Meet friendly. You’ll find kind greetings and easy conversation, whatever your interests.
That’s the Tualatin Valley experience – locals who love to meet visitors and talk about their passions. You’ll find great conversations about berry farming, cycling, antiques and collectibles, and of course, winemaking. Whatever your curiosity, you’ll find a warm welcome and friendly faces. We offer world-class wines with activities from cycling to tax-free shopping with easy access from Portland and the Coast.
We acknowledge that Oregon’s Tualatin Valley is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kalapuya and Tualatin people. We respect this history and thank the original caretakers of this land.
Where in the World is Tualatin Valley?
What is Tualatin Valley? Geographically speaking, Tualatin Valley is the heart of Oregon’s Washington County, just outside of Portland. The Tualatin River runs through the valley with the Tualatin Mountains-also known as the “West Hills” which is a natural border between the Tualatin Valley and the city of Portland—creating a north and east border for the region, and the Chehalem Mountains to the south.
Tualatin Valley is lucky enough to be a part of the Northern Willamette Valley, which makes for rich soil and diverse winemaking opportunities.
A Brief History
Historically speaking, Tualatin Valley is grounded by the Native Americans and Oregon Pioneers who first called this fertile land home. The region’s namesake comes from the hunting-and-gathering Atfalati tribe (also known as the Tualatin tribe) of the Kalapuya Native Americans who lived in villages peppered throughout the valley. In the mid-19th Century, Oregon Pioneers came to the land and began calling it the “Twality Plains.”
Over the years, Twality Plains has evolved into the name of the Tualatin Valley. Today, whether you hear the Twality Plains, Northern Willamette Valley or Oregon’s Washington County, know that all of these monikers are synonyms for Tualatin Valley.
More than a Dozen Cities to Explore, Each with its Own Charm & Personality
Tualatin Valley has more than a dozen cities, towns and neighborhoods, each with its own flair and style. From bustling urban centers to quaint rural communities, our cities, towns and neighborhoods provide visitors with authentic flavors of Oregon life.
Cities and Neighborhoods
Although Aloha is an unincorporated community, it has all of the amenities of a city, including a post office, library and schools. Several restaurants and shops are available here,...
Banks marks the start of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, a 21-mile linear trail open to cyclists, hikers and horseback riders. This popular path was the state's first rail-to-trail project...
Beaverton has the distinction of being the state’s most ethnically diverse city in the state. Several events throughout the year celebrate this diversity, including the International Celebration, Fiesta Latina...
Live Like a Local in Bethany Enjoy a drink at the Bethany Public House, which features an Italian-inspired American menu and is home to 30 craft beer taps including...
Foodies can sample authentic Mexican cuisine at Cornelius' taquerias and food trucks. Situated in the Chehalem Mountains American Viticultural Area (AVA), Cornelius is home to four wineries, with three...
The Fanno Creek Greenway Trail connects Cook Family Park with Durham City Park and continues to the Tualatin Community Park. Trees and the preservation of natural spaces are important...
Home of Pacific University, it transcends the college-town atmosphere with its collection of charming antique shops, a summer farmers’ market, wine tasting shops and notable restaurants, most of which...
In the 19th century the town was the last stagecoach stop on the way to Tillamook. Named for pioneer Joseph Gale, who settled here in the late 1800s, as...
Despite its small population, there is no shortage of places to visit in northern Gaston. Agriculture reigns supreme, as Gaston is home to four acclaimed wineries, each producing a...
The unincorporated Washington County community of Helvetia has strong roots. This area was settled—and named—by Swiss immigrants in the 19th century. Each year, the community hosts the Helvetia Culture...
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...
Located south of Tigard, King City is close to urban amenities, farms and natural spaces, and is home to a hotel, golf course and a 17-acre city park. King...
North Plains attracts throngs of sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers who flock to the area for its collection of activities, such as biking, disc golf, zip-line adventure park and...
Located on the Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route, berry, apple and lavender farms, as well as wine, are among the top attractions in Scholls. In the 1800s, Scholls...
Old Town Sherwood is the community center of this small, growing city. Antique and specialty shops and historic buildings recall small-town living from another era. Popular gathering places, such...
Outdoor recreation opportunities in Tigard include easy access to the Tualatin River, which runs through much of Washington County. Recreation is tops here, with Tigard’s Cook Family Park providing...
This “young” city has an interesting prehistoric story. Some 15,000 years ago, the Missoula floods, a series of Ice Age floods, swept through the Willamette and Tualatin valleys. Rocks...
Wilsonville is “in the heart of it all,” connecting visitors to Oregon Wine Country, agriculture and miles of hiking trails. The city boasts a variety of family-friendly attractions, including...