navigated via visitor maps. Free guided nature programs are also regularly offered by the Tillamook State Forest, while the Gales Creek Overlook welcomes visitors to enjoy a wonderful view of the forest from above.
Tilamook, Oregon 97141, Phone: 503-357-2191
