Summary
- Experience Nature at a Local Park
- Visit Washington County Museum
- Visit the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks
- Visit a Local Winery
- Go See a Play
- See Incredible Cold War-Era Planes
- Taste Some Craft Beers From the Area
- Get out on the River
- Shop Like a Local at the Beaverton Farmers Market
- Play Old-School Arcade Games at Wunderland
Two of Oregon’s most prominent suburbs, Hillsboro and Beaverton, are located in the north part of Oregon’s Washington County and offer many activities and attractions for visitors. Situated in a relatively flat valley west of Portland, Hillsboro and Beaverton are part of the Silicon Forest, home to major companies like Intel and Nike. U.S. Highway 26 is the primary freeway through the valley, with many travelers passing through on their way between Portland and the Oregon Coast. The Tualatin River winds through the valley, creating lush and fertile land, abundant with parks and green spaces, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Regardless of your reason for visiting, here are nine great activities to enjoy in Hillsboro and Beaverton.
Experience Nature at a Local Park
Address: 15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
Phone: +1 503-645-6433
Nature and outdoor activities rank highly among the fun things to do in Hillsboro and Beaverton. There are numerous parks where you can throw a Frisbee, play games, or simply relax with friends and family. The Tualatin Hills Nature Park is particularly popular; it is a diverse preserve that spans over 200 acres, featuring wetlands, forests, and streams. Whether you choose to hike, bike, or picnic, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife in this beautiful park.
Visit Washington County Museum
Address: 17677 NW Springville Rd, Portland, OR 97229-1743, USA
Phone: +1 503-645-5353
The Washington County Museum provides insights into the history and culture of the region, showcasing traveling exhibitions on various fascinating topics, from comics to astronomy. Displayed items from the museum’s collection include the original 1853 county jail, Native American artifacts, historic photographs, and local industry objects. The museum is located at the Hillsboro Civic Center Plaza Building.
Visit the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks
Address: 26385 NW Groveland Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124-9351, USA
Phone: +1 503-647-2418
This modest yet impressive Hillsboro museum is perfect for rockhounds, geologists, budding scientists, or anyone who appreciates beautiful minerals. Located in a historic ranch-style home, the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals displays gems, fossils, meteorites, crystals, and petrified wood in themed galleries. Notably, the Northwest Mineral Gallery features treasures from Oregon, including the largest opal-filled thunder egg.
Visit a Local Winery
Address: 19500 SW Mountain Home Rd, Sherwood, OR 97140, USA
Phone: +1 503-628-1227
Oregon is celebrated for its wineries, and the Beaverton area boasts several welcoming establishments. Guests at Ponzi Vineyards can explore the historic cellar, vineyards, and winery grounds, sampling exceptional wines, including pinot noir, pinot gris, and white riesling. Nearby, Oak Knoll Winery in Hillsboro offers a tasting room situated in the bottle-aging cellar, providing a cool atmosphere to enjoy award-winning Oregon pinot gris and pinot noir cuvees.
Go See a Play
Address: 350 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123-4035, USA
Phone: +1 503-345-9590
Despite their smaller size, both Hillsboro and Beaverton are home to venues where you can enjoy live performances. At Bag & Baggage, Hillsboro’s professional theater company presents well-known plays in creative formats at The Vault, a former bank building. In Beaverton, Beaverton Civic Theatre, run by volunteers, stages comedies, dramas, and seasonal plays at the Beaverton City Library Auditorium.
See Incredible Cold War-Era Planes
Address: 3005 NE Cornell Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6316, USA
Phone: +1 503-693-1414
At the Hillsboro Airport, the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum features aircraft and aviation equipment from the Cold War era. Notable aircraft include the Soviet-era Mikoyan-Guevich MiG 17FM. Apart from being a living history museum, the Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum hosts air shows and special events throughout the year.
Taste Some Craft Beers From the Area
In addition to exceptional wines, Oregon has a vibrant brewing tradition. In Hillsboro, visit Vertigo Brewery & Taproom for a selection of local microbrews or head to Cornelius Pass Roadhouse & Imbrie Hall, an authentic farmstead that features an onsite brewery and distillery.
Get out on the River
The Tualatin River stretches about 80 miles from Oregon’s coast to the Willamette River, with a prime section accessible from Beaverton and Hillsboro. The Tualatin River Water Trail boasts a slow current, making it ideal for paddlers of all skill levels to enjoy the picturesque Oregon countryside.
Shop Like a Local at the Beaverton Farmers Market
From February through November, visitors can explore the largest all-agricultural market in Oregon, featuring locally-grown produce and artisan food products. During the summer months, don’t miss the market’s “Local Liquid” section, where local spirits, beers, and wines are available for sampling.
Play Old-School Arcade Games at Wunderland
A rainy day can be delightfully spent at Beaverton’s Wunderland arcade. Featuring a mix of new and classic games, the expansive venue also includes laser tag and an affordable movie theater, ensuring fun for all ages. Children will enjoy playing games, earning tickets, and taking home exciting prizes!
